Ramsey Douglas Removals & Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do you need in order to provide a quotation for our removal?
We charge a rate per cubic metre, based firstly on quantity - so initially we need to have some idea of the amount of space your goods will take up. If you are able to provide us with a brief list of your goods, we can estimate the approximate cubic meterage for you and base our quotation upon that. We would also need to have the collection and delivery locations, and details of accessibility at both properties to confirm our quotation. Finally, if you have an idea of dates required, we would be able to check availability for you.
If we have provided you with a list of our goods and you have based your quotation on this, what happens if we add more items?
Don´t worry - this often happens. Items in the garage, shed or loft tend to get overlooked, and we appreciate that it´s very difficult to calculate exactly how many boxes all those kitchen items or clothes will take up! As long as we have an overall idea of the quantity you have, there is usually no problem at all if you want to add several additional items. As we charge a rate per cubic metre, we can be flexible and once we have collected and loaded your goods, we can confirm the exact amount of space taken up.
Is it helpful if I measure each item of furniture and provide you with an exact cubic meterage beforehand?
Whilst it is certainly helpful to know about overly large items of furniture and some measurements are useful, our price is based on the amount of space that your goods actually take up once loaded, rather than on their precise measurements, as unfortunately it is not an ´exact science´. Furniture is fully blanket wrapped which adds some bulk, and other goods such as bicycles, ladders and 'odd shaped' items will need to be 'slotted' into available space as loaded. Very often we transport goods that we are unable to stack on top of too, which obviously takes up more space. There is understandably therefore a great deal of expertise required in loading goods for transportation - in ensuring that space is fully optimised, whilst always ensuring that goods will not be damaged in any way. Rest assured, we have that expertise and your goods will be loaded in the most cost efficient, yet careful way.
I only have a small amount of goods - do you transport `Part Loads´ ?
Yes we do. Depending on which particular vehicle we use, a `full´ load can be anything from around 20 to 40 cubic metres, and we can certainly transport less than 20 metres as a `part load´ at the same rate per cubic metre. We do however have a minimum charge for quantities of less than around 5 cubic metres. For quantities up to 3 cubic metres we offer a `Depot to Depot´ service, which may be more cost effective for you. Our Depots are in La Viñuela (40 minutes east of Málaga) in Spain - and in Evesham in the Midlands in the UK.
Do I need to pack and/or wrap everything?
Not everything, no. Unless we are providing a full packing service, you will obviously need to pack all small loose items into boxes, and we would recommend that you do protect any delicate larger items with cardboard and/or bubble wrap, however we will fully blanket wrap all items of furniture as we load them, to ensure their protection in transit. You will find useful tips on packing on the Noticeboard page of our website and we are also very happy to provide further advice - so don´t hesitate to ask us.
Do you sell packing materials?
Yes - we usually have a good selection of packing materials available including boxes, bubble wrap and tape. Please see our Packing Materials Price List.
What about insurance?
Our insurance will cover all your general household goods, at all times whilst in our control and possession, against any major incident such as fire, theft or collision etc. However if you have any goods of particularly high value, or if your goods are of disproportionately high value to their actual load size, we would recommend that you also take out additional insurance cover yourself for these particular items.
What if any of my goods are slightly damaged in transit - does your insurance cover this?
Unfortunately, it is just not cost effective for us to quote for insurance to cover damage in transit, as it is inherent within the industry - and more especially with such long distance removals - that very occasionally minor damage may occur. The roads in Spain can have unavoidable bumps and obviously the sea itself can be rough at times, especially during the Winter months. However we can assure you that we are extremely experienced at loading your goods for transportation to ensure that the likelyhood of any damage occuring will be absolutely minimal. You too can take steps to prevent damage to any items that you pack yourself, by ensuring that anything breakable is extremely well protected.
What are your collection and delivery dates?
We plan our schedules entirely around our customers requirements and do not therefore have specific days or dates for collections and deliveries. This means we can be totally flexible and plan the collection and/or delivery to suit your specific requirements.
Once you have collected my goods, how long will it take for you to deliver them?
Our transportation time between the UK and Southern Spain is usually around three to four days, including land and sea crossing, and depending on the time of year. If you require immediate onward delivery we will arrange to collect your goods as close to the shipment date as possible, and then to deliver your goods as soon as possible on arrival. As we work entirely around our customers requirements and do not have ´set schedules´, we are able to provide a truly bespoke service. Alternatively, we are able to offer secure storage following collection if you are not ready for immediate onward delivery.
Do you travel through France and is this likely to delay onward delivery?
We usually travel directly between Northern Spain and the UK, however we do sometimes travel via France, especially during the Winter months. This however makes no difference at all to the transportation time, as the shorter sea crossing makes up for the additional driving distance.
What if my Spanish property is in the campo, only accessible by a narrow track or in a narrow village street?
Don´t worry, we are used to the Spanish campo and villages and have a full range of vehicles here in Spain. We can transfer your goods to or from smaller vehicles and in some cases where absolutely necessary, we will literally carry your goods the last few metres. As long as we know about your accessibility in advance, we absolutely guarantee a true door to door service, with no hidden last minute charges.
What if I live on a busy street with no easy parking?
We usually find that with a bit of planning and liaison with neighours, you will be able to ´reserve´ some space for our lorry within a reasonable distance. We would also try to arrange the collection or delivery when the street is at it´s quietest. In some cases however it may be necessary to contact the local police to request permission for our lorry to park, and they will be able to provide the necessary permit and cones etc. Again, as long as we know in advance, there is always a solution.
What if my property is a flat or apartment?
As long as you let us know when enquiring, we will be able to assess any additional work or time involved in accessing your property, and quote accordingly. If access is fairly straightforward with just a few steps and/or lift, then there will probably be no difference in price at all. Sometimes though our lorries can not enter the underground car parks from where access to the lift is gained, and so we do need to double check these details with you. As long as we know in advance, we can certainly work around it.
What if I need to move out but as yet have nowhere for my goods to go?
No problem - we can arrange to collect your goods as required and hold them in storage for you. We usually include at least one months storage in our removals price, however we also offer competitive rates for more long term storage.
What if I need just some of my goods delivering immediately and the rest in storage?
Again no problem. We can arrange immediate onward delivery of some of your goods, and retain the rest in storage until you are ready for them. All you need do is let us know which particular goods you require. Our price usually only includes one onward delivery, so be sure to let us know when enquiring that you may require more. Alternatively you can collect your own goods from storage completely free of charge.
Can I have access to my goods in storage?
Yes of course - you would just need to let us know before we place your goods in storage so that we can ensure they are stored at the front for easy access. If you require access to all of your goods in storage, we will need to allow for more room so be sure to let us know. Although we would need some advance notice, you are able to access your goods during normal working hours, from Monday to Friday.
What storage facilities do you offer?
We have large containerised storage facilities here in Spain in which your goods would be allocated space to suit. This means that you only pay for the amount of space that your goods take up, rather than a set price for a certain sized container. Our containers stand off the ground and are well ventilated which makes for a secure, pest free environment for your goods - and we also have 24 hr on site security.
Can you transport my car? Or caravan?
Yes we can - although we do not run a dedicated car transporter, we are able to tow cars on a vehicle trailer behind our removal lorries. This does mean that spaces are quite limited, so if you are considering taking your car with you, let us know when you enquire - we can offer discounted prices if we transport your car at the same time as your goods! We can also tow boats on trailers and caravans for you too.
Can you transport my pet? Or me ?
Yes we can - we often transport family pets, sometimes with their owners, and we are very `animal friendly´. As long as your pet has all the necessary documentation, we can certainly make sure that he is transported safely and securely. Unaccompanied dogs and cats usually travel in the cab of our vehicle with the driver, and we will feed, water and excercise your pet as necessary throughout the journey. We only ever transport one pet, or family of pets, at any one time thereby ensuring complete attention. If you are considering transporting your pet, please let us know and we can discuss your specific requirements, and provide advice and a price for you.
There are a lot of removal companies around - why should I choose Ramsey Douglas?
If you are looking for a professional, reliable and well established company, with many years experience within the industry, then Ramsey Douglas is the company for you. We are a relatively small, family run business, with an emphasis very much on providing a first class service to our customers. Most of our business comes through personal recommendations, and we are proud of the numerous testimonials we receive. We don´t profess to ship `everything everywhere´ - we only generally carry out removals between the Andalucia region of Spain and the UK - and yet we are so much more than `a man with a van´. We have an excellent fleet of removals vehicles from small vans through to very large lorries, and being based in Spain with good local knowledge is such a benefit. From your initial enquiry right through to your final delivery, we will strive to provide you with a service you will happy to recommend.
How do I book and pay for your services ?
Once you have accepted our quotation, we will provide you with a Removal Confirmation which contains all the details of your removal, together with a copy of our Terms & Conditions. We will then liaise with you, either by email or telephone, to arrange collection of your goods. Once your goods have been collected, we will confirm the load size to you and payment can be made by bank transfer. For smaller consignments we also accept cash on delivery, and for removals where we incur specific booking costs, we will require a deposit. We will liaise closely throughout your removal, advising when your goods arrive at our depot and arranging onward delivery with you if required immediately. It really is that simple.
What if we arrange our removal with you and then have to change the date?
As we liaise closely with you throughout, we will be aware of your particular circumstances and we know only too well the problems associated with buying and selling property, which is often the cause of delay. In such cases, we can usually reschedule your removal to another date without any problem.
What currency do you accept?
For removals to and from the UK, we always provide quotations in GB Pounds, as although we are based in Spain, our fleet operates from within the UK. We also find that generally our customers have UK bank accounts and prefer to pay in sterling. We can certainly provide a price in Euros however - but please advise us at the time of booking to avoid any misunderstanding. For local removals in Spain and Packing Materials, our price quoted is in Euros.
Can we call into your office to discuss things personally?
You most certainly can - we would love to meet you in person, and full directions to our Office and Warehouse can be found on the Contact Us Page of our website. As we may sometimes be working elsewhere, please just call ahead to ensure we are available for you, especially if you are traveling some distance.
If you have a question that is not covered here, or you would like more details on any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us
(00 34) 952 115 322 info@ramseydouglas.com