Long Distance Moves

Most of Albany removals customers are within the Rushcliffe, West Bridgford, Broxtowe and Nottingham City areas but there are a significant number that are moving further afield. We have moved families and businesses as far as Cornwall in the Southwest and up to the north coast of Scotland. Whether you are travelling to 100, 200 or more miles, longer distance removals need additional considerations.

The time taken for long hauls is obviously a first factor to consider. These moves can take 2 or even 3 days depending on the distance and the amount being moved. Remember to factor in the speed limits for large lorries; don’t judge it on how long it might take you in a car. Most larger lorries can reach a limit of 50 miles an hour, as is Albany Removals largest lorry. It is also important to note that there are legal requirements for drivers to take rests. Lorries are monitored for the length of time driving and the registered driver to ensure these rules are enforced, for the safety of the driver and other road users. The current UK Government regulations state:

Drivers cannot drive for more than 10 hours in a day.

If the working day is less than 8 hours 30 minutes, they must take a break after 5 hours 30 minutes of driving. The break must last 30 minutes or longer.

If the journey is likely to take longer, so the working day is 8 hours 30 minutes or more, drivers must not drive for more than 7 hours and 45 minutes. They must also take breaks that add up to at least 45 minutes. They must also take an extra break before they finish working. The extra break must last 30 minutes or longer.

For jobs that will run into 2 or more days the driver must take a rest of at least 10 hours between 2 working days this can be reduced to 8.5 hours up to 3 times a week.

It is wise to assume a minimum of 50% extra time than it would take in a car.

To ensure our driver has enough rest to comply and be safe on the road we will usually require at least two additional staff for the lifting and carrying part of the job, depending on the volume being moved and the access to the premises.

If you are aware of any difficulties an HGV lorry might have reaching your destination and accessing the property, it is important to let the removal company know in advance. Albany Removals has travelled from Ruddington down to Cornwall and we are aware that some ‘major’ roads are little more than single width with pullover spots for cars. These are not suitable for large lorries and route planning is needed to avoid them. If this is not possible there are a few other options that can be used, but they will need to be arranged in advance, such as hiring smaller vehicles for short distances between the property and a suitable stop to park the lorry.

On long distance moves it is especially important to avoid taking belongings you are unlikely to need in your new home. This avoids extra, or larger lorries being needed and the extra cost of fuel due to the additional, unnecessary weight. Even though fuel prices are dropping remember that a lorry’s fuel consumption is very high and all adds to your moving costs. Throwing everything in a box when you are only moving across West Bridgford or Nottingham, may add a small cost, but if you are moving from Edwalton to Edinburgh or Ruddington to Rochdale it can add much larger, unnecessary costs.
Look at the advice from the previous blog post ‘Make Sure it Fits’ to void taking furniture you can’t use in your new property. Not only will it cost you to move it, but you have the hassle of trying to sell it on, whilst you are trying to sort out your new home. Use Gumtree, Facebook Market Place or other auction sites to sell on anything you don’t need and help towards your moving costs or buying new furniture that best fits your new home once you have moved in. There are also many charities that would be grateful for donations.

Long distance moves must be done in one trip. It isn’t something where you can keep nipping back for things you want, so careful planning needs to start well in advance. It is essential that you read the hints and tips leaflet, available in the Documents and Download section (see menu or banner).
It is always a concern when Albany Removals turns up on the day of a move only to discover the clients have not finished packing, or failed to dismantle furniture they said they were going to do themselves. This can add hours to the working day as well as additional costs and stress for the clients and frustration for the new owners. This becomes a much more serious problem for long distance moves as it adds to the working hours, legal requirements for breaks and can add considerably to the costs.

Make sure you begin packing well in advance of removal day. If you are short of time or would prefer to get your belongings professionally packed don’t forget Albany can do this for you. It can relieve you of a lot of stress and be completed in a day, avoiding having boxes and dismantled furniture to climb over. Ask for a separate quote for this service.