Long Distance moves

Long distance removals make up about 1 in 20 of our removals. We have helped people and businesses to relocate all over the country from West Bridgford to Glasgow, Nottingham to Cornwall and Ruddington to Wales.


The time taken for long hauls driving is going to be a significant factor in these moves. Some moves will need to be carried out over 2 or even 3 days depending on the distance and the amount being moved. Even if you are able to make the long journey to, say the West Country and back to Nottingham, in one day, in a car this generally isn’t feasible for a removal.

The speed limit possible for large lorries is 50 miles an hour, as is Albany Removals largest lorry. For small moves it may be possible to use a smaller lorry, but that depends on the content being under a legal weight limit.
It is also important to note that there are legal requirements for drivers to take rests. Lorries are monitored, using tachographs, 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 a maximum 10 hours in a day, or less depending on circumstances:

• 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 therefore 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 with the law 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. Unlike most long-haul drivers, a removal business’s main job is to load and unload a whole house or business worth of different boxes, furniture etc. which takes several hours on top of the drive. Our driver must have rest time to ensure they are refreshed for a return journey. On many long distance moves it will require an over night stay to ensure this, especially if the arrival time is likely to be late afternoon or evening.
Taking this into consideration will give you a clearer understanding of the time you will need to plan into your schedule too.

Being prepared in advance is the key to a success move. Most moves, even long distance, are fairly straightforward. The common things we ask customers to consider are the same as shorter moves, except added information about the region you are moving too as it won’t be as familiar to us. It is more important to be on top of the plans though as dealing with unforeseen problems on a long distances move can be more tricky.

It is especially important to let Albany removals know of any access restrictions or requirements before the move. With long distance moves where you may not be able to check easily, ask the estate agents to supply details.
Rural areas such as in Devon and Cornwall can be particularly tricky due to extremely narrow roads, unsuitable for lorries and may have restricted access to drive or to park the lorry near the property. On some occasions we have had to hire additional smaller vehicles to transport content from the large lorry to the house because there is no access and it is not suitable for manual carrying. If you have ever been to Robin Hoods Bay or some of the costal fishing villages in Devon and Cornwall, you will understand.


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 routes need planning. If additional measures need putting in place it is easier and more efficient to do this in advance rather than find out when we get there. This avoids wasting time and adding additional costs. Albany Removals can help every step of the way to help avoid problems and keep it a stress free, well organised move.

Make sure you have everything packed and prepared before the removal day. 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, 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. With legal requirements for breaks this can add considerably to the costs. Be realistic about the time and effort it takes to pack. Start well in advance (see the blog offering advice for self-packing.) Take the additional stress out of packing by getting Albany removals to do it.
Remember that Albany does not supply plumbers or electricians to disconnect things like washing machines and electrical good you are taking. We are therefore not insured to do this. Make sure you arrange for disconnection before we arrive.

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.
Albany Removals are here to help. If you have any queries about long distance moves call Pete on 07970383207.
.