Make sure it Fits

Make Sure Everything Fits and can be Moved.

Over the years Albany Removals have experienced some complicated moves due to moving and fitting extra-large or complex furnishings from one house to the next. We can help to mitigate problems with careful planning in advance. If you are unsure about whether furnishings can be moved out of your current home you would be best advised to arrange a personal visit, rather than an on-line quote. One of Albany Removals expert colleagues can then provide advice.

Flat-Pack Furniture

If you built the furniture from a flat-pack, it is likely to need dismantling to move. Firstly, it may be too big to get out in one piece (see below) and secondly, flat pack is often designed to be convenient and cost effective purchases, so is made of materials, that once built are vulnerable to damage if moved any distance. Though generally not designed with disassembly in mind, with careful planning and the right equipment, it is often possible.

At Albany Removals we will bring the tools and expertise to complete the job for you, if required. If you prefer to do this yourself, we advise that you take multiple photos as you disassemble the furniture and tape together all the nuts and bolts. Keep these taped securely to the furniture, especially if you are using Albany to store your furnishings before you can complete your move. Make sure you have all the right tools for the job. Electric screwdrivers can be a real boon for this job as flat-pack’s often have a large amount of screws that need to be used.
Download the original instructions for assembly if you can access them on-line.
Be realistic about the movability of flat-pack. If it is relatively new, hasn’t been moved before and is made of more robust materials you should be able to move this, however, if it is older, been moved before and of lighter, less robust materials it may not be worth the cost to move. Check for weaknesses first, repair and strengthen these before you dissemble to limit the chances of further problems.

Entrances, Doorways and Stairs

Misjudging the size and space for furniture can create problems. At Albany Removals, our experts can assess this during a visit. But we obviously can’t visit the house you are moving to. If you are concerned about furniture fitting into your new home, ask the current owners to measure spaces and doorways.

New builds will usually allow you to do this yourself. They also have a legal requirement for wheelchair access, which makes for wider doorways than some older houses. However, old or new you do need to consider the space for stairways. There are lots of complex manoeuvres that need to be factored in. Over the years we have had to let some home-owners know that their treasured super king-size bed, or tall chest of drawers cannot be moved up a narrow winding, low ceiling staircase. This is more likely for third floors and loft extensions. Checking measurements in advance allows you time to plan solutions.

Sofas can also pose a problem for narrow doorways or corridors with little turn room. Before you decide to abandon your sofa though, check whether the feet can be removed and also check your sofa structure; some newer sofas have arms that can be unbolted for easier movement.
If the sofa has been reduced to its minimum size and you still don’t think it will fit, it is possible that a door can be removed at the hinge. uPVC front doors often just lifts out of their hinges. This can give the extra bit of wiggle room needed. Of course, removing a window is another option if you are determined and the windows are large and sound enough to do this. Any structural work must be completed by an appropriate professional, therefore booked in advance.

Room Plan

Draw out a room plan, in advance of your move. You can see what furniture can be used where. This will also help to make the move run more smoothly if you label the furniture appropriately. Make copies for yourself and the removal company.

Plan and be Realistic

There is no point in moving furniture you cannot use in your new house, either because it is too big or unlikely to cope with a move. If you are getting Albany Removals to store furniture before you move into your new home, this is adding unnecessary costs; storing and moving, twice, furniture that you will end up needing to sell on.
As your furniture was likely purchased for the house you are now selling, you could ask your buyers if they want to purchase any as part of the sales agreement.
Good forward planning is always the key to a successful move. Albany Removals is here to help.