What to Expect from Your House Move with Yeates

What to Expect from Your House Move with Yeates

Moving house is one of life’s biggest transitions. At Yeates, we’ve been helping families move for over 115 years, and we know exactly what makes for a smooth, stress-free removal. This guide explains our complete moving process from start to finish, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Your Removal Journey: Step by Step

  • How it works

    When you first contact us, we’ll discuss:

    • Your moving dates (or approximate timeframe)
    • Property sizes – where you’re moving from and to
    • Distance of the move
    • Any special requirements (stairs, parking restrictions, fragile items)
    • Additional services you might need (packing, storage)
    We recommend contacting us  at least 6 weeks before your preferred moving date.

    This gives us time to visit your property, provide a detailed quote and talk through individual arrangements in an organised way so you are properly prepared for your move.

    What happens next:

    We’ll arrange a convenient time for one of our experienced estimators to visit your property. This is completely free and there’s no obligation.

  • The home visit:

    Our estimator will visit your property to:

    • Walk through every room with you
    • Assess the volume of items to be moved
    • Note any items requiring special care (antiques, artwork)
    • Check access at both properties (parking, stairs, lifts, narrow doorways)
    • Discuss any concerns you have
    • Explain our services in detail
    • Answer all your questions

    This typically takes 30-45 minutes and is relaxed and informal.

    Your detailed quote:

    Within 24-48 hours, you’ll receive a comprehensive written quote including:

    • Fixed price for your removal
    • Breakdown of services included
    • Any optional extras discussed
    • Insurance options (MoveProtect coverage)
    • Terms and conditions
    • Validity period

    Our quotes are fixed – the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden extras unless you request additional services.

  • When to confirm:

    We advise booking your removal once you’ve exchanged contracts (if buying) or have a confirmed tenancy start date (if renting). This avoids potential cancellation fees if completion dates change.

    What we need from you:
    • Signed acceptance of quote
    • Moving date confirmation
    • Contact details for both properties
    • Any access restrictions or parking permits needed
    • Special instructions
    What we’ll confirm:
    • Your dedicated removal crew
    • Estimated start time (usually 8am-9am)
    • Any special instructions

  • Our removals checklist will help you:
    4-6 weeks before:
    • Declutter and sort items you don’t need
    • Notify utilities, council, doctor, dentist, schools
    • Arrange mail redirection
    • Begin gathering packing materials if doing your own packing
    2-3 weeks before:
    • Start packing non-essential items
    • Label boxes clearly by room
    • Arrange parking permits/access if needed
    1 week before:
    • Pack everything except daily essentials
    • Defrost freezer
    • Prepare “first day” box with kettle, mugs, tea, toilet paper, etc.
    • Confirm final details with our office
    Optional: Professional Packing Service

    If you’ve chosen our packing service, our team will arrive 1-2 days before your move to professionally pack everything. We bring all materials and can pack your entire home in a day, with items expertly protected.

  • You don’t need to do anything

    Our team handles everything. Many customers choose to make tea and stay out of the way, though you’re welcome to oversee if you prefer.

    What our vehicles have:
    • Air-ride suspension to protect your items
    • Protective blankets and covers
    • Straps and securing equipment
    • Trolleys and moving equipment
    • Tools for dismantling/reassembling furniture
    Travel to Your New Property

    While in transit:

    • Items are fully secured and protected
    • We drive carefully and professionally
    • We’ll call ahead to confirm our arrival time
    • You can travel separately or follow us
    Afternoon/Evening: Unloading

    At your new property:

    • Team assesses access and best unloading route
    • Lays protective coverings again as necessary
    • Systematically unloads room by room
    • Places items where you direct
    • Reassembles furniture as required/as agreed
    • Conducts final check with you

  • Immediate aftermath:

    Take your time settling in. Unpack essentials first, then tackle room by room.

    If you’ve used our packing service:
    • We collect used boxes and packing materials
    • Call us to arrange collection
    If anything’s wrong:

    While rare, if any items are damaged or anything is missing:

    • Contact us immediately on 01275 877844 or 01934 900525
    • We’ll investigate promptly
    • Please make sure you understand your level of cover before your move

Timing

How Long Does a Move Take?

A removal can take anything from a few hours (for a one bedroom flat) to a number of days (for big moves and complex arrangements)

1
Access (stairs, parking distance)
2
Volume of items
3
Furniture dismantling requirements
4
Distance between properties
5
Special care items requiring extra time

What’s Included in Your Yeates Removal

Standard service includes:

  • Professional, uniformed removal crew

  • Protective blankets and covers for all furniture

  • Carpet and floor protection as necessary

  • Furniture dismantling and reassembling

  • Portable wardrobes for hanging clothes

  • All moving equipment (trolleys, straps, tools)

  • Experienced local team who know the area

Optional extras available:

  • Full professional packing service (1-2 days before)
  • Packing materials for self-packing
  • Containerised storage between moves
  • Extended MoveProtect insurance

Preparing for Your Move: Top Tips

What to do:

  • Declutter first – less to move means lower cost
  • Label boxes clearly by room and contents
  • Be present on moving day
  • Pack an essentials box for first day
  • Take meter readings and photos
  • Keep important documents with you
  • Arrange parking/access in advance

What not to do:

  • Don’t leave packing until the last minute
  • Don’t pack prohibited items (see below)
  • Don’t overpack boxes – keep them light
  • Don’t hide valuables in boxes – tell us
  • Don’t forget to book time off work

What affects the price

Volume
More items = larger vehicle and more time
Distance
Local moves cost less than long-distance
Access
Stairs, parking restrictions add time
Packing
Professional packing is additional
Date
Peak moving times may have limited availability
Cover
Comprehensive cover is optional

How to keep costs down:

  • Declutter before moving (charity shops, skip)
  • Pack yourself if able

Special Circumstances

Moving with Children
  • Arrange childcare for moving day if possible
  • Pack a bag with toys/snacks to keep them occupied
  • Explain the process to reduce anxiety
  • Explain the process to reduce anxiety
Moving with Pets
  • Keep pets secure and away from removal activity
  • Consider boarding for the day
  • Transport pets yourself
  • Set up a quiet space at new property first
Moving Seniors or Vulnerable People
  • We have extensive experience with sensitive moves
  • Extra care and patience as standard
  • Clear communication throughout
  • Additional support if needed
Moving with Disabilities
  • Tell us in advance of any requirements
  • We’ll adapt our approach accordingly
  • Discuss any access needs
  • Respectful, professional service guaranteed

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Before your move:

Call our office during business hours:
Office hours:
9am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Why Our Process Works

After 115 years and thousands of moves, we’ve refined our process to be:

  • Efficient – no wasted time
  • Careful – items handled with respect
  • Clear – you know what’s happening
  • Professional – trained, experienced team
  • Flexible – we adapt to your needs

Ready to Book Your Move?

We recommend contacting us 6 weeks in advance for the best availability.

Call our office during business hours:

Call our office during business hours:

01275 877844 (Clevedon)

01934 900525 (Weston-super-Mare)

Online quote
Get a quote
Calculator
Try our online removals calculator

Our Credentials