We have over 40 years' experience providing removals and storage services across Kent, London and the UK. We specialise in piano removals and have moved Beethoven's piano on a European tour. Our facilities in Ashford include container storage, piano storage and document archive.
We are proud that we have once again passed our annual British Association of Removers and British Standards audit. The audits give an independent view of our house removals and storage company, and show we provide the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.
British Standards for Furniture Removals and Storage
This year was a little unique. We retained our British Standard for furniture removals activities, BS EN 12522. However, this was the first year we applied for the standard for storage, BS EN 14873. Both standards are an independent validation of our commitment to the highest levels of customer service. We passed both British Standards at the first attempt with zero non-conformities, meaning there were no major or minor discrepancies with any of our processes, polices or procedures. The team’s hard work, dedication and professionalism has been recognised again with the award of these quality standards.
Quality Assured Removals
The quality standards and other awards confirm we are operating to the highest levels in the house removals industry. Whatever removals service you need, you can rest easy knowing that Colin Batt Removals offer quality assured, independently assessed and verified house removals and storage. You can also read the great feedback we receive from our customers at Checkatrade, where each review is independently checked and verified. Click here to learn more about our removals and storage services.
If you are moving house, call Colin Batt Removals, your move will be in quality-assured hands – call 01233 740395 or enquire online.
As a house removal firm based in Kent we are still allowed to operate and we are following the government guidance on safer working to ensure we keep our staff and customers safe.
If you are moving house within the Maidstone Kent area then we have some guidance on what we can all do to keep everyone safe:
We will contact the household in advance to check that no member of the household is showing symptoms of coronavirus or self-isolating. If anyone is then we will delay the move
We request that you please ensure all internal doors are open, surfaces and possessions are cleaned with household cleaning products before we come
No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild
We wash their hands on entering the property and we will use clean towels to dry our hands
We will minimise contact with you and keep socially distant at all times
We will have enough staff on your move to not require household members to help us move bulky items
We will bring our own refreshments but please ensure we can access hand washing facilities, using separate towels or paper towels if possible, which should be washed or disposed of safely afterwards
There have been several developments since our last Coronavirus update at the end of March. As such we want to update you on our plans and the changes to our house removals services.
First Colin Batt Removals will continue to adhere to Government guidance. This is supported by the advice of our trade body the BAR (British Association of Removers). The Government and BAR recommended all removals companies suspend all operational activity. This has resulted in the postponement of all but the most essential of house sales and moves.
Colin Batt Removals, just like most removals’ companies in the UK, have followed these guidelines rigorously. Protecting the health of our customers and staff and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
We realise that this has impacted our customers and would like to thank each and every one of you for your patience, understanding and support.
Looking Ahead
Following the Government’s update to extend the lockdown until 7 May, we have decided to provisionally commence house moves from the 11th May. Customers with previous bookings will be given priority for their move.
To ensure the continued safety of our staff and customers, all employees will be issued with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and we will maintain our practical shielding and hygiene measures. PPE will be provided in accordance with the latest guidelines issued by Public Health England.
Our decision to resume our removals service is understandably strictly conditional of any further Government updates. All bookings will be made on a provisional basis only and we will obviously keep all customers informed of all developments.
Once again thank you for your understanding, patience and custom during these unprecedented times.
#WhereServiceisKey
27 March 2020
After the Prime Minister’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) announcement on 23 March it is with a heavy heart that we must temporarily close our doors and stop conducting house removals until at least 14 April 2020.
House Removals
Our absolute priority is the safety of our staff and customers, and of course their families. The Government has stated that all house moves should be delayed until after the Coronavirus stay-at-home measures are relaxed. Sadly, we cannot conduct house moves and maintain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing measures. As such, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily stop all house removals until 14 April 2020, at the earliest. If you see our vehicles about this is because we will be helping out the NHS if required.
Storage
All items in store with us will be maintained and kept safe. There will be no change to our storage service, security or insurance provision. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide access to any stored items nor provide any out-of-store moves. This is for your safety and ours.
Office Support
Our office staff are now working from home but are available during normal office hours. If you have any questions or an enquiry about a future house removal do not hesitate to call. We can be contacted in the normal way – 0800 328 9175 or info@colinbattremovals.co.uk. Unfortunately we cannot conduct any site visits or deliver / collect any packing boxes during this period.
We have not taken the decision to close lightly. However, as both a responsible removal company and employer, we feel that it is our duty to temporarily close down to protect the health and wellbeing of the whole community.
These are uncertain times for us all, but by working together, and following the Government’s guidelines, we can all get through this. We will continue to monitor the situation, and we will keep you abreast of any updates as and when we can. Thank you for your support and understanding. Take care.
The Government has issued new guidance urging people not to move house during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. New guidelines place restrictions on buyers, sellers and renters as well as the wider Industry including Estate Agents, Solicitors and of course House Removal Companies.
So, what do the latest guidelines mean to you if you are due to move home imminently?
Buying and Selling Homes during the Stay-At-Home Measures
We are all being urged not to move house during the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and be flexible. This is to limit the spread of the virus and maintain social distancing rules. If the property to be sold is unoccupied the sale of the house can continue with due care. However, if the property is occupied the guidance is to find a mutually convenient alternative date to move after the coronavirus (COVID-19) stay-at-home measures have been lifted.
Coronavirus Home Mortgage Extensions
UK Finance, formally known as the British Bankers Association, has advised that all mortgage lenders are working to find ways to support mortgage customers. Specifically, they are looking to extend mortgage offers for up to three months for those for those who have already exchanged contracts to enable them to move at a later date. In addition to this, new measures have also been put in place to protect those individuals who are tenants, the main one being that there is a current ban on any evictions taking place during this period.
The specific advice for removals firms is repeated here:
Removals Firms
There will be people who have already committed to moving home; where possible we are encouraging them to delay their move but a small number of moves may need to go ahead. We would urge everyone to take all sensible precautions to ensure the move can happen safely.
Removers should honour their existing commitments where it is clear that the move can be done safely for the client and your own staff and it is clear that the moving date cannot be moved.
Removers should follow the latest Government guidance which currently (26 March 2020) states that work carried out in people’s homes can continue, provided the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms or coronavirus (COVID-19).
It is important to ensure Government guidelines are followed, including maintaining a 2 metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available).
No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, however mild.
If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or any part of your home move, whether this relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or not, please do not hesitate to call 0800 328 9175 or email info@colinbattremovals.couk.
How far in advance do I need to book my moving date?
To be on the safe side it’s best to book your removals date as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. When your solicitor calls you to discuss possible exchange and completion dates, it is always best to call us at this point to check our availability. An optional cancellation waiver is also available to purchase should you require the added piece of mind when booking your removal service. This waiver covers your booking for up to 48 hours before the start of your removal service, should anything happen and you need to cancel.
Do I need to disassemble my furniture, or will our movers do it?
No, you do not need to disassemble your furniture if you do not want to, we are more than happy to carry out this task on your behalf on the day of the removals. Please make your surveyor aware of any dismantling of any furniture in advance so we can note this down for the team on the day.
Do I need to arrange a parking permit for the removal van?
A parking permit is not necessary unless the road requires residents to have one. Please ensure that there is sufficient reserved parking for our vehicle directly outside your houses. We need space to park and operate, and therefore need 15m free for this at your collection and delivery addresses. Your local council or police may be able to assist with this.
How long will the removals process take on the day?
This depends on the size and distance of your move. It can take anywhere between a couple of hours to a few days to complete the service. Another factor when it comes to how long a job takes is if you need to wait for the keys to be collected for your new property. Purchasing the late key waiver ahead of time will save you extra charges in this instance.
Are my belongings insured throughout the process?
Yes, all removals work that is carried out by our company comes with a liability insurance of £25,000 as standard. Additional insurance can be purchased at time of booking.
Is there a minimum amount of time I have to keep my belongings in storage for?
We can store your goods for however long you need, from a minimum period of one week to a number of years. Any amount of goods can be stored in our secure facilities, we have room for over 350 containers in our store.
Can I change the length of my storage term midway through?
Of course. Our customers are not bound by any contracts in regards to how long they would like us to store their goods in our secure facility for them. You can request your goods to come out of store whenever suits you, subject to us being available to carry out the removals.
Do I need to bring my belongings to the storage facility myself?
No, we will bring everything into store for you. The cost of this service will be set out in the quote you receive from our highly professional and skilled surveyor. However, if you would prefer to bring the items into storage yourself, you are more than welcome to do so.
Will my items be safe in your storage facility?
We go to great measures to ensure that your possessions are safe whilst they are in storage with us; from our monitored alarm system, which is linked to a rapid response police control station, to our CCTV system which is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Will my items be insured whilst in your storage facility?
Yes. All goods that are stored at our secure facility are covered by the company’s insurance in the event of a fire, theft, or accidental damage.
Will I have access to my items during the time that they are in storage?
Yes. If you would like to view your effects, we would require 48 hours’ notice (not including Saturday & Sunday) and if you would like to have your effects returned to you, we would require at least one weeks’ notice to make the necessary arrangements for you.
Are your storage solutions for domestic customers only?
No. We also offer piano storage, climate-controlled storage for Antiques, Wine and Fine Art, office and commercial storage, document archiving and external storage for plants and garden items.
No, you are not obligated to accept a packing service that may have been quoted, but it is important to keep in mind that packing can take longer than you think, and there is no time on the day to do packing. Packing the contents of your entire house in your spare time can also be very stressful.
I can handle most of the packing, I just need help with a few bits. Can you help me?
We offer a range of packing services, from a full packing service – where we would pack everything, to a fragile packing service – which concentrates on your delicate and valuable items. We can also help if you just want someone to come along for a few hours to assist you with your packing. When our surveyor comes out to meet you, let him know what service level you require and we can provide you with quotation that will meet your needs.
Will you only pack for a removals job?
We understand that each of our customers will have unique demands, and as such we tailor each quotation to meet their exact specification. In the majority of cases, the packing service and removal service form the complete package for our clients; however, we can also offer a separate packing service, with no removal service attached, if required.
Are my items insured during the packing process?
All reputable removal companies, including all members of the British Association of Removers, will not insure goods that are packed by the owner. This is because the removal company and insurer cannot verify the condition of the item packed nor the safety of the packing. You should check that your building & contents insurance covers you if you pack your own items. Any goods that have been professionally packed by our company will be covered by our insurance.
What do I need to have ready before you start packing?
Before we start packing, we would strongly advise that you could sort out your belongings that you would like us to pack in each room. We also always advise that you retain a box of essentials that you take directly to your new house yourself. For example, your child’s favourite toy, cups, tea & coffee, toilet paper etc.
I’m planning on packing myself. Can you tell me where I can find good quality boxes?
All our packing materials are purpose built using only the best quality recyclable materials. They are specially designed for removals and for protecting your goods during the house move. All of our boxes are ‘double walled’ to ensure they have the strength to carry the weight of your goods and be stacked together. We have all the boxes and packing accessories that you will need, be that wrapping paper, wardrobe cartons, tape or mattress covers.
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