Tag Archives: Moving House

Coronavirus Update: Colin Batt Removals

27 March 2020 Colin Batt Removals Comment

1 May 20

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.

Colin Batt Removals Team

House removals

Coronavirus: New Government Guidelines on Moving House

27 March 2020 Colin Batt Removals 2 Comments

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.

Follow this link for the full Government home moving advice, which cover the full Industry.

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.

House removals

Thinking of Moving to Maidstone?

27 March 2015 Colin Batt Removals Comment

Maidstone has much to offer being situated in the heart of Kent and only a stones throw from London as well as the coast. It is surrounded by some of the most picturesque villages in the South-East, without the hustle and bustle of some other commuter cities.

Maidstone is the administrative centre of Kent but surprisingly only has a population of 140,000 people. Sought-after areas of the town include Loose and Mote Park and there are several popular villages nearby such as Bearsted and Aylesford. The River Medway provides a beautiful back drop for the town which still has some wonderfully historic parts.

Maidstone House Prices

House prices in Maidstone have risen by 5.96% in the last year, according to Zoopla, with the average price paid for all properties being £282,904. This makes Maidstone really good value when you compare it to other commuter areas such as Surrey. For instance, the average price for a detached property in Maidstone is £446,433 whereas in Surrey the cost is £812,407.

One of Maidstone’s main draws for home buyers is education, with great schooling in and around the town. Several schools have an Ofsted grading of outstanding, including St Michael’s Church of England Infant School, Valley Park School and Maidstone Grammar School for Boys and Girls. Check out all the school reports at http://dashboard.ofsted.gov.uk

Culturally the town benefits from a plethora of attractions. You can catch a play at the Hazlitt theatre, explore over 600,000 objects at the Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery, all for free, or enjoy nature at its finest in the 450 acres of parkland at Mote Park. If retail therapy is more your thing check out Fremiln Walk and The Mall Maidstone, Maidstone is ranked in the top 5 shopping centres in the South-East for shopping yields.

Great Value Commuter Town

When you need to roam further afield, London can be reached by train in under an hour, or even 35 minutes if you’re prepared to drive to nearby Stroud. The M20 also gives easy access to London, including Gatwick and Heathrow which are 45 and 65 miles away respectively.

Maidstone has considerable appeal with its proximity to London, great schools and culture. If you’re considering moving house the value that Maidstone offers is considerable. Thinking of moving to maidstone? Why wouldn’t you.