Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Planning & Booking a Move

We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally once you have exchanged contracts and your completion date is confirmed. Our diary can fill up quickly during busy periods, so the more notice you can give, the easier it is to secure the date and service level you need. We can survey and quote before your completion date is fixed, but we only book your slot once the legal date is agreed.

Yes. Every move starts with a free pre-move survey at a time that suits you. One of our experienced estimators will visit your home (or arrange a video survey) to discuss your plans, assess access and belongings, and answer any questions you may have. After the survey, we provide a clear written quotation with no hidden extras.

We take a look at your property layout, access points, furniture, specialist items and anything that may require dismantling or extra care. This helps us build the right move plan, allocate the correct team and vehicle, and confirm whether you need packing services, storage or our handyman service. The survey also identifies anything you’ll need to do before the move (e.g., empty lofts, disconnect appliances, dismantle certain items).

We can complete the survey and issue your quotation in advance, but your move date is only confirmed once contracts are exchanged. This ensures the date is secure for both you and our crews.

Most home moves are completed on the same day. Your schedule is planned around your legal completion time, usually between 2–3pm. For larger moves, we may deliver essentials on completion day and return the next morning to finish setting up, ensuring our crews work safely and your move remains smooth and stress-free.

Completion delays are very common, and our team is used to managing them. Your move plan is built around the expectation that you’ll receive your keys between 2–3pm, but if things run later on the day, we will always work with you to keep everything moving smoothly.

If your completion time is only slightly delayed, your crew will remain on standby and continue working safely within the planned schedule. If the delay becomes significant and we cannot complete the whole delivery within the same day, particularly on larger moves, we may deliver your essentials first and return the following morning to finish setting everything up. This approach protects the wellbeing of our crews, avoids late-night unloading, and removes unnecessary pressure from what can be an already stressful day.

If your solicitor anticipates a delay, please let us know as soon as possible. Keeping communication open helps us adjust the plan and makes the day run as calmly and safely as possible.

Packing, Materials & Preparation

This section covers common questions about how to prepare for your move, the packing materials available, and the options for professional packing support. It explains what Ballards can provide, how to pack items safely, and how to ensure everything is ready for a smooth and efficient moving day.

Yes. We offer three flexible packing options:

• Full Packing  – we pack everything for you.
• Half Packing – you pack some items, we pack the rest.
• Self Pack – you pack your own belongings, with or without materials supplied by us.

Each option is delivered by trained, careful packers who ensure your belongings are safely protected.

Yes. Many clients choose to pack their own items. We can supply boxes, tape and packing materials to help you prepare. If you prefer, our team can pack everything for you.

Yes. Our full and half packing packages include all materials delivered in advance, plus collection of empties afterwards. You can also purchase materials on a pay-as-you-go basis for self-pack moves.

You can leave clothes and bedding inside sturdy chests of drawers or blanket boxes. Please remove anything fragile, spillable or valuable.

Yes. Our packers are trained to handle delicate, awkward and high-value items safely, using protective materials such as padded covers, transit blankets and hygienic mattress covers (included across all packages).

All items stored in lofts must be brought down to bedroom level before move day. Our crews cannot access loft spaces unless they are safe, boarded and lit.

Furniture, Access & Specialist Items

This section answers frequently asked questions about moving furniture, handling restricted access, and transporting specialist or oversized items. It explains what information Ballards needs in advance, how challenging access is managed, and how items such as pianos, antiques, or large furniture are moved safely and professionally.

Yes. This is available through our Handyman Service, which covers agreed items such as beds, wardrobes, sheds, trampolines and large furniture. This must be arranged during your pre-move survey and is available as an add-on to any package.

We cannot transport hazardous materials, flammables, paints, fuels, gas bottles or anything prohibited by law. Freezers should be emptied and defrosted. Plants can be moved, but we ask you to group them together and give them a light trim beforehand.

Yes. We regularly move pianos, safes, antiques, chandeliers, workshop equipment and large garden structures. These may require additional planning or equipment, which we will assess during your survey.

We handle narrow streets, limited parking and awkward access every day. Please let us know any restrictions during your survey so we can allocate the right vehicle and equipment.

Removals Day & On-The-Day Practicalities

Your crew normally arrives in the morning, with timings planned around your legal completion time of 2–3pm. Your move team will keep you updated throughout the day.

Yes. All packages include floor protection, stair covers, padded covers for sofas and armchairs, mattress protectors and TV covers. These measures ensure your home and belongings remain protected throughout the move.

We recommend that you or a trusted representative is present to answer questions, confirm room placement and sign off at both properties.

Yes. We carry out moves across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and the whole UK, as well as European and international relocations through trusted partner networks.

Storage & Delayed Moves

This section explains how Ballards supports moves that require short- or long-term storage, including delayed completion dates or flexible moving timelines. It covers storage options, access arrangements, security measures, and how belongings are managed safely until you are ready for delivery.

Yes. We offer both purpose-built containerised storage and 24/7 self-storage at our secure Markham Moor and Lincoln sites. If your keys are delayed or your move spans multiple days, we can safely store your belongings until you’re ready for delivery.

Your goods are loaded into wooden storage containers at your property, sealed on collection, transported to our warehouse and stored securely in a logged location. When you’re ready, we simply reverse the process and deliver everything back to your new home.

For containerised storage, access can be arranged by appointment. For 24/7 self-storage units, you can access your unit at any time using secure fob entry.

Insurance, Safety & Accreditation

Ballards operates to recognised industry standards, with comprehensive insurance cover, robust safety procedures, and appropriate accreditations in place. This section answers common questions about how your belongings are protected, the measures taken to ensure safe handling and storage, and the standards Ballards works to across removals and storage services.

Yes. All packages include goods-in-transit liability cover up to £50,000, with a maximum single item value of £10,000. Items packed by customers cannot be insured because we cannot verify how they were packed.

Yes. We are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), which means we follow strict professional standards and offer an Advanced Payment Guarantee for extra peace of mind.

Children, Pets & Home Preparation

This section provides practical guidance on preparing your home for moving day when children or pets are involved. It covers safety considerations, minimising disruption, and steps you can take to help the move run smoothly while keeping everyone comfortable and secure.

Yes. We recommend preparing essentials for the day, arranging childcare or pet care where possible, and keeping pets safely enclosed during loading and unloading. Our crews are used to working in family homes and will keep disruption to a minimum.

Defrost freezers, disconnect appliances, pack essentials for your first night, secure valuables, prepare plants, and ensure loft/garden/sheds are clear of items you are taking. Refer to the full Moving Day Checklist for a comprehensive guide.

We take the hassle out of moving, so you can focus on your new chapter 

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