Personal effects

I'm moving from a two-bed flat to a nearby three-bed house. Should I hire a traditional (and expensive) removal company? I know it will be cheaper to hire a large van and grab some friends to help, but is that a recipe for disaster? What are the experiences of J&M readers?
Pain in the move

We got a small local firm to do the job. It was great value for money, less than the amount the bank charged us for a nine-day bridging loan on the purchase of the house. Moreover, although he was an experienced removal person, the owner cracked his ribs on our piano. Could you stand letting your friends do this?
M Squires, St. Andrews

Go pro!

My first move I did myself, I hired a van and it took a whole weekend, leaving me exhausted. The second time I did as you are considering and hired a removals company. The whole thing ran like clockwork, but I resented the cost. The third time I hired a couple of locals with van and it was a disaster. One of them injured his back right at the start, so of course I had to step in. When they (we!) eventually finished, they got their van jammed in our narrow drive, and I had to tow them out, burning out my clutch in the process! My advice - hire the professionals.
G Cameron, Loughborough

And... relax

My partner and I spent £600 on professional removers, and it was the best money we've ever spent! It would have been cheaper had we packed it, but we chose to have them pack and move us; it was quite a relaxing day!
John and Samantha, email

Joker in the pack

When we were moving from Cardiff to London, employees of the firm deliberately vandalised some of our stuff. When I opened the last box, not only were coats and jackets stuffed into it after we had been guaranteed that all clothes would be moved in hangers in cardboard wardrobes, but some joker had put in with the clothes some tomatoes wrapped in newspaper. Needless to say, part of their bill was not paid.
Adele Winston, Barnet

Easy option

Go for the pros. They are insured, strong, won't blink an eye at heavy or delicate items or tight bends on the stairs, will pack beforehand, provide storage if your purchase is delayed, will lend you all the boxes you need, will use the right size van and should get their timing right so you can hand over your keys on time. They will keep going till it's done, won't expect you to help them, give them a meal afterwards or return the favour and will keep calm whatever happens. Save your friends for the unpacking and decorating!
Helen Duckworth, London, who wins this week's £25 National Book Token

Team bonding

I moved home last year and decided to pull in a few favours from my friends. The camaraderie was excellent, as long as I plied them with enough food and wine to keep up their energy.
Owen Weller, Ashbury

Stress free

Don't underestimate the amount of possessions you have. We couldn't have done it without the removals company. It is a stressful enough time as it is and you need all the energy you can muster.
J Woodward, Sheffield

Party time

If you can, do it yourself. Spend the money you save on a moving-in party.
Phil Scown, Manchester

Any answers?

I'm under pressure at work to join the union, at a cost of around £20 a month. I'm not sure I can afford it and anyway I've got an accident, sickness and unemployment insurance policy. I'm not really anti-union, but don't see why I should just cave in. What do I say to get the guy off my back? Or is it actually worth the money?



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