25.05.10
Tips on moving house effectively and problem free - from specialist move consultant Claire Hose of Moveminder

The romantic idea of period living conjures up the image of homes full of character, including rabbit warren layouts, winding corridors and doorways of varying sizes. Delightful as these features may sound, they can either help or hinder moving day. 

In my job as a move consultant I have moved clients in and out of properties of all shapes, sizes, styles and ages. Clients are often busy professionals who don’t have the time it takes to plan and oversee all the elements of a move, particularly where there are added complications caused by the peculiarities of a period home.

For a problem free move, high ceilings, huge doorways and wide corridors would be great. More often than not, though, it is the combination of small doorways, narrow corridors and huge antique furniture that causes the problems. Nothing is insurmountable, though: here are the essential points to consider when moving in or out of a period home:

If the old home has old contents they will need more care in handling than your Ikea flatpack (although it is quite possibly built more sturdily!). Damage when moving items is always a risk, so it’s important to choose movers who is experienced in handling your special items. Furniture is usually padded with blankets to protect them from knocks and grazes in the removal van, but if you think   an item should have more protection, it is perfectly reasonable to request this.

Where expensive or large pieces of artwork are involved, movers should be able to provide tailor-made crates to protect them from damage; check beforehand that they will do this.

Flat pack furniture can be a problem for any move – putting large items together within the room means they might not get out again without disassembling. Check entrance and exit dimensions before you move to prevent delays.

As with all properties, the general rule of thumb is – if it went in to the property, it will get out again - but see the note above regarding flat packs. Doorways are the expected route, but some items of furniture may have to go through windows, which may mean removing the frame.

Although the removal company should be able to arrange this for you, check with a carpenter/glazier yourself beforehand regarding the viability of removing and then replacing old frames, as it might require specialist handling.

Modernisation within period homes is often essential, but beware - where recent building or re-styling work has taken place, there may be a risk of larger items getting stuck.

The pride and joy of one client, an antique wardrobe, was kept in an attic room at the top of the house. The wardrobe was brought into the house through a window which had subsequently been removed as a result of interior design work. The only way to remove the wardrobe was to enlist the help of a specialist carpenter to take it apart.

It’s important to be aware of potential problems before moving day to avoid having to leave beloved belongings behind.

For period houses in the countryside set back from the road along narrow, winding drives, two smaller moving vans might be more suitable than one large one. Country lanes and private drive ways are not always the most accommodating to the standard removal van, and the removal men might not thank you if they have to walk long distances each way to load or unload items. Combine all of that with narrow gate posts and you can end up with a serious problem.

One of the most appealing aspects of living in a period home is the character of the features within. Narrow or arched doors, low ceilings, narrow corridors all have their attractions, but could prove to be insurmountable problems. You could always take the feature with you, of course; one of my clients was so enamoured of a particular stained glass window in the property she had lived in for many years that she decided to take it with her. Obviously it had to be agreed with the new owners and the window was replaced by builders.

If there is an underlying element to all of these points it is that planning ahead is essential. Measuring doorways, corridor widths and noting any sharp corners is a start, and make sure that the removal company is fully aware of any loose fittings or projecting fixtures that may be a hazard when they are negotiating a tight corner without a clear view of what lies in front of them.