Storage Archives - Home Removals, Moving House, Hornchurch, Upminster & Romford, Neales Removals, Essex

UK Housing Market Update

In May, average asking prices reached a record high of £379,517, marking a 0.6% increase month-on-month. UK Housing Market Update – In an article by the British Association of Removers, we wanted to share their findings. New listings surged to a decade-high, up 14% year-on-year. Despite these rising prices, demand is cooling, providing buyers with more negotiating leverage in the current market. Average asking price – hit a new high of £379,517 in May — a 0.6% (+£2,335) increase month-on-month. First-time buyer – asking prices rose to about £229,648, up 0.5%. Second-steppers: £348,696 (+0.6%). Top-tier: £704,290 (+1.6%) rightmove.co.ukrightmove.co.uk. New listings are at a decade-high – (+14% year-on-year), corresponding with slower price growth amid rising stock levels openhousestaffordshire.co.ukrightmove.co.ukAvocado Property. Though prices are record-high, demand is cooling seasonally; a surplus of homes is giving buyers more negotiating leverage rightmove.co.ukGarrington Property Finders. Zoopla’s recently released House Price Index – (up to March) showed a 1.6% annual rise. With average UK house price at £268,000 ZooplaGarrington Property Finders. ONS provisional data – (up to March) reveals average UK house prices rose by 6.4% year-on-year to £271,000; private rents climbed 7.4% to £1,335/month Office for National StatisticsGOV.UKToday’s ConveyancerProperty Investor Today. Regional highlights: North East prices jumped ~14.3% year-on-year; London lagged at +0.8% GOV.UK. Gable Mortgages launched no‑deposit mortgages – at 5.95% (5.65% for new builds), allowing borrowing of up to 4.5× income, or 5.5× for key workers The Scottish Sun. Mortgage approvals are modestly rising – Bank of England reports a +4.5% year-on-year increase Garrington Property FindersSavills. Spring saw a surge in listings – highest supply in over ten years—from both Rightmove and Garrington analysis openhousestaffordshire.co.ukGarrington Property Finders. With supply high, buyer demand remains cautious; RICS reports show net balances of −33% for new enquiries and −31% for sales agreed (lowest since Aug 2023), though outlook remains moderately positive with +17% expecting market growth Garrington Property Finders. Zoopla anticipates around +2.5% house price growth – by year-end (from February data) and 5% more sales in 2025 ZooplaZooplaMorningstar. Written by Ian Studd Director General at BAR —————————————— British Association of Removers Tangent House 62 Exchange Road Watford WD18 0TG For more information on BAR, visit there website – www.bar.co.uk/ Are you planning to move in 2024? Or perhaps you’re planning to upgrade or downsize in 2025? Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can take the stress out of moving home.

Simon Webbe from Blue - Neales Removals v4

The boys in blue, move the boy in BLUE!

Neales Removals in Hornchurch help Simon Webbe of Noughties Pop Band Blue with House Move! Hornchurch, Essex – Neales Removals, a distinguished family-run business established in the early 1930s, recently had the privilege of assisting Simon Webbe, renowned member of the noughties pop group Blue, with his relocation. Simon expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’ve used Neales Removals. You know, these guys are real professional, real quick and real reliable!” He went on to say, “I just wanna say thanks to these guys for helping us move. And they are all dressed in BLUE That’s what I like about this lot. Yeah. Thanks a lot.” Simon Video Message to Neale’s Removals > The History of Blue Blue, the British boy band formed in 2000, became one of the most successful pop acts of the early 2000s. Consisting of Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James, and Antony Costa, the group quickly gained popularity with their debut album All Rise (2001), which featured hit singles like All Rise, Too Close, and If You Come Back. The album was a massive success, reaching multi-platinum status in the UK. Following this, Blue released One Love (2002) and Guilty (2003), both topping the UK Albums Chart and spawning chart-topping hits such as One Love, Guilty, and U Make Me Wanna. Their smooth harmonies, R&B-infused pop sound, and collaborations with stars like Elton John (Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word) solidified their place in the industry. After a hiatus in 2005, the group reunited in 2011 to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with I Can. They continued touring and releasing music, with albums like Roulette (2013) and Heart & Soul (2022), maintaining a loyal fanbase. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Blue remains an iconic group from the early 2000s, celebrated for their soulful vocals and enduring hits. Simon Webbe’s career since leaving Blue Since his time with the pop group Blue, Simon Webbe has pursued a multifaceted career in music, acting, and television. As a solo artist, Webbe released his debut album, Sanctuary, in 2005, followed by Grace in 2006. Both albums showcased his distinctive soulful voice and achieved significant success. In 2017, he returned with his third solo album, Smile, featuring the lead single “Nothing Without You.” Webbe also explored acting, appearing in films such as The Truth About Love (2005) and Rollin’ with the Nines (2006). In 2016, he joined the cast of the BBC Scotland soap opera River City, portraying the character Andy. On television, Webbe participated in reality shows like ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he reached the finals in 2014. He credited Strictly with helping him overcome depression during a challenging period. In theatre, Webbe starred as Curtis Shank in the West End production of Sister Act the Musical, sharing the stage with Sheila Hancock and Whoopi Goldberg. Beyond performance, Simon founded Webbe Industries, a company dedicated to discovering and managing new musical talents. Throughout his post-Blue career, Simon Webbe has demonstrated versatility and resilience, establishing himself as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. More about the ‘boys in blue (overalls)‘ Meanwhile, Neales Removals has built a solid reputation over its 90-year history, offering comprehensive services including residential and commercial moves, as well as secure storage solutions. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in their membership with the British Association of Removers, adhering to its Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme. Clients consistently praise the company’s professionalism and efficiency. One customer noted, “We’ve been utilising the services of C Neale for over 15 years. Their professionalism and eye for detail is second to none, never failing to impress.” Another client testimonial highlighted, “Brilliant from start to finish. Would highly recommend Paul and his team for your removal. Made the process a lot less stressful.” Located at 349 South End Road, Hornchurch, RM12 5NP, Neales Removals continues to serve the Essex community with dedication and care, ensuring each move is handled with the utmost professionalism. For more information or to request a quote, please visit www.neales-removals.co.uk or contact 0800 413 335. Are you planning to move in 2024? Or perhaps you’re planning to upgrade or downsize in 2025? Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can take the stress out of moving home.

Planning an office move or relocation?

How to manage an moving offices or relocating Planning an office move or relocation? Good, moving to a new office is an exciting thing. There’s something rejuvenating about a change of scenery. However, if you’re the one responsible for running it all, it can very overwhelming. When making an office move or relocation, firstly, give yourself plenty of time. In addition, you should decide who’s going to be involved and start to outline the key requirements. Select a team and assign clear roles and responsibilities such as: Who is Senior enough to make decisions Experienced at multi-tasking Good motivator Knows your business inside-out Great communicator Highly organised Good at sticking to a budget Sharing the roles and responsibilities Involving others and keeping people in the loop will prevent surprises and delays further down the line. For example, there’s no reason to approve a new office design unless the MD has seen it, they are bound to change it. Therefore, ensure all departments are aware what’s happening such as: Managing Director Facilities Director Office Manager IT Director Operations Director Marketing Human Resources Secretaries and Personal Assistants Location, location, location You could find what you consider to be the perfect office, but if the location isn’t right, then it just won’t work for your company. Consider the following criteria when selecting locations as your new base: Good public transport links Easy access for clients to visit Easy for you to visit clients Good commute for existing employees’ Local amenities (shops, restaurants, pharmacies, etc.) Good access to major roadways Excellent access to major airports Parking Set a budget for your office move An office move or relocation project can be one of the most expensive events in the life of a business. Moving forward without a clear idea of budgets is defiantly NOT a good idea. All reputable suppliers will provide full cost estimates, free of charge. This will enable you to communicate with the rest of your business the real financial impact of your move. A breakdown of the typical costs you may encounter include: Occupancy costs (such as rent, energy, maintenance, etc.) Transaction fees (for property agents, lawyers) Insurance costs Fire plan assessment Planning permission fees Cost of new furniture Removal & storage costs Printing costs Telecoms – equipment and installation Marketing costs – new stationery etc… Website update of new address, plus mail redirection Contingency (it is not uncommon to budget an extra 20% for contingencies and changes) The Office Move Checklist The bulk of costs will fall into the fit out and design category of your relocation. It makes sense to engage a good office design at the early stages so you can plan. Make sure you don’t leave anything out, because if you end up with too little space, you’ll have to move again. Too much space and you’re throwing money away, every month. Confirm and agree activity schedule for the move Order crates and pack items you do not use daily Label crates with department and names or desk numbers – always label crates to the new position Label all furniture required to move. If it’s not labelled it won’t get moved Secure destruction of any unwanted filing install any new furniture and or IT into the new offices before the move commences Liaise with building management regarding access at all locations. Confirm any special requirements such as lift and loading bay access and procedures Arrange with the office move company should any parking be required Review RAMS (risk assessment, method statements) with the office moving company, sign off and pass to the building management team Pass on removal team names to the building management team and any vehicle registration plates as required Hopefully the information above will help if you are planning an office move. Each company has individual requirements, but the one common factor is that ‘good planning’ is essential. Are you planning to move in 2024? Or perhaps you’re planning to upgrade or downsize in 2025? Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can take the stress out of moving home.

Tough decisions ahead sign - removals, Essex

Professional Removal Company or Do it yourself?

A question many home buyers often ask when planning a house move, should I use a professional removal company or do it myself? Choosing either option is entirely in your own hands, however you must evaluate the pros and cons for each option before making your decision. Hire a professional removal firm or hire a van yourself? Choosing between a DIY move or hiring a professional company is not an easy decision and is usually based on time versus money. Hiring a removal company may will save you time, but could be expensive, whereas moving yourself will save money but will be more time-consuming. Other factors that may sway your decision is the distance to be moved, the number items involved. In addition, whether you will require storage or not between moving dates. However, never underestimate the amount of physical and mental organisation it takes to move home. Packing boxes is one thing, but transporting them from A to B, is a different matter. It can be extremely exhausting, especially if you’re on a tight deadline. DIY Removals Option Many people choose this route when looking to cut costs after buying a house. Even though you are likely to save money, make sure you can perform a move without creating unnecessary stress. Think! Hiring a van yourself can be costly, especially for moves that take place over long distances (Van hire cost + petrol) and international moves should especially be done by professionals. e.g. considering border crossing and the paperwork that may be required. Also, you will need to take into account the cost of any damage that may occur in transit. It may be best to hire a vehicle suited for removals and get help from family and friends. Other benefits of a DIY move include packing items in your own time, safely handle fragile items and know exactly what goes where. Finally, you can also work to your own schedule but on the day of the move, you must be prepared to do multiple trips back and forth. Tips for DIY If you choose DIY, it is important to be ready. Make sure your transport is suitable and available if so, begin to plan the move. Start upstairs and empty one room at a time. Use durable boxes or plastic containers for better storage and handling. Label everything using a decent marker to help you at the other end. If you have fragile items, make sure they are properly packed. Do an inventory of your stuff and make notes on where you packed everything. Professional Removals Company Option Choosing a removal company, you need to think about budget, your schedule and whether you want just removals or full packing and unpacking services. To get a good indication of costs make sure that you get at least three quotes from reputable companies. Tips for using a professional removal company It is essential that you give all your moving requirements and logistics to avoid any unnecessary costs at a later stage. Write a brief for the company List all the contents you want moving Mark particular valuable items (consider separate insurance cover for these) Will any items need to storage until you are fully settled in to your new home Check the Review and testimonials of the company you are going to use Get your quote in writing Once you have accepted a quote, a date can be set, and your move can begin. In conclusion Using a professional removal company seems the least stressful way to move if your budget allows, but don’t ignore the risks. Damage of possessions is a real possibility, so make sure your insurance covers the move. However, if you are on a tight budget and have plenty of people to help a DIY removal can be the best option but be under no illusions it will be stressful and hard work. The choice is yours! Are you planning to move in 2024? Or perhaps you’re planning to upgrade or downsize in 2025? Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can take the stress out of moving home.

Storage, Office, Work and Home, Essex. - Neale Removals

Storing Items when moving house – Things to know?

Storing Items when moving house – Things you need to know… Moving day is approaching and you find yourself caught in a whirlwind. Sorting out packing, contract-signing, arranging utilities for your new home, registering your new address, etc. it’s quite easy soon get stressed out. There are things you can do to ease the pressure – like using a storage facility. Reduce the stress of moving day A storage facility is a way to take away some of the stress on moving day, it means not everything has to be done in one day. Staggering the moving of your belongings means you don’t have to do everything at once. You can move things you don’t currently need out of the house early and take things into your new home when you’re ready to find a place for them. If you sell your property and move your items into storage while renting or staying with family, you become a chain free buyer. This allows you to be more flexible, knowing your items are in good condition and safely stored. What is self-storage? Self-storage centres offer units of space varying in size. They’re designed to be safe and units are lockable from the outside and covered by CCTV and intruder alarms. They are convenient plus you can hire them for as long or as little time as you want, with size and cost flexible to your needs. Rough Guide to size of unit required Removal van size Approximate unit size Short wheelbase transit 35 square feet Long wheelbase high top transit 50 square feet Luton van 75 square feet 7.5 tonne Luton van 125 square feet 15 tonne Luton van 200 square feet Articulated lorry 300 square feet When should you use storage? Storage is ideal for: Clearing certain parts of the house ahead of moving day. Planning renovation or redecoration in their new home. Anyone who has extra complications on moving day e.g., if in a big housing chain or you plan on exchanging contracts on completion day. How much will storage cost? Difficult to say exactly how much storage costs as it’s dependent on the company you use and the size of the unit and how long you use it for. There are many elements of the cost of storage that you’ll need to think about. It is always wise to shop around. Look for weekly billing Most companies bill you monthly, which means if you run a day or two into the next month, you’ll end up paying for weeks of storage when you’re not using it. Therefore, if you can, find a storage company that bills weekly to give you a little bit more flexibility it would be wise. Be careful of introductory deals A lot of storage facilities offer deals like ‘first month free’ or ‘half price for the first 8 weeks. These may seem tempting however, these deals can end up costing you more in the long run. People tend to keep their stuff in storage for much longer than they plan – the average length of stay in storage believe it or not is 9 months – and storage companies know it. N.B. Discounts in the first couple of months might be cancelled out by the price of the following seven. Insurance Storage facilities are secure places but, it’s still worth taking out an insurance policy to cover your belongings if your existing home insurance doesn’t cover it. Beware of ‘inhouse’ insurance policies (insurance policies directly with the storage companies) they can often be extremely expensive. Storage Tips Storing long items on end to preserve floor space. Wrap and pack items properly will ensure they’re safe and protected from any moisture or damage. Take apart furniture to get it into the unit. (Don’t forget to attach screws etc so they don’t get lost) Make an inventory of everything going into your storage unit. This means knowing not only how many boxes and items there are, but what they include. Use a colour coding when labelling this does make this easier. If you are likely to be back and forth to your storage unit to access different items. Hope that this simple guide to storing items when moving house helps you make the correct decisions when moving home. Are you planning to move in 2024? Or perhaps you’re planning to upgrade or downsize in 2025? Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can take the stress out of moving home.

Tag: Storage

UK Housing Market Update

The boys in blue, move the boy in BLUE!

Planning an office move or relocation?

Professional Removal Company or Do it yourself?

Storing Items when moving house – Things to know?

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Home Removals, Moving House, Hornchurch, Upminster & Romford, Neales Removals, Essex