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Mover of the Month – April

  1. Date you joined Kiwi Movers? February 2015

    2. Full Name? Matthew Owen Toomey

    3. Nickname? I always end up being called Toomey over Matt. Tombstone’s a variation sometimes

    4. Place of Birth? Dunedin, born and bred.

    5. What is the most interesting move you have done at Kiwi Movers? Moving two 18.5T truck and trailers over 4 days to a dilapidated mansion was probably both. Some crazy items including a cannon and suits of armour.

    6. Interesting Fact About Yourself? Pretty obsessed with squirrels

    7. Hobbies? Was absolutely mad about poker before moving over, haven’t had much of a chance to keep up with it but definitely keen to get back into it.

    8. Favourite Office person and why? Kiri will be gone by the time this comes out so she’s the safe bet. She never reads the newsletter anyway…

    9. What do you enjoy most about working for Kiwi Movers? I love knowing my way around London. Makes it so much easier to appreciate how different it is from where I come from.

    10. Best place you’ve travelled to so far in Europe? Spain, Portugal or Croatia

    11. Any advice to the new guys? Watch the old guys and don’t panic. We all had no idea what we were getting into but we’re all doing fine now. For the most part. I think.

    12. Holden or Ford? So the choice is a V8 sedan or a V8 sedan?

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Mover of the Month – December 15

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Name: Mitesh Prema

Nickname: Mitz

Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand

What is the most interesting move you have done at Kiwi Movers: Every move is pretty interesting, would probably have to be a move that sends you out to the country side to a big mansion.

Interesting fact about yourself: Don’t really have an interesting fact..

In 5 years time where do you see yourself: Hopefully living the dream in either New Zealand or Australia.

Favourite Office person and why: Adam, gets quotes bang on..

What do you enjoy most about working for Kiwi Movers: Get to see London and all the suburbs which is pretty cool. And enjoy the long drives out to the country side.

Best place you’ve travelled to so far in Europe: Would have to say Greece. 10 days around the Greek Islands is definitely a story and a half.

Any advice to the new guys: Listen to the guys that have been working longer than you. Ask questions if you are not sure.

Why work for Kiwi: Great bunch of guys to work with.

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Mover of the Month – October

Well done to our Mover of the Month, Sam Goodwin!

Date you joined Kiwi Movers? Mid May sometime, 2015. Been a busy and physical 5 months!

Full Name? Samuel Brian Goodwin.

Nickname? Had a couple, old mates called me Bones back in the day.

Place of Birth? Hamilton, New Zealand. Chiefs baby!

What is the most interesting move you have done at Kiwi Movers?  To be honest most days are different which keep it interesting and fun, from moving top night club entrepreneurs into mansions to American students into small lane ways that were used on Harry Potter it’s all got great twists and turns!

Interesting Fact About Yourself? Not really sure on this one – shameless self promotion however I’m a beat maker/producer in the evenings and days off so if you want a little something for an event or film clip hollaaahh!

In 5 years time where do you see yourself?  More experienced at Kiwi than Darcy haha. If that fails then hopefully back in the Waikato, living in Raglan and down on the beach for BBQs and good times every night.

Favourite Office person and why?  What a question! Can I say Toomey? He’s good at setting up social outings for when the All Black games are on.

What do you enjoy most about working for Kiwi Movers?  Met a great bunch of guys with plenty of laughs, getting to see the city of London above ground is pretty cool. Had a good run of coastal jobs too this summer gone, lunch on the beach in Bournemouth was definitely a highlight.

Best place you’ve travelled to so far in Europe?  I’ve just got back from Italy so my mind is still lost in Venice, however I was blown away from the great outdoors of Sweden and Norway last year – Berlin, Germany still takes number one spot for me. Music/people/vibes are on point everyday.

Any advice to the new guys?  Listen to the veterans! Davidson usually has all the answers, but if it’s not correct, it’ll have you in stitches anyway.

Who will win Rugby World Cup 2015? A lot of hype about Japan floating about! But I’m filling this out in the car to Newcastle for the NZ v Tonga match, so I’ll have to say All Blacks. Kia ora!

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Mover of the Month – May

We have a super great team at Kiwi Movers, so here’s a profile on our mover of the month.

Date you joined Kiwi Movers: November 2014.

Full Name: Matthew Jarrod Long.

Nickname: Casper.

Place of Birth: Pahiatua, New Zealand (middle of the lower North Island).

What is the most interesting move you have done at Kiwi Movers: Any move I get to do with Willi.

In 5 years time where do you see yourself: 5 years time strength and conditioning coach for pro rugby team or full time karaoke singer.

Favourite Office person and why: No office person has bribed me enough to answer this yet…

What do you enjoy most about working for Kiwi Movers: Good group of people at Kiwi.

Best place you’ve travelled to so far in Europe: Croatia best place in Europe so far.

Any advice to the new guys: New guys just listen to Reece Gutsell and he will sort you out.

Why work for Kiwi: Good team to be apart of and flexible for travel and other commitments.

Matt Long at Oktoberfest

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Incomplete end of tenancy cleaning costs us millions in lost deposits

Private tenants are losing £40 million* per year through deposit disputes with landlords, a Kiwi Movers survey can reveal. Over the past five years, 52% of deposits were either fully or partly withheld by landlords, most of whom claimed insufficient cleaning or the need for minor repairs as the reason for withholding the depost. That’s the equivalent of more than 400,000 deposits a year, or £200 million over the five-year period*.

Over a quarter (28%) of people surveyed said their landlord delayed returning their deposit despite making no deductions, while just 20% said their deposit was returned swiftly without issue.

The importance of end of tenancy cleaning

Avoidable issues such as insufficient end of tenancy cleaning and minor repairs are the biggest reasons landlords give for withholding tenancy deposits, accounting for 62% of all tenancy deposit disputes cited in the study.

Not only will a professional end of tenancy cleaning service give you peace of mind that your property is up to scratch on check out, but a professional invoice is likely to act as a deterrent for any rogue landlords that may otherwise make frivolous claims against a deposit.

You are most likely to lose your deposit if you are;

  • Tenants living with friends
  • Students in rented house
  • Tenants living with partner or spouse

Moving house in London? – Here’s what you need to know about getting your deposit back

London is the capital of deposit disputes, with people living there twice as likely (11%) as the national average (6%) to have their whole deposit withheld, while those aged between 18 and 24 living with friends are the type of tenant most likely to lose out.

Amy Williams, a Digital Producer from Southampton took her London landlord to court and won after he withheld her deposit. “It was only a six month contract and the landlord tried to make us pay for problems that were in the flat when we moved in.

“The court said it was wear and tear, ordered the landlord to return our deposit and told him that wear and tear was something he’d have to get used to. The landlord also choose to hold the court session not in London but on the south coast. But luckily because we won he had to pay for our train tickets too. We were really poor at the time too!”

Tenancy dispute hot spots:

  • London
  • Scotland
  • West Midlands
  • North East

The most common reasons for lost deposits:

  • Minor repairs required – 33%
  • Cleaning required – 29%
  • Items missing from inventory – 19%
  • Unpaid bills – 16%
  • Other – 3%

Kiwi Movers director Regan McMillan said: “There’s been a steady increase in people hiring us to perform end-of-tenancy cleaning alongside our removals service. It’s not that these customers can’t clean for themselves, but a number of them feel that having an invoice from a professional company is the only way to counter what they see as the inevitable attempts to withhold part of their deposit. Our customers tell us they feel vulnerable unless they have paperwork to prove they left the property in an acceptable state. Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about having your deposit unfairly withheld.”

Worst reasons for withheld deposits

Toilet blockage mystery – “It was definitely clear when we left. If it was blocked, it must have been someone from the lettings agency that did it. However, it was £75 from a £1,000 deposit, so I didn’t bother challenging the landlord.”

Burglary damage – “The house had been broken into before we moved in. We gave up reporting the damage to the window that was caused, even though it prevented us from fully opening it. When we moved out, the landlord tried to blame us for the same damage.”

Detergent residue – “I hired a professional cleaning company because I didn’t have time to deep clean the apartment myself. The letting agency still deducted £35 from my deposit because there was detergent residue inside the detergent tray.”

References

*Based on 4.2 million privately rented households (ONS figures, reference 1) paying the equivalent to one month’s UK average rent of £761 (LSL Property Services figures, reference 2) and 6% (252,000) of those households losing their entire deposit, equivalent to one month’s rent.

**Kiwi Movers surveyed 1,034 UK adults between the 20th January 2015 and 11th April 2015.

Reference 1

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/detailed-characteristics-on-housing-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/short-story-on-detailed-characteristics.html

Reference 2

http://www.lslps.co.uk/documents/buy_to_let_aug14.pdf

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Change of address checklist – moving house and council tax requirements

A surprising number of people forget to keep their details up-to-date after a house move. Employer details, council tax and even online shopping information can remain incorrect for weeks or months. These mistakes are easy to make, but potentially costly.

Moving house is one or two days of heavy lifting, seven days of trying to remember where you put the TV remote and then an apparent lifetime of letting the relevant people know you’ve got a new address. There’s a lot to do and it feels like there’s not a lot of time to do it. The best approach is to be methodical; there are certain things you can’t take care of until you’ve sorted something else.

Council tax is one of the most important notifications you need to do because you don’t want to be paying tax for an address at which you no longer live.

 

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Moving House – Council Tax Change of Address

You can get this one sorted prior to moving house. Simply visit the relevant page on your council’s website (see directory below to find your local council’s change of address page) and let them know the date on which you’ll be vacating your current property and moving into your new one.

It’s important to note that if the property you currently live in is your own and will be vacant after your departure, you still need to pay council tax. However, this will be at a reduced rate. If you’re vacating a rented property, you are no longer responsible for the council tax at that address.

*See below for full directory of council tax house move resources and change of address notification pages. 

What happens with council tax when I move house?

In most cases, your council will send you a final bill which they’ll take as a monthly payment, plus they’ll also send you a statement. They will then send you a new annual bill for the property to which you’ve moved. Unless you move at the start of your council’s financial year, this will be prorated to reflect what is left to pay. If you will be paying council tax to the same council as prior to your to your move, you can normally carry on with the same Direct Debit arrangement. If you’re moving to a new council area, you’ll need to set up a new account and begin as a new customer.

Remember, you need to advise both councils – the one collecting the tax where you currently live and the one collecting the tax where you’re moving to – about your change of address. You may be fined if you fail to notify your council tax department of a change in address.

Moving House Checklist – Other things to Sort Out

So you’ve told your council about a change of address; here are some other essential things you need to take care of. 

Driving licence change of address

Changing the address on your driving license is surprisingly easy nowadays. If you’ve got a recent passport, you won’t even need to send off a new photo. Renew your driving license here.

Workplace

No doubt colleagues and work friends will know you’re moving, but your HR department will have a process for logging new addresses. You can typically notify your employer of a change in address by filling out the form on your payslip.

Bank

Even if you’ve got online banking and paperless statements, your bank still needs to know where you live for anti-fraud reasons. Most banks require you attend a branch in person, with I.D and proof of residence (a utility bill, mortgage statement or tenancy agreement) before they’ll let you change the address on your account. If you don’t change your bank address, you may experience problems paying for things with your debit card online and you also leave yourself open to fraud and identify theft.

Doctor

You don’t have to let your current doctor know you’re moving – your new doctor will write to them to request your medical records – but most practices would appreciate being notified so they can manage patient numbers more effectively.

Insurance companies

Another important one, especially if you’re transferring car, home and contents cover. Most insurance companies let you do this online. Before notifying them, get a selection of quotes for cover at your new address. You may find that you can save money (or at least minimise the increases) by switching provider. Your insurer will most likely prorate what is left to pay and add it to your final bill, plus any cancellation fees.

Utility providers change of address

This should be one of the first things you change. It’s wise to shop around for a better deal at this stage too, as different utility providers have different tariffs in certain areas. Since you’re having to change address anyway, you might as well check to see if there’s a better deal.

Post Office change of address

You can set up mail redirection for approximately £30 per year. This means all mail addressed to you at your old address goes straight to your new address. But do be aware, this only covers your name. If you and an unmarried partner or housemate are both moving out, you’ll need separate mail redirection. You can set it all up on the Post Office’s website. 

TV Licensing change of address

You should tell TV Licensing of a change in address, but you will not typically need to renew or alter your license, unless you won’t be watching live television at your new address. You can tell TV Licensing about your new circumstances here.

HMRC change of address

For obvious reasons, HMRC are pretty good at keeping up-to-date with where you live. They often share data with local authorities, so you may notice that they update their files before you notify them of a change of address, but it’s best to be proactive. You can change your address by logging into your online HMRC account.

Child benefits agency change of address

Once you’ve told HMRC you’re moving, they tend to update all relevant records, although you can make sure things move quicker by doing everything yourself. You can update your details on the official website here.

Council Tax Change of Address – Useful Links

Below is a list of links to each UK council’s council tax change of address page. Find your council here and inform them of your new address in seconds.

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Moving house with a cat or a dog – Kiwi’s essential guide to relocating with pets

Moving house can be a stressful time for even the calmest of people, so imagine how crazy it must be for a family pet that doesn’t understand why his entire habitat has been boxed up and driven away. Thankfully, our pets are pretty adaptable, but it’s important that they experience a low stress, smooth transition between homes to ensure they settle quickly in their new residence.

 

What to do with pets on house move day?

You really have two options; find somewhere for your pet to stay for a couple of days and collect him once you’re fully moved, or have the pet with you throughout the move process. Keeping the dog or cat elsewhere means you can focus on the move without subjecting your pet to the noise and activity of packing, cleaning and removals.

 

Boarding a dog or cat during a house move

If you choose the option of boarding your pet, you can expect to pay around £30 per day for dogs and a little less for cats. That will typically include a couple of walks and feeding. Some boarding kennels will also include collection and drop off as part of the service, but that may not be valid if you’re moving far away.

 

If you’ve got friends who can look after your pet during your move, that may be preferable (and cheaper). This is especially true if your dog has anxiety issues or has never boarded before.

 

To find a London pet boarding facility to suit your budget, check out this handy website.

 

Moving house with a dog or cat in tow

If boarding your pet isn’t a viable option, at the very least you should consider setting aside one room, preferably one that has already been emptied, in which to keep your pet during the move. Fill it with a few toys, some treats and somewhere comfortable for your pet to relax. Having dogs and cats roaming freely while removals professionals are carrying heavy boxes can be dangerous for all concerned, not to mention unpleasant for the dog or cat. But be sure to let your pet out for breaks.

 

 

Transporting your pet when moving house

Safety comes first whenever you transport your pet, and that’s no different when you move house. If you are driving to your new home, transport your dog or cat in the normal way, using a crate or a pet bed fitted securely in the boot. If the new home is close to your current home, you can typically do this without much fuss.

 

For longer journeys, ensure that your dog has access to a supply of clean water. Non-spill water bowls can be super handy on long journeys. It’s also advisable to give a dog plenty of exercise prior to a long car journey and to stop for rest breaks at least once every two hours. Cats are best transported in a roomy, clean carrier.

 

Top Moving Tip

If your pet isn’t used to traveling in the car, introduce him to the vehicle gradually over the weeks prior to the move. Make the environment as positive and rewarding as possible. Just let your dog or cat explore, put some treats in the boot and make the back of the car seem like a good place to be. You don’t even need to leave your driveway to do this and having a calm pet on moving day can make a huge difference.

 

End-of-tenancy cleaning for pet owners

One of the most common reasons for withheld deposits is cleaning (or claims about lack thereof). Research we conducted found that insufficient cleaning on check-out accounts for almost a third of withheld deposits. Hiring a professional to carry out end-of-tenancy cleaning reduces stress, hassle and may increase your chances of a swift deposit return – it’s why more and more house movers are hiring professionals to perform an end-of-tenancy clean.

End-of-tenancy cleaning can be especially helpful for tenants who’ve got cats or dogs. Fur, stains on the carpet, ‘doggy smell’ and even scratched doors can all result in a fully or partially withheld deposit, so it’s worth considering hiring a team of professional cleaners who know exactly how to take a well lived-in house and present it back to a landlord. Plus, presenting a copy of your cleaning invoice on check-out will certainly make your check-out process run a little smoother.

House cleaning tips for pet owners

  • Air filters with built-in ionisers are excellent for getting rid of any pet smells. Even the ones you’ve stopped noticing.

 

  • Go over all soft-furnishings with a lint roller. This stops you from transporting any pet hair from one house to the next. Once your furniture is out of the way, lint roll any areas of the carpet that the vacuum has failed to pick up.

 

  • To get rid of pet hair trapped on curtains or other soft areas, stick on a single rubber glove, wet it and ‘swipe’ the affected areas. The wet hair will ball up and stick to your glove and you can peel it off with your free hand.

 

  • Don’t steam clean any carpets that you suspect may be urine stained. The heat will bond the ammonia to the fibres in the carpet. Instead, use an odour-neutralising carpet cleaner to remove the scent. If staining is visible, elbow grease and soapy water are the best solution.

Kiwi Movers’ top tips for introducing a dog to a new home

Dogs and cats don’t really understand the nuances of the property market. You might be delighted to be upgrading to a suburban semi, but to your dog, all this means is a whole bunch of new sights, smells and (more specifically to cats), places to get used to.

 

But you can make the new home transition for pets a little bit easier.

 

  • If the new place you’re moving to is near enough for it to be convenient, take your dog on a little reconnaissance trip. As soon as you get your dog onto the pavement outside, give him a little treat. This builds positive associations with the new location.

 

  • Introduce new scents slowly. If the owners of the house you’re moving to are open to it, a great way to help your dog used to his new environment is to give him something that carries the scent. For example, a doormat or even a newspaper that’s been in the house will carry a range of scents. Introduce the scents to your dog while stroking him, playing with him or giving him a treat and he’ll build a positive association with them. That way he’ll be familiar with a number of the scents when arriving at his new home.

 

  • Bring some of the scents from your old place. It’s tempting when moving into a new home to have a bit of a clean out, and that could well include dog beds and bedding. However, don’t underestimate the value of familiarity when settling your dog into his new pad. An old blanket can be just what he needs to feel secure while he’s getting used to his new surroundings.

 

  • Be tolerant. It’s possible that your dog may want to mark his scent in the new home, even if he’s perfectly house trained. This is a natural reaction to the overwhelming array of scents left behind by the previous owners. Try not to get too upset if this happens.

 

  • With old dogs who may have vision impairments, it’s really important to make navigation easy. There should be a clear path between their bed and the door to the garden, so they can indicate if they need to go outside quickly without tripping over.

 

  • If your new home has polished floors or tiles and your old home was fully carpeted, keep your dog on a lead when you first take him inside. This will stop him slipping if he’s not used to the slick flooring.

 

  • If your new place has screen doors or patio doors, consider putting some stickers at dog eye level so your dog can easily tell the difference between glass doors and open doors. As you can tell from the video below, that’s not always as easy as it seems, although fortunately, these dogs are treating open doors as if they are closed, which is preferable to the alternative.

 

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Mover of the Month – March

Antarctica Rugby

Name: Reece Gutsell.

Place of Birth: Gore, New Zealand.

What is the most interesting move you have done at Kiwi Movers: Moving stuff around the flat that Jimmy Hendrix lived in.

Interesting fact about yourself: Once met Sir David Attenborough and have played a game of international rugby while I was in Antarctica.

In 5 years time where do you see yourself: Back in NZ probably back in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, but definitely firefighting.

Favourite office person and why: Emma, because she puts up us!

What do you enjoy most about working for Kiwi Movers: The boys are a good laugh and plenty of freedom to travel.

Best place you’ve travelled to so far in Europe: Morocco and Salzburg

Any advice to the new guys: Watch and listen.

Why work for Kiwi: Freedom and the pay is better then bar work.

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