As we enter the next phase of current events, we can cautiously consider this the end of the strict lockdown and look forward to something that resembles a normal life. Although the housing market is open, we’re only testing the waters at the moment, and it’s unclear how things will pan out. It will be interesting to see how the recovery takes place and whether we’ll be able to bounce back without a harsh recession.
Anthony Ward Thomas has been operational during the lockdown, and we did so by making sensible decisions in line with government and WHO guidelines. We’re happy to announce that we’re ready to increase our capacity for all removals and storage jobs while retaining the same high standards of health and safety.
Housing Trends and Removals in London –
As London’s leading removals and storage provider, we take a keen interest in what’s happening in the housing market. Trends help us stay ahead of the curve and plan for any increases in specific jobs, helping us prepare things like vehicles and team member allocation. We’re also fortunate to work with an incredible network of partner companies in the Master Removers Group, where we pool this information together.
The previous phase of the lockdown saw a lot of people move out of London to return to their family home, which was usually outside of London. They then set up a home office and undertook their work duties from their new location. And at that stage, there was little indication of how long this period would last. That’s why this group of people made a booking with us to collect their belongings and transport it out to them.
Similarly, this has also given rise to the number of people who are now considering a permanent move out of the capital. There are lots of aspects of London-life that are less appealing now, especially when you remove the ability to enjoy the culture and entertainment the city has to offer. Things like being nature and having your own outdoors space more appealing than ever.
There has been a significant increase in online searches and property viewing data, as large property companies like Rightmove, Savills and others are providing feedback on. The lockdown has been challenging, and for many of us, an eye-opening experience. Regardless of what things will be like as we ease into a less stringent version of lockdown, people are willing to change their lifestyles and priorities.
Increase in Demand for Self Storage in London –
Another trend we are seeing more of is people in London who need more space because they’re now working from home. Plus, there’s the issue of trying to separate work and home life when doing both from the same place. The best way to free up space at home is by renting a self storage unit. Additionally, we can help you convert a room into a home office for you. Your spare room, dining room, attic, and garage are all suitable places to do this type of conversion.
Furthermore, we can provide storage advice and tips on things like preparing items before they go into your self storage unit. Anthony Ward Thomas has a range of storage options available, for householdsv and businessesv in London. This includes container and self storage units, in addition to our Archive Document Storage package.
People who are leaving London temporarily need somewhere to store possessions while they move back to their family home. Similarly, people who went back home overseas use storage to keep their things safe until they can return. We offer them the peace of mind that their belongings are safe and secure until they can return to London.
Every storage unit comes with environmental controls to keep everything in perfect condition. This eliminates issues with condensation or overheating. We have everything in place to tailor a storage package for your exact requirements. You won’t find a better range of storage options anywhere else in London.
Our Additional Health and Safety Measures –
Although the next phase in the lockdown process will see more activity and fewer restrictions, Anthony Ward Thomas will continue to enact our Covid-19 Standard Health Policy. You can read more details about this here, but we’ll go over some of the key aspects in this section. It’s worth noting that we will provide updates on any major developments as we introduce them.
Anthony Ward Thomas’s Standard Health Policy is our commitment to our customers and staff, to promote the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitisation, with a view of preventing any new infections of Covid-19. While we understand how vital a relocation is, it must always be done safely and within the guidelines set by the government, Public Health England, and the World Health Organisation.
Every member of our removal’s team will regularly wash or sanitise their hands, which includes prior to arrival and throughout the job. Anthony Ward Thomas provides our team’s with PPE equipment and hand sanitiser. We will also wipe down any surfaces or frequently touched objects with disinfectant wipes. Although it’s also worth considering booking us to undertake a deep clean of your property.
We’re also performing inquiries and bookings via online video platforms. Video quoting, via WhatsApp or Facetime, is how we offer quotes, but we are still able to conduct in-person meetings where necessary. These measures will help reduce any increased risk without causing any issues with the services we offer. We will always be available to discuss your relocation by phone, email, as well as via video conferencing.
Positive News for Homeowners and Information for Renters in London –
One of the ongoing fears regarding Covid-19 is its impact on the economy and the possibility of a severe recession. Usually, something as wide-reaching does tend to result in shrinking economic outlooks. And a sector that is invariably affected is the housing market, for homeowners and renters. However, by lifting several restrictions in May, a significant crash in the market has been avoided for the time being.
In March, house prices rose by 1.2% in places like Hackney, Chelsea and several other boroughs. This has had a cushioning effect on any short-term decrease in values due to the lockdown. Another reason for a brighter than expected outlook is the relatively fast bounce back that’s occurring. According to property consultants at Knight Frank, successful offers from outside of the capital are 52% above the five-year average, in addition to 34% inside of London.
London’s renters might notice a decrease in prices as a result of the lockdown. The average is a resounding 15% drop in rental values in London, with affluent postcodes making up a large percentile of this figure. Although it’s unclear what the long-term prospect of this will be, as Savills UK suggests that it’s likely another drop 1.5% in rental values will then go up by 5.5% next year. Their perspective is that ‘rental values [are] more resilient than capital values during a downturn.’
Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord or a tenant, the housing market will be on the frontline of the economic fallout. The surprising thing is the level of optimism that’s a direct consequence of consumer action. And as thousands of people look set to leave London in the coming months, this will also free up opportunities for people who want to move into the capital.
A Premium National Moving Service –
On a typical week, Anthony Ward Thomas moves hundreds of people to new towns and cities in the UK. During the lockdown, we saw a sharp increase in this service because people were moving to family homes. The best thing about our National Moving service is the ability to provide the same high standard of customer service we attain in London and apply it to every location in the UK.
Our National Moving service has a flat rate of £349 for one container to deliver anywhere in the UK. This service comes with a team of two people who will assist you at both ends of your relocation *restrictions apply. You receive *Standard Liability Insurance cover for your possessions, which can be upgraded. And when you reach your new home, we will help you offload and unpack.
There are various other rates on offer, depending on when you notify and book your relocation with us. If you are planning to relocate in two-months’ time and book with us today, you would pay the flat rate. However, if you book a next day removals service, the price increases to £499 for one container. This highlights the importance of preparing your relocation as early as possible.
Why Customer Service Should Equal Excellence –
Anthony Ward Thomas relocates hundreds of people every week in London and the surrounding areas. Customer service is of paramount importance to our company, and it determines everything we offer our clients. Every removals and storage package provide more options for our customers. Furthermore, we’re here for you during every stage of your relocation.
One of the main reasons we attract so many customers is our dedication to providing a high standard of work. Our customers need a specialist level of removals expertise to ensure no damage occurs during transit. Moreover, we’re confident that you’ll know you made the right choice when you reach your new location with all your possessions in perfect condition.
The Anthony Ward Thomas team are experts who take a great sense of pride in their work. We provide them with the best tools and equipment needed to undertake any removals or storage job. We have BAR accreditation, as well as a quality policy in place. Additionally, our company is one of the highest-rated removals companies in London.
Anthony Ward Thomas – We’re London’s Prestige Removals and Storage Company –
The lockdown has been a difficult period for everyone, and we hope there are some positives we can take from the experience. One of the things our company will always remember is the acts of bravery that the frontline NHS staff and other essential workers. Additionally, our own removal’s team went above and beyond by volunteering to continue relocating people.
Achieving the highest standard of customer service is at the foundation of our ethos. Our number one goal is to provide the very best removals and storage service possible in London and the UK. And because we have been doing this throughout the lockdown, we’re ready to upscale our capacity as demand increases.
Anthony Ward Thomas is London’s prestige removals and storage company. If you’re planning a relocation, please contact us today, and we’ll discuss our premium range of services.
