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Why Hamiltons Removals are Experts in School, College and University Removals
As well as offering expert commercial removals for businesses in Norfolk, across the UK and overseas, at Hamiltons Removals we also provide high quality moving services for schools, colleges and universities. A number of factors – including changing pupil numbers, a lack of space, or outdated buildings – mean that many educational institutions have to move home every year.
Here, we look at the particular challenges which these types of moves can pose – some of which are markedly different from conventional business removals – and why you should contact Hamiltons if your campus or college is moving to a new home, or just reconfiguring your existing premises.
The Specialist Items
Many universities and colleges have valuable equipment which needs extra care and attention (particularly in the science labs and design & technology departments).
The same applies in the arts and humanities side of things – many libraries, for instance, house valuable historic document archives, or works of art (paintings, sculptures and other artefacts) which you also wouldn’t normally encounter on a typical domestic or commercial move.
At Hamiltons can provide a specialist wrapping and unwrapping service for fragile and valuable items; we can also provide an archiving service. We already have a range of specialist containers to ensure everything arrives at its new home in pristine condition; if we haven’t got something which fits your needs exactly then we will make a bespoke crate for you to ensure that all items are moved safely.
The IT Department
One thing schools and colleges do have in common with businesses is their reliance on fully functional IT systems.
The pandemic showed how important a fully functional computer system is for ‘off campus’ lessons, lectures and tutorials. Even now, with more ‘in-person’ lessons, no school or college can afford to be without a fully functional admin department all the time.
At Hamiltons, we have a dedicated team of experts who will be able to securely decommission your existing network of computers and reinstall it at your new location, minimising the amount of time it is out of offline.
The Full Package
It’s not just computers and specialist items which we can take care of but the more mundane items as well, such as desks, chairs and filing cabinets. We can dismantle these and reassemble them at their new home, in strict rotational order if required.
Remember, at Hamiltons we can offer other services as well – including insurance to guard against the unlikely event of something going wrong, and self-storage (if you need to phase in your move or want somewhere secure to store valuable items).
Your removals package will be tailored to meet your college or school’s needs but will have the common denominator of a dedicated liaison manager who will provide a single point of contact. This will save time and provide peace of mind for everyone involved, making the whole process smooth and efficient.
We Don’t Forget the People
Some moves pose bigger challenges – these days some colleges and universities are opening satellite campuses some distance away (and in some cases in other countries).
At Hamiltons, we have the expertise and facilities to deal with these as well – we have many years of experience in international removals from our base in the heart of East Anglia and we won’t forget that people as well as physical objects are on the move as well.
So, we can provide crates for all your members of staff so they can put their personal belongings in them ahead of moving day. And, if the relocation means your school or college employees are moving home at the same time, we can incorporate this into the package; this should make it easier for everything to be fully co-ordinated and take some of the stress out of the move.
Commercial Removals from Norfolk-based Hamiltons Removals
If you would like to know more about our removals service for schools, colleges and universities than check out our brochure here. You can also call us on 01379 855203.
The Most Cyclist-Friendly Countries and Cities to Move to
When moving overseas you’ll have to consider how you’ll get out and about in your new country. This is something that can apply whether you’re moving to a smaller town or village in the countryside, or a larger city centre. In the past it was usually either a case of relying on public transport, or buying (or hiring) your own car.
These days, however, you won’t necessarily have to make that choice as increasing numbers of countries and cities are realising that cycle lanes are a sound investment. Hamiltons Removals can help with EU removals as well as to destinations further afield; here we look at the countries (and cities) which are best for bike riders.
France
One of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, cycling is engrained in French culture. You only have to look at the Tour de France, probably the world’s biggest professional bike race, to see how popular the sport is.
The French capital Paris has the Velib bike-sharing programme, which has more than 100,000 users every day – the name originates from a mix of ‘velo’ (the French word for bike) and ‘liberte’ (meaning freedom). The programme boasts more than 16,000 bikes at 1,400 stations and it has been extended to other cities across the country.
There are more than 50,000 km of cycle lanes across the country, and the government wants to double that by the end of the decade.
The Netherlands
The UN’s Environment Programme says there more bikes in the Netherlands than there are people – 22 million to 17 million. Almost half the Dutch ride their bikes every day, and one in four get in the saddle several times int he course of the week.
Biking to work is a way of life for the Dutch; if you are considering European removals to Amsterdam, then the Dutch capital (pictured above) is also known as the cycling capital of the world (and the bike is the most popular mode of transport for city-dwellers). The flat terrain, and the high car parking charges (to discourage vehicle use) have helped encourage cycling as a way to get around. Cyclists get a tax-free allowance to bike to work as well (a bit like putting your mileage on expenses).
The Dutch city of Utrecht also scores highly for cycle use, as does much of the country.
Germany
The Global Bicycle Cities Index says 15 of the top 50 most bike-friendly cities in the world are German.
Of these, Hanover (which actively promotes ‘No Car’ days), Bremen (which also has very flat terrain) and Munster (which has 450km of cycle paths and, in some streets, bikes have priority over cars) are all in the top 10 – making Germany a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts.
Overall, about 70% of the population in Germany rides a bike regularly – and around one in five people cycle every day.
Australia
It’s not just in Europe that bikes are becoming a more frequent method of transport. in Australia 15% of the population (almost 4million people) ride a bike at least once a week, and one in four at least once a month.
Most of these rides aren’t to work – although the infrastructure is increasingly being put in place, notably in cities such as Perth, which has more than 700km of cycle lanes. Canberra also has a good reputation among cyclists.
However, Australians are more likely to cycle for recreational purposes – there is a strong racing culture across the country, which also extends to track racing.
New Zealand
If you are thinking of moving house to New Zealand, then Australia’s neighbour also scores well in the cycling stakes – but again, more for sport and recreation than for getting to work.
Mountain biking is one of the most popular sports in the country, thanks to the dedicated trails and the spectacular scenery that adorns the countryside. It’s been estimated (by the Bicycle Industry Association of New Zealand) that around four out of every five cycles sold are mountain bikes.
In terms of cities, historically Christchurch has the best reputation (and has been dubbed the cycling capital of New Zealand); the relatively flat city landscape helped people get on their bikes.
EU Removals with Hamiltons Removals
Hamiltons Removals can help if you want to move to France, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand – just call us on 01379 855203.
You can kick-start the whole process with one of our online video surveys if that’s more convenient for you.
If you’re not 100% sold on the cycling lifestyle and would like to take your own car with you, we can arrange that as well – we have been moving vehicles abroad for many years – for more details follow this link.