JamStorage wins Which Trusted Trader of the Month!

We are delighted that we have been awarded the Which Trusted Trader of the Month award! For March 2019. It is a great testament to the work and effort that is put in by the team at JamStorage. Which? Have high expectations of Which? Trusted Traders which is why their accreditation is held in such high esteem. Their main focuses are on client experience, reviews, workmanship and attitude. Ethics that are fundamental qualities intrinsic JamStorage that have been installed by Justin and Matt from the start.

To be chosen by the top and most well-known consumer watchdog in the country is an honour and we will like to thank our clients, and their amazing feedback as well as the whole team at JamStorage for their continued top level service.

Read why we were chosen here

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Having followed the growth and success of JamStorage, the Headteacher of Longdean School, Mr Graham Cunningham, contacted Matt and Justin, asking if they would return to the school to present the prizes at the annual Senior Presentation Evening that takes place in December.  They were humbled to be welcomed back for the event, 8 years after they had left school, and felt they had a duty to deliver a great speech with the right message to the current pupils.

They gave an inpiring speech about their time at Longdean and how this helped them shape their careers, and how they have grown from two guys and a van to employing nearly 40 people and carrying out moves around the UK and across the world.

Justin and Matt met at Longdean School and became friends when they were both Economics and Business students.  During their time there they decided that instead of going to university to learn more about the theory of business, they would just dive right in the practical experience.  With little money they looked for an industry with a low budget entry point. A removals company only required a van and a little manpower and so JamStorage was born.

Along the way they were given some valuable business insight from Sir Richard Branson, who told them he had found success by finding under-performing industry segments and shaking them up with innovation and great customer experience.  The removals industry was old fashioned, typically run by older men wary of new technology. The time was right for JamStorage to disrupt the status quo.

In 2016 Matt and Justin were awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Hertfordshire Business Awards.

The early days of JamStorage was a steep learning curve but any mistakes made along the way have served to make the business even stronger.   They told the students “Whether it’s school, work, business or just life in general, you will always make mistakes, but there are three things we have always sworn by; Admit it, learn from it and don’t repeat it.”

Matt also encouraged the students to step outside their comfort zone to get the best out of themselves. “Rather than stressing and bench-marking yourself against others, keep your head down, focus on your aspirations and you will start to form your own ideas and achieve what you want.  You might just be surprised at what you can do when you step out of your comfort zone.“

During the presentation evening Matt and Justin personally handed out over 150 awards including subject awards, trophies for Performing Arts, Sport, Music and Maths as well as presenting last year’s Year 13 students with their A Level certificates.  After the speech and prize-giving there was time to talk to the pupils and their parents and catch up with the teachers, many of whom had taught Justin and Matt.

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His bike has been a regular feature in the warehouse over the last few months, cycling to and from work and even taking his bike with him on a recent move to a Germany (pictured below) to ride in the evenings, committed to not waning from his training regime.

Whether he’s moved your family, you work with Dan or you’re simply a JamStorage fan, every donation counts, let’s see how much we can get Dan up to.

Read Dan’s story here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-peacock3

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Each of the Parliamentary Review’s editions focuses on a key governmental policy area, with a variety of organisations sharing personal insight alongside cabinet ministers, government agencies, associations and trade bodies.  This year’s review includes forewords by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP and the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP.  The aim of the Parliamentary Review is to highlight best practice from UK organisations of all sizes. and forms an indispensable guide to the industry, showing how leaders in the Transport sector have responded to political and economic challenges.

JamStorage took up the opportunity to publicise our history, growth and successes together with our company ethos and share it with the wide audience that the Parliamentary Review attracts.

The 3 page article explains how we have grown from a 2 man, 1 van local start up to the leading London removals and storage company with a team currently composed of 32 employees and 13 vehicles, in just 8 years. We take a responsible view of our employees and regard them as the business’s greatest asset, offering them internal training and progression. Many employees began as casual workers, quickly moving to become full time employees with guaranteed hours as the business has grown.

The training and skills developed in the removals industry are transferable to other markets, meaning we have been able to diversify into furniture store deliveries, logistics, commercial moves and fine art and antique shipping and storage.  This means that our business is not solely reliant on a volatile housing market or the future uncertainty that Brexit brings.

JamStorage has been diligent in keeping our fleet of vehicles up to date and we are ready for the introduction of the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019.  Other businesses not so prepared may be facing a substantial cost to update ageing and out of date fleets.

The article also details other innovations and advances JamStorage have made, especially our market-leading website and virtual survey technology,  as well as our investment in back office staff with international and European removal experience.

You can read the full article here:- http://www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/organisations/jamvans

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The Antiques Anonymous Flea Market is an extravaganza organised by the art and antique dealers of Church Street, Marylebone and Alfies Antique Market.  Now in its second year, it is a brilliant event that makes Church Street a focal point for vintage and design fans looking for unique items of jewellery, clothing and furniture.

JamStorage had been invited to attend  by one of the organisers Young & Sons who had seen our removal vans around London and know we have a great reputation for fine art and antiques shipping and moving.  This meant that all the successful buyers could relax knowing that their new purchases would be delivered safely and securely with delivery the same day or the following week depending on their requirements.

Four of the JamStorage crew arrived early and set up our stand.  We’d been allocated our very own security guard who kept us company and entertained us all day.  Luckily we’d brought the gazebo or we might have roasted in the sun.  Church Street itself has a wealth of history having hosted a market that started in the 1800s.  It has become an internationally renowned hub for antique shops and art galleries and is now the focus of one of Westminster Council’s regeneration plan.

The 80 antiques and art dealers who collaborated to create the market ensured there was a huge variety of unusual and rare quality, decorative items.  You can see some of the photos from the day on the Antiques Anonymous Facebook page.

Initially we were stacked high with crates, boxes, bubble wrap and export wrapping, but soon we had a steady stream of customers to wrap, pack and organise delivery of their precious antiques and artwork.  Some customers wanted delivery for later that day, and for others we utilised our storage with instructions to deliver later in the week.  We were also able to organise international delivery using our regular air and sea freight services, with full insurance, arranging import and export documentation and customs clearance.

Not only was there the massive range of contemporary designs, antique furniture, jewellery and clothing, but there was also entertainment with live music and exhibitions, and delicious artisan street food served from pop up stalls.  We had a great day, and even managed to watch the World Cup football as we’d pre-planned to stream it from our laptop.  The football was also shown in the local pubs The Traders Inn and Lord High Admiral, which only added to the great atmosphere!

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The virtual survey system is ideal for smaller home removals and means that you can walk us round your home and show us exactly what you want moved.  We can then calculate the volume, the number of men and vans it would need and how long it would take.  Then we can put together an accurate and competitive quote for your removal.

Many businesses in the home and real estate industries are now making use of virtual technology. Keylet Sales & Lettings have demonstrated this perfectly by using VR to provide viewings of properties through smartphones at any convenient time. It’s all about making the process easier.

We will still be having our surveyors out on the road visiting you in your home or office if you prefer, or if you have a large property or a more complex move, but these new virtual surveys are quick and efficient and you don’t even have to make us a cup of tea!

What do you need?

All you need is a smart phone and internet access.  We recommend using WiFi as it can use up quite a lot of your mobile data.

How does it work?

When you make a removal enquiry, our move co-ordinators will call you to first ascertain if a virtual survey or actual surveyor visit is more suitable, and then will book you in at a time that is convenient for you. If you opt for a virtual survey we need to know if you are using an Android phone or an i-Phone / i-Pad.

We’ll text you the link to the relevant app to download and install.  Once that is done we’ll call you at the designated time and conduct the survey.  It works a bit like a video conferencing call or Facetime.

We’ll ask you to walk us round your home, using your phone’s camera to show us all your belongings that you need to be moved to your new home, or into storage.  We’ll even ask you to show us what’s in your cupboards, garden and in your loft (where possible).  The JamStorage surveyors will be making detailed notes to enable them to put together your removal quote.  We’ll ask you lots of questions and then you’ll be able to show us the parking arrangements, so we can discuss any issues and solutions.

The move surveyors can also look with you via Google Streetview at the new property so we can see if there will be any access or parking issues that need to be addressed there.

From the survey we’ll be able to calculate what size vehicles we’ll need for your move, how many people should be on the move team, and how much packing materials you’ll need.

What are the benefits?

In our experience virtual surveys tend to be slightly quicker than normal surveys, but the real benefits lie in us being able to get your quote out much quicker as the surveyor is already at their desk ready to make a start on it as soon as they end the call with you.  We’ve been booking clients in just a couple of hours after we’ve first met!  It also means that we can quote for other areas of London where we don’t historically send our surveyors, so if you’re looking to move home into or out of London, we are the removal company for you!

What about packing?

Packing materials are included in all our quotes, but we do also offer a full packing service, so if you want to take some of the stress and effort out of a house or office move then just get us to carry out your packing too, assured that it will be to a professional standard.

What about storage?

If you aren’t able to move into your next property immediately, or you don’t want to take all of your belongings to your new home, we offer storage facilities. Find the full details here or just call us to discuss, or ask your surveyor.

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Without the work of Great Ormond Street Hospital, JamStorage would not have even been possible! Please donate anything you can – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=justinyates&pageUrl=1

We will update on Sunday with how Justin gets on, or track him on the day on the Virgin Marathon website/app, number ‘40057’.

“I was born with ai???bilateral congenital talipes equinovarusai??i?? (bit of a mouthful!), more commonly known as club feet or crippled. Both my feet were twisted and pointing inwards on their sides hence the term ai???clubai??i?? like that of a golf club.Ai?? Without surgery I would have been unable to walk and in a wheel chair for life. The extent of my club feet was quite severe and required 2 operations at birth, with a further operation at 11 years old.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) were the only hospital that had knowledge, necessary resources and doctors to do what was needed so I could walk. They continued to support me on a regular basis right through my childhood up to 16, and for that I am forever indebted.

Whilst I can run, itai??i??s going to be a big challenge. Despite the amazing work GOSH has done to my feet, they are by no means perfect. Most won’t realise Iai??i??m a pain on daily basis. Even with usual daily activities they hurt due to the deterioration of the ankle joints, and so itai??i??s really a case of running the marathon now or never!Ai?? Both training and running the marathon is going to be super tough but Iai??i??m ready for the challenge!!”

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We’re delighted to have taken on 4 new crew members and purchased 2 new Luton vans to enable us to cater for the increased number of bookings we’re receiving.

There’s also been a big rise in our European removals and USA removal services. We have a team of experienced European and US move co-ordinators who will take you through the process and determine the right service for your needs and budget. Whether it’s a dedicated service using our own team to take your possessions straight from your home directly to your new house in Europe, or a more budget-friendly groupage service where we combine loads to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, we’ll help you find the right service for you. Which ever service you opt for the level of care and experience is the same, but the groupage service requires some flexibility on the dates and time of the move.

Our storage levels are at their highest ever too. With storage facilities in both Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and Park Royal, London you can be sure your possessions are in safe hands. So if you don’t have room for all your belongings, or are in temporary accommodation while you find the perfect new home, we can keep hold of your furniture for as long as you need.

We also have the exciting news that we have introduced our new operations manager to the business. This role is in place to ensure everything is kept organised and that all moves and services that we provide run smoothly. It also provides and extra level of care to our employees and ensure that our high standards are being met at all times.

The last six months have led to some fantastic developments at JamStorage with new office premises, growing the office and the removals teams, and meeting and working for all the new fantastic clients that have come on board.

We ca’t wait for what more 2018 can bring! If you are looking to move home soon, give us a call on 0208 166 1665 or contact us now to get a quote.

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Why is moving house stressful for a child?

Children tend to worry about different things from adults. The children won’t be thinking of the practicalities of managing the house move or the expense, they are going to worried about leaving their friends, their school, their safe, familiar environment and starting new schools and not having any friends.

To make this easier it’s important to acknowledge and talk about their fears so they know it’s normal. At all times be positive and upbeat so they get reassurance from you that it’s going to all be okay.

Talk about moving house early with children so that they have plenty of time to get used to the idea and to ask questions if they want to. Highlight all the positive reasons for the move and the benefits it will bring – this could be closer to family, nicer area, a garden, new friends – make it an adventure for all of you!

Tell them all about their new home, their bedroom, and take them to see the house and new area if possible. If you can visit the area focus on all the fun places there are to visit – parks, sports centre, tourist attractions etc.

With the power of social media and your friends it may be possible to meet other people with similarly aged children in your new area, or even from their new school, before you move so they can get to know someone in advance.

Talk to the new school, provide background information about your child and their school career. It might be possible to meet the teachers, so they can get up to speed with your child.

Both before and after the house move you can expect your child to act in all sorts of unusual ways. In young children there is often some sort of behavioural regression – thumb sucking, wetting, clinginess, baby talk. Other children may use ways to exert some control such as refusing to eat, being uncooperative, or have trouble sleeping, become angry or aggressive or develop headaches or stomach aches.

These are all normal signs of stress in children, so ensure they have time to talk and spend time with you.

How different aged children react to moving house

The younger the child the easier the stress is handled as very young children usually just need the presence of their parent or well loved adult to feel reassured. Use simple explanations and storybooks to prepare a young child for the move.

When their toys are being packed make sure you explain that it’s just to keep them safe while they are going to the new house so your child doesn’t think they are being taken away.

School aged children have very obvious concerns with regards to their new school and making new friends. It’s important to go and see the school, if possible, so they can get a feel for the place. The school may also offer some introductions to other families in the area. Often moving school is much less stressful than everyone imagines as the children in the new school are usually very curious and keen to make friends with the new child, and teachers are very good with helping new children feel included and part of the class.

Again there are books about families moving that help children process the situation.

Teenagers and older children usually understand more fully the need for moving, but the move often has larger consequences as their friendships are more important and have taken longer to cultivate. Quite quite often most of their life revolves round their friends and any clubs they are part of. It’s a more difficult time to start a new school too. The only way to help with this is to keep listening to their concerns and help them to find solutions. It can help for them to keep a diary or journal as a way to work through their concerns.

Before you move you could hold a leaving party so everyone can say good-bye properly. Take plenty of photos and swap contact details so the children know they can keep in touch (and you can too!).

Remember that moving house is usually done for a good reason and with a lot of communication and planning it can be a positive experience for the whole family. It can results in you learning more about your children, and your children becoming more resilient and independent.

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Many people decide to downsize because their current home is too big for their requirements, but there are many other reasons to downsize including:-

• Maintaining, repairing, cleaning and the costs of your home are too onerous
• Moving into retirement homes
• To fund long term care
• To free up equity to invest in something else
• Provide a deposit for a childai??i??s first home
• To lower your mortgage payments if you need extra money.

Downsizing isnai??i??t an easy option, the practicalities of moving to a smaller home and shedding all the ai???stuffai??i?? youai??i??ve accumulated, plus severing the emotional ties to your home can be very hard, however, it is often the most obvious solution. Downsizing may seem like the logical step and have significant benefits, but itai??i??s a huge financial and emotional decision to make and there is a lot to consider.

When thinking about downsizing remember that there are also costs involved in selling your home and buying a new one. These include the estate agent fees, solicitors fees, stamp duty, removal costs and any storage you require.

Estimating these costs helps you decide how much you can afford when looking for your new home and how much you need to sell your existing property for to make it worthwhile.

Investigate how much to downsize by ai??i?? it may not be cost effective to compete with first-time buyers and you may not get as much house for your money.

What about downsizing with a family?

Often downsizing is triggered after children have left home, but sometimes the family will be coming too.Ai?? In these circumstances even more has to be considered.Ai?? Where will your children go to school and if they stay at their existing schools will the cost and length of the journey have an effect? Where is your work and will your journey times and costs increase?

You shouldnai??i??t see downsizing with your family as a poor move, a smaller home can create a greater family spirit and tighter family bond in a cosy and comfortable home.

What do you need in your new property

Can you find a property in your price range that has everything that essential for your lifestyle? If you have hobbies or interests that need a garden or a spare room can you downsize to a suitable property? Will there be room for entertaining (if thatai??i??s what gives you pleasure)?Ai?? Will there be room for the family or guests if you envisage having them to stay, or is there a reasonably priced local hotel visitors could stay in?

You may not find the perfect property immediately, so rented accommodation may be an option while you are looking for your next home.Ai?? If you need to store your belongings while you are in between properties JamStorage offer flexible storage solutions that are invoiced weekly so you never pay for longer than you need.

Consider the other practicalities of your new property for now and the future ai??i?? stairs, accessibility, is the garden manageable? Is the location suitable if, in the future, you can no longer drive?

The Chance to Move to a New Region

If itai??i??s just you (and your partner) moving house you have the opportunity to be a little more adventurous where you move to – perhaps itai??i??s time to realise a dream of living in the country, or by the sea, but bear in mind the practicalities of the area for the future, especially as you get older.

You may also be downsizing in order to move to a cheaper region, perhaps a different part of London, or out of London.Ai?? Use the internet and your estate agent to find out everything you can about the area to make sure it meets your requirements and your expectations..

Once you have considered all the aspects of downsizing your London property you need to be able to answer 2 questions:-

1. Does it improve your financial situation?
2. Will you be happy with the move?

If the answer to both these questions is ai???yesai??i?? then you know that you are ready to sell up and put in an offer on your new property.Ai?? And when you get to that stage, be sure to contact JamStorage to handle your removal with care and efficiency!

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