Client: Private Homeowner
Location: Bridgwater, Somerset
Sector: Emergency Removal & Storage
Service: Emergency Flood Damage Removal, Packing & Storage
Programme: Early Spring 2023 – 15 Weeks Storage
Company: Now We’re Moving
Project Overview
In early spring 2023, Now We’re Moving responded to an emergency flood damage removal request from a distressed family in Bridgwater. The call came late in the evening from a homeowner whose property had been overwhelmed by flood water. Her urgent plea was simple – to bring a crew and vans first thing in the morning to help save her belongings, many of which held deep sentimental value.
Despite already having a busy schedule, we rearranged resources to ensure a crew was available. By 5.30am our team had left the yard, arriving at the property by 6.45am to begin the rescue operation.
Scope of Works
The property, a small cottage, had been submerged in approximately 8 inches of water, which had only subsided slightly overnight. The family had managed to move much of the furniture upstairs, but many items remained at risk.
Our team’s role was to:
- Load and transport two Luton vans worth of furniture and goods
- Pack 30 boxes of household items for secure removal
- Protect salvageable furniture and belongings for storage
- Safely dispose of items too damaged to recover
- Store saved belongings at our secure facility for 15 weeks, before returning them once the property was repaired
Challenges and Solutions
- Flood Conditions – With flood water still on the ground floor, the team worked in wellies – an unusual but necessary measure to safely navigate the property.
- Unsuitable Access for Larger Furniture – Some larger items, including a four-seater sofa, couldn’t be moved upstairs due to the narrow staircase and had already suffered significant damage. These items had to be carefully removed and responsibly disposed of.
- Flood-Damaged Furniture – Several pieces of furniture were unsalvageable, including:
- Sofa and footstool
- Two large sideboards
- Kitchen cupboards and plinths
- Two carpets and laminate flooring
- Urgent Timescale – With water damage worsening by the hour, we had to act quickly. Our experienced team prioritised high-value and sentimental items, ensuring they were packed and protected for storage as a first priority.
Client Experience
For the family, this was an extremely distressing situation. Our ability to respond at such short notice, arriving at first light with the manpower and equipment needed, gave them immediate reassurance. By swiftly removing and securing their belongings, we allowed them to focus on repairing their home rather than worrying about losing everything.
The client was especially grateful for the empathy shown by our team and the flexibility in diverting resources to help at a moment’s notice.
Outcome
Now We’re Moving successfully salvaged and stored the family’s belongings for 15 weeks while their property underwent renovation. Once the works were complete, all stored items were safely delivered back to the relieved and thankful homeowners.
This case highlights our ability to deliver not just scheduled removals, but also emergency response removals, where compassion, speed, and efficiency are as important as professional handling and safe storage.
Contact Us Now
If you ever need help in an emergency – whether from flood damage, fire, or an urgent relocation – you can rely on us.
Call Now We’re Moving today on 01225 684514 to speak with our team.
