Moving day. Two words that can strike fear into even the calmest of homeowners.
Boxes piled high. Furniture that suddenly seems much bigger than you remembered. A van running late while everyone is waiting for the keys.
The good news is that choosing the right removals company can eliminate much of that stress before moving day even arrives. A little preparation and asking the right questions can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.
Book your removals company as early as possible
As soon as you have a confirmed moving date, start contacting removal firms.
Leaving it until the last minute often means fewer options, less flexibility and potentially higher costs. If your moving date is flexible, consider a midweek move, as these are often more affordable than Fridays or weekends.
Ask for recommendations before searching online
Personal recommendations are invaluable. Friends, family and neighbours who have recently moved can often point you towards a reliable company.
If you don’t have anyone to ask, spend time reading genuine online reviews. Look for consistent feedback about reliability, communication and care with customers’ belongings rather than focusing solely on star ratings.
Make sure they’re a genuine removals company
A man-with-a-van service may seem like a cheaper option, but it’s worth checking exactly what you’re getting.
Ask whether they’re fully insured for removals and whether they have experience handling valuable or fragile items. Your belongings deserve professional care throughout the move.
Look for BAR membership
The British Association of Removers (BAR) sets high standards for its members.
Companies that belong to BAR follow a strict code of practice and offer additional consumer protections, including an advance payment guarantee and access to an independent dispute resolution service.
You can search for approved members through the BAR website.
Be honest about everything that’s moving
When requesting a quote, include everything.
That forgotten box in the loft, the furniture in the garage and the contents of the shed all add time and space requirements. Accurate information leads to a more accurate quotation.
Mention any access challenges
Tell your removals company about anything that could affect the move, including:
- Narrow roads
- Limited parking
- Flights of stairs
- No lift
- Cellars or lofts
- Large or unusual items such as pianos
While these factors may affect the quotation, they’ll also help avoid delays or unexpected charges on moving day.
Arrange a proper survey
A home survey, whether in person or by video, almost always results in a more accurate quotation than a telephone estimate.
It allows the removals company to assess the volume of items, identify any access issues and provide a realistic price.
Check whether the quote is fixed or hourly
Always ask how you’ll be charged.
A fixed quotation offers certainty, while hourly rates can become expensive if the move takes longer than expected.
Understand the insurance cover
Before booking, ask about:
- Goods in transit insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Any limits or exclusions that apply
Knowing exactly what is covered provides valuable peace of mind.
Decide whether you need a packing service
Professional packing isn’t usually included as standard.
Although it increases the overall cost, it can save considerable time and helps ensure fragile belongings are packed safely by experienced professionals.
Get everything confirmed in writing
Your quotation should clearly state:
- What’s being moved
- Collection and delivery addresses
- Whether multiple trips are included
- Any additional charges
- The agreed moving date
Having everything documented helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Ask what happens if your moving date changes
Property transactions don’t always go exactly to plan.
Some removal companies will happily rearrange your booking, while others charge amendment or cancellation fees. Understanding the policy in advance avoids unpleasant surprises.
Remember that value matters more than price
The cheapest quotation isn’t always the best choice.
Experience, insurance, professionalism and customer service all contribute to a successful move. If you’ve found a removals company you trust, it’s often worth asking whether they can match or improve a competitor’s quotation.
Need a recommendation?
If you’re planning a move, we’re always happy to recommend trusted local removal companies, often at our clients’ preferred rates.
Estate Agency Done Ethically
Many people don’t trust estate agents, and we’re working hard to change that.
That’s why we’re proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN), an independent organisation that assesses its members against rigorous standards of honesty, service and community involvement.
We’re the only local estate agency to have achieved EAN accreditation, and we’re reassessed regularly to ensure those standards remain consistently high.
If you’re thinking about moving, we’d be delighted to help.
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