Questions to ask your removals firm
There are some dreadful horror stories about removals firms. Here is some basic information to ask your removals firm to ensure you do not become a victim on your moving day.
Always ask the removals firm to send a surveyor round to confirm the volume of your possessions to be moved (don’t hide anything!). You should not be charged for this visit.
Are their staff trained? Who by? (The BAR and the National Guild of Removers and Storers run training programmes which can be attended by removals firms).
Are their staff uniformed?
Ask for a full written quotation and a fixed price.
Ask the company what size vans and lorries they have. You do not want to have to wait whilst small vans are loaded/moved and then unloaded. One large pantechnicon should be available if appropriate.
Ask to see details of their insurance. Check that you don’t need to supplement this if you have some precious items that their insurance doesn’t cover during the move. Many household contents insurance do not cover standard household items in transit.
Ask your removals firm if they supply packing boxes, and how many boxes they will bring in advance? Some will sell you sets of packing boxes; some will be able to provide them as part of the move. Always ask for double walled as these are stronger, get plenty of tape and arm yourself with a small cutter to open the boxes at the other end. Many firms also have special book boxes or wine racks.
Check that the removals firm has a good supply of moving equipment: SatNav to locate your new home quickly, blankets to wrap large furniture, hanging wardrobes, mattress covers etc. These pieces of equipment can make the difference between a bad and a good move.
Ask to see the removals VOSA number. If a removal involves operating a goods vehicle above a certain weight, they will need to hold an operator's licence issued by the Traffic Commissioners.
Get a landline and a full address (not a PO Box). Cowboy removals firms usually only operate from a mobile phone.
How would the company like to be paid? Cowboy removals firms insist on cash payment. Most reputable removals firms will take credit cards or cheques.
Will the movers who work on your move be casual, contractors or are they fully employed? Casual workers are less inclined to worry about your possessions or feel responsible for the job.