How To Choose a Removal Company

Moving home can be a nerve-wracking process. When moving your treasured belongings, you want to make sure you hire a firm you can trust. It's easy to research 'removals companies near me' and start endlessly scrolling. But how can you feel confident that you've chosen the right removals team?

We only recommend companies we trust will provide quality service at every stage of your moving process. We also carefully assess who can join our panel so you can have a stress free, cost effective international move.

When you receive your list of removals quotes, the removals companies will contact you regarding the service you require. Here's what to look at, and what to ask when you're choosing a removals service.

Check the removals company's feedback

We offer you unbiased reviews of the removals companies we have recommended about the their good customer service. By reading feedback from other customers you can feel assured that the company you pick will provide a great service.

Ask for a removals survey

Your removal company should visit you to survey the job prior to your move and provide a binding quote. By doing this, they can assess the volume of items that need to be moved. They can also investigate any access issues with your property.

Be honest about the number of possessions you plan to move. Otherwise, the company may arrive unprepared on moving day. Some moving companies may do a virtual walkthrough using video calling, which can be quicker and easier. Just be sure you show them everything!

Check removals insurance details

It’s a good idea to ask all potential removal companies about insurance they have for goods in transit. This will help give you peace of mind that your belongings will be covered. You can also discover if you must arrange extra cover with your own insurance company.

Payment options

Find out how the company would like to be paid. Be dubious of firms who insist only on a cash-in-hand payment or a sizeable cash deposit. Reputable removal companies should be able to accept payment by credit/debit card and cheques as well as cash.

Parking

Ask them about their policies for dealing with parking permits both at your home and the new destination. If they are unable to sort this out, it will be an extra item to add to your to-do list. 

Delays policy

Make sure you ask for their policy regarding delays. Some removals firms charge extra for each hour of delay, which can often be out of your control. This is especially if you are waiting for your solicitor to inform you that your property transaction is complete.

Packing boxes and extra services

Many removal companies will lend packing boxes, which could save you a lot of money, so it is worth enquiring about. You also may wish to enquire whether they have a service to disassemble and reassemble flat-pack furniture. They may also un-plumb things like washing machines and dishwashers.

Complaints procedure

Ask them what their procedure would be should you need to make a complaint. Some firms have a membership with a removals trade association or organisation. An example of this would be the British Association of Removers (BAR). These organisations have dispute resolution procedures in place to resolve any matters that have given you cause for complaint.

All the removal companies we have on reallymoving are signed up to our Ombudsman Scheme. to help resolve any complaints you may have if your move does not go to plan.

Uniformed staff

A sure sign of a professional removal company is uniformed staff. If the company you use has provided uniforms for their staff, it will be easier for you to identify them.

A personable approach

Lastly, but not least – does your first contact at the removals company seem friendly? If you are handing over all your worldly goods to one company, it is important that you feel you can trust them. Equally, a house move can be a difficult experience. So, choosing a removal company that makes you feel at ease will go a long way towards reducing your stress levels on moving day.

Selecting an overseas removal firm

When choosing a removal company for an international move, it's important to plan well in advance of your moving date. You must ensure that there's time to complete extra tasks in addition to the above considerations before moving overseas.

When moving abroad, you should give yourself plenty of time ahead of your move to research overseas removal companies. You should receive initial quotes from a number of firms and check their feedback.

Starting the process as soon as possible will give you time to compare quotes. It will also give you the opportunity to get to know the companies in advance. You can also get a sense of the level of service they offer. This should help you choose a removal company with greater certainty.

It's important that any potential international removal company provides you with a pre-move survey. All reputable removal companies will offer this service. During the survey, you can ask the firms about customs requirements. You can also ask about the insurance they offer and any additional services you may need, such as packing.

It is best to use a professional export wrapping service for your overseas move. A good international removal company will offer you this option.

Most international removals insurance will only cover your goods if they are packed by the removals company. For customs purposes, all items need to be correctly entered onto your inventory. This is created during the packing process.

Export wrapping and packing is essential to ensure that your items are as safe from damage as possible. A good international removals company will have staff that have been trained in this skill. They'll also have the specialist packing materials required.

The friendliness and responsiveness of a company is an equally important factor when choosing a removal company. Don’t underestimate the importance of feeling at ease with the company that will be transporting all your belongings. This is especially true considering you're moving to another country.

Choosing a removals firm is an important part of when you move house. Take the time to do the research and feel confident that you've picked the right removals company for you.

Updated November 2023