5 tips for choosing the right removal company

1. Check their credentials

To check that a removal company is up to the job, find out if they are endorsed by reputable organisations such as the British Association of Removers (BAR). You should also see if they are featured in the Which? Trusted Traders guide. These organisations have very strict criteria and assessment processes, and are great indicator of professional removal firms with a wealth of experience. To be sure you’ve made the right choice, ask the removal company to provide references and find how long they have been trading for.

2. Be wary of hidden costs

Transparent costs and communication indicate a reputable removal company. However, look out for hidden costs, and choose a company that’s very clear about what is and isn’t included in its quote. If in doubt, ask for a breakdown of fees, including packing materials, insurance and mileage. The best removal companies will be happy to oblige and will be clear from the start.

For an extra cost, plenty of removals companies provide packing and unpacking services, and will dismantle and re-assemble of valuable items and antiques for you. Always discuss things such as the length of the moving process and the number of people who’ll need to be involved, to get the true cost you’ll be expected to pay before you sign anything.

3. Opt for a ‘hands-on’ approach

A good removal company will visit you personally to provide an accurate quote, instead of giving you a generic price over the phone or via email. If your home has difficult access, such as narrow hallways or a long, steep driveway, this may affect the cost, so it’s best that your removal company is hands-on from the word go, so that you avoid unexpected bills.

4. Make sure they have good insurance

Before booking a removal company, check what type of insurance cover they have. Do you research and find out if any specific, high-value items aren’t covered. If your belongings aren’t covered by the removal company, ensure your valuables or any breakable items are covered separately, and make sure you know how long you have to make a claim if anything is damaged. Also check to see If your belongings are covered in case they need to stay in the removals van overnight, and speak to the removal company to see how secure their van is.

5. Get impartial recommendations from friends and family

If your friends, family or colleagues have moved house recently, ask which removal firm they used and find out what they really thought of the service they received. Make sure you cross-reference any recommendations with online reviews and the removal company’s own website, to come to your own informed decision about which to choose. Compare My Move compares removals companies for price and reputation, while you could use Facebook’s ‘recommendations’ feature on local groups to ask for more advice.