Moving house is often an exciting time. With the thrill of a new home ahead, you will want to ensure the move is as seamless as possible. Before you commit, it’s worth understanding typical house removal costs so you can ask the right questions and budget effectively. With this in mind, it is essential that you find the right removal company for your needs.
Curious about what removal companies do? One of the best ways to do this is to ask your removal company relevant questions. This way you can decide if their services are right for you. Whether it’s on the phone or during the home removal survey, there are plenty of opportunities to ask the removal company questions. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask.
1. Do They Have Insurance?
One of the most important questions to ask your removal company is if they are insured. You should never use a company that operates without removals insurance.
If you have particularly valuable items, you should ask how much their insurance covers. In cases of high-value items, you may need to consider additional removals insurance.
Don't be afraid to ask for a copy of their insurance policy - most companies will happily let you see it. Rest assured, Compare My Move only works with removal companies that have both Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance in place.
2. Will They Conduct a Home Removals Survey?
The purpose of a home removal survey is to provide an accurate quote. It also allows the removals team to inspect the house, so that they can prepare for the move in advance.
The survey involves an inspection of the items being moved and access to and within the home. They will also consider any specific requirements you may have. You should not be charged for this visit. However, it is advised to take this into consideration when booking a removal company. Read more on our guide on when to book a removal company.
If you're moving offices, it's especially important to ask your office relocation company this. This is to ensure they account for all heavy office equipment and stock to get an accurate quote.
3. What Size Vehicle Will They Use?
Depending on how much you need to move, the size of their removal van is important. A small van aiming to pack up a 3-bed house is going to take multiple trips and much more time. However, this vehicle will be better suited to areas with narrow lanes.
Removal companies can determine how big the van will need to be when they first survey your house. Regardless, they should know the size of their fleet and how many trips they'll need.
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4. Are There Any Items They Won’t Take?
Before the move, you should check if there are items the removal company won't transport. These include perishable food and dangerous items. This may vary between companies but most removal firms will not take the following:
Firearms and ammunition
Car batteries
Propane Cylinders
Motor oil
Petrol
Lighter fluid
Paints and paint thinner
Oxygen bottles
5. Are Their Staff Regularly Trained?
Highly-trained staff is a sign of a professional and reliable company. Some of the best moving companies regularly train staff to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest removal techniques. Companies also train staff in the latest technology and new packing methods.
It is also worth checking that their staff are trained and experienced in your move size and type. This ensures they are fully prepared for your move.
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
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Used by over 1.8m UK movers
6. Are They Members of Any Regulatory Bodies?
Although not mandatory for removal companies, being a member of a regulatory body is often a sign of a professional firm.
Check if the removal company is a British Association of Removers (BAR) member. This can provide reassurance that their company is reputable as BAR members are held to high standards. This is also the case for members of the Association of Independent Movers (AIM) and Move Assured.
7. What Other Services Do They Offer?
Most removal companies provide a range of extra services beyond standard loading and transport. These can include:
- Packing services: Ideal for protecting fragile or valuable items
- White glove delivery: Specialist handling for delicate belongings
- Storage solutions: Short or long-term options, with average UK costs of around £23.94 per square foot
If you need additional help, let your removal company know as early as possible so they can plan ahead. Packing services are usually carried out the day before your move, giving you extra peace of mind that everything is safe and ready to go.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
8. What Does Their Quote Include?
Following the survey, if one is conducted, the removal company should be able to provide you with a quote. Some may do so from a description of your goods.
Always check that there are no unexpected fees at the end of the moving process. Check whether packing and packing materials are included and if not, how much it costs. Ask the company if they can provide a breakdown of what is and is not included in their quote.
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
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Used by over 1.8m UK movers
9. When is Payment Expected?
Ask your removal company whether payment is due in advance or on moving day, and confirm which payment methods they accept. Most will take card or bank transfer, but it’s worth keeping some cash handy if you’d like to tip the crew.
In most cases, especially with BAR-accredited companies, payment in full is required before the move. This is standard practice and ensures you’re protected by the advance payment guarantee.
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
Insured, professional companies
Used by over 1.8m UK movers
10. Do They Charge for Waiting Time?
Be aware that some removal companies will charge you if there are delays - it can even be as much as £50 per hour. It’s important to ask your removal company in advance whether this will occur.
If you are buying and selling properties, there can often be delays with solicitors on moving day. With this in mind, it’s important to know whether this could affect the move and price.
11. What is Their Cancellation Policy?
During the sale and purchase of a home, delays can occur which may force you to cancel or postpone the moving date.
Understanding a moving company’s policy is important as they may charge for cancellations. This should be stated in their Terms & Conditions.
12. What Happens During Poor Weather?
It’s important to know how they prepare for working in bad weather conditions. This includes what equipment they have access to and what conditions they can work under.
It’s unlikely that a reputable company will cancel a job in the event of bad weather. Only torrential rain or a severe storm will usually affect the success of a relocation. However, it’s always important to ask beforehand what their procedure is in these cases.
Save on Your Removals With Compare My Move
Now you know what to ask a removal company, it’s time to find the perfect team to direct these questions to.
Save both time and money by using Compare My Move. Simply fill out our quick and easy form to get connected with up to 6 removal companies near you.
This way you can compare removal quotes and services offered. Always check what the quote includes and when payment is required.
