Guide to picking a removal company

It doesn’t matter whether you are moving down the street or across the country, the fact is, it is much less stressful when you choose the right removal company to move your belongings. Not surprisingly, as with any choice like this, it is not as straight forward as it may seem and you may be faced with options you didn’t even know existed. Read on to find out some of the things you need to consider, how you should prepare and what you should expect.

This blog aims to help you make the best decision when choosing a company to help you move from your current home to a new property. We all know that moving house can be one of the single most stressful things to do in life, and you need to plan and prepare so that you know you have made the best choice for you.

What type of mover do I need?

There are different types of movers who can do everything from pack every item you own to just help you move your larger pieces of furniture. You need to decide first whether you think you need a professional mover who will be with you through each stage of the process, or whether you just need someone to get you things from A to B. Obviously one option is more expensive but you pay for the service.

Professional Movers:

Professional movers can help you enormously especially if you have a lot of valuable items, need to move to meet a deadline or have a lot of possessions that will be hard to keep track of. They will literally take your items off the shelf into the box, into the van and back on the shelf in your new home. Obviously you pay for the service so this is by no means the cheaper option, but it may be worth it to avoid any unnecessary stress.

Choosing a reputable and experienced mover:

The first place you want to go when searching for a mover is the British Association of Removers (BAR). Here you will find members who are known for their experience, training, insurance and professionalism. The BAR has been around for more than a century and is the largest trade association for removers. Once you have founds the agency that these removers work through or created a shortlist, call around to discuss your specific requirements with each remover. Once you have a remover who suits your needs and is a member of BAR, then you should be good to go.

Preparing for the move:

In the build up to your moving date you need to seriously consider the services you may need. Like we have already mentioned, you can have your removal company pack all your belongings as well as move them. They can store them for a period of time between homes. They can provide you will packing materials. They basically do everything they can for you to tie up all your loose ends. Most importantly, you need to know how much each extra service will cost. You do not want to be lumbered with a giant bill that you weren’t expecting when you have moved into your new home. If you have a budget, research ways that you can save money on moving such as providing your own packing boxes, packing it yourself etc.

Don’t be fooled:

Let us let you in on a secret: sometimes things that seem to save money initially actually end up costing you more money. Hiring a company that claims to be the ‘best deal’ may seem cheaper in the short term but there may be long term costly affects as a result of using a less reputable company. Some problems you may be subject to are:

  • Let down at the last minute: Removal firm doesn’t show up on the moving date…
  • Inadequate vans: Some companies turn up with vans that won’t cope with your amount of belongings.
  • Untrained personnel: Having untrained movers may mean your furniture is damaged during the move. Depending on the furniture, it can be very costly to repair or replace.
  • Insurance: If your removal company doesn’t have insurance, you will not be covered for any damage to your furniture. You will have to pay for the damage yourself.

It is safe to say that choosing a removal company recognised on the BAR is vital and what level you choose beyond that is up to your needs. Are you in the process of selling or buying a home and in need of a removal service? Or have you just moved and have a story to share. Tell us below!


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