How to Choose a Removals Company: 10 Questions to Ask First
Most people book a removals company once every several years, on price alone, from a one-line quote. That is how moves go wrong.
The questions below take ten minutes and tell you almost everything about whether a company will turn up, work properly and cover you if something breaks.
The ten questions
- Is the quote fixed or hourly, and what exactly is included?
- What goods-in-transit and public liability cover do you hold, and what is the per-item limit?
- How many crew are coming, and what size vehicle?
- Is this a one-trip job for the volume I have described?
- Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture, and is that included?
- What happens if my completion is delayed on the day?
- Are blankets, straps, trolleys and floor protection provided as standard?
- Do you charge extra for stairs, long carries or parking distance?
- What is your cancellation and date-change policy?
- Can I see recent reviews from moves like mine?
Why the quote method matters most
An hourly quote with no cap is fine for a small, well-packed, easy-access move. On a completion day, when keys can land at 3pm, it transfers all the risk to you.
A fixed price based on a proper inventory means the company has taken responsibility for estimating the job correctly. If a company will not give one for a full house move, ask why.
Understanding removals insurance
Two things matter: goods-in-transit cover (your belongings while they are being moved) and public liability (damage to property or injury). Both should be stated in writing.
Check the per-item limit, not just the total. A £50,000 policy with a £500 per-item cap will not replace a high-value TV or an antique. Also check whether self-packed boxes are covered — with many insurers they are not.
Red flags
- A price given without any questions about volume, access or parking
- No written confirmation of what is included
- Cash-only, deposit-heavy demands with no invoice
- No verifiable company details, address or reviews
- A quote far below every other, which usually means a second trip or a revised price on the day
- Vague answers about insurance limits
How to compare quotes fairly
Give every company the same inventory and the same access details, then compare crew size, vehicle size, whether it is one trip, and what is included — not just the headline number.
Three quotes is usually enough. If one is dramatically cheaper, it is normally quoting a smaller job than the one you are actually asking for.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a removals company is legitimate?
Ask for written confirmation of goods-in-transit and public liability cover, check for verifiable company details and recent reviews, and make sure you receive a written quote setting out crew, vehicle and what is included.
Should I get a home survey before booking?
For anything larger than a two-bed, a video or in-person survey gives a far more accurate fixed price and removes the risk of the van being too small on the day.
How many removals quotes should I get?
Three is a sensible number, all based on the same inventory and access details so you are comparing like with like.
Are self-packed boxes covered by removals insurance?
Often not, or only for external damage. If you pack yourself, ask specifically how self-packed items are treated and consider professional packing for high-value or fragile things.