Why use a removals company – a quick guide

So you have found a property, made an offer and the legal checks are progressing. The next step is to start thinking about moving your belongings. Moving house can be the most stressful part of the buying process as you’ll need to gather and pack your items at the best possible time (you don’t want to pack the kettle until the last minute!). When the moving process comes around, you’ll typically have two options. You either move your items yourself or you employ a removals company to do it for you. Your preferred option will no doubt depend on several things such as:

• How much time you have to commit to the move
• Your budget
• The amount of stuff you have
• How far you are moving

Many movers find it appealing to choose the most cost effective option when it comes to removals. After all, the process for moving your belongings should be the same regardless of the company you choose? However, it is common for people to get caught out by removal companies who turn out to be unreliable, charge extras that weren’t fully detailed, or damage your items when moving. So, if you decided that the best option for you is to employ a professional, this short guide should assist in showing you how to choose the best removals company for your needs. As well as some of the questions you need to ask to ensure your move is a smooth one.

Important questions to ask a removals company

Choosing a reliable and professional removals company can be a challenge. So to help we have listed some questions to ask to help find a reliable company:

• Most reputable moving firms will provide a pre-move survey to assess the amount of possessions and discuss your removal requirements. If a survey is not provided, we recommend this is asked for.
• You should ask for their insurance details, and ask them to confirm what is and isn’t included.
• You will want to check their availability, and check if they have a cancellation policy.
• You should ask what their payment terms are, if a deposit is required, or if payment is in full before or after completion.
• You should also ask if there are any hidden fees or extras. Some companies will charge additional fees for items such as: heavy furniture, parking permits, assembling and disassembling furniture and late hour charges.

Asking these questions should help you select the right company for your needs. However, as well as asking questions, we recommend you also check the company’s online feedback and reviews. Feedback from previous customers is a great way to check a company’s performance. Looking at independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google, should help you gauge the companies past performance.

Conclusion

When hiring a professional to assist you with your moving process, ensure that you do your research, obtain several quotes, and check previous reviews. You will want to get a removal company booked in plenty of time ahead of your proposed move. Although it may feel like a long time away, getting this booked in early can reduce the stress and avoid late booking fees.