If you’ve ever moved house, you know that it can be difficult to find a trustworthy and competent removal company. Just as it is for all tradespeople, there are many to choose from, with choices ranging from larger companies found all over the UK to small, independent businesses. So if you’re in need of professional help with moving, how can you make sure you pick the right company? This guide will show you how to find a moving company that matches your needs and preferences.
Make an inventory of your items
Before you start your search for a removal company, you should take a look at the items around your house. Walk through each room one by one and make a list of the items you will definitely bring with you to your new house. In the end, you can combine these lists into an inventory. Do you have a lot of items? Are there any particularly large or heavy pieces of furniture? Do you have any fragile or antique items that need extra care? Having a clear idea of which items you’ll bring is necessary to assess whether you need a removal company in the first place.
Ask for personal recommendations
If you do need help from professional movers, then it’s time to start asking for recommendations from friends, families, and coworkers. Not only will this help you get started on your search and narrow down your options, you can get first-hand stories from people who have actually worked with that company. Asking people you know might not always get you recommendations only, but also warnings about some low-quality removal companies. Use these recommendations and warnings to start your search.
Know what affects removal costs
An important step in your hunt for a great removal company is to inform yourself of the factors that affect removals. The time and money it takes to complete a move depend on several things. Some of these include the total volume of items you have and any extra services you request, such as packing or cleaning. Knowing these factors puts you in a better position to evaluate reliable moving companies as well as negotiation. You’ll have a better idea of a reasonable estimate for your move.
Take your search online
Sometimes, the recommendations from your friends, family, and coworkers might leave you wanting. If so, you should expand your search by looking online for removal companies that operate in your area. You have access to so much information on businesses, such as websites, online forums, and reviews. Carefully read through comments and reviews that others have made. Also, trustworthy companies should have plenty of their information online so you can easily evaluate them.
Compare multiple quotes
Hopefully by now, you’ll have a few removal companies that have caught your eye. The next step is to start contacting them and telling them about your situation. Even though you’ve narrowed down your choices to these select few companies, it may still be difficult to differentiate between them. This is where comparing their quotes and services comes in. By gathering multiple price offers and placing them side by side, it’ll be easier to determine which company is right for you. There are many sites, like this one, that make it easy to contact several companies at once, saving you plenty of time and money.
Ask all the questions
Once you decide to contact a select number of removal companies, it’s always a good idea to gather as much information from them as possible. After all, you’ll be entrusting your prized possessions to these movers. You know that a moving company is reliable and capable if they are happy and able to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like these:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they part of any removal trade organisations?
- Can they provide a clear, detailed moving schedule?
- Will they assign a moving coordinator to be your point of contact?
- Do they maintain their equipment to be sure they are in good shape?
- Do their movers have specialised training?
- What is included in their quoted price?
- What types of insurance do they offer?
By following these steps and being thorough, you’ll be able to find the right removal company for you. With honest, skilled, and experienced movers by your side during this chaotic time, you’ll not only save money, but also a lot of stress and headaches along the way.
