Questions to Ask Your Removal Company

Finding the right removal company is an important part of your home move. When looking at firms, there are many questions you can ask to ensure they suit your needs, such as the cost of the removal company, what services they provide and how they can accommodate your needs.

As one of the leading removal companies in the UK, Britannia Movers International has put together a list of some of the most important questions to ask your removal company.

Will they do a pre-move survey?

A reputable removals company will offer a free pre-move survey. This will consist of sending a member of staff to your home to analyse your moving needs. Sometimes, this survey can also be done via video call if you prefer, for ease and convenience.

The pre-move survey should allow your removals company to establish how big the move will be, so they can plan and prepare what they’ll need to provide in terms of staffing and equipment. It’s also a chance for you to discuss if you need any additional services, such as storage or packing.

After the survey, you should ask for a full written quote for what has been discussed.

Can they offer storage?

Many removal companies may be able to offer short-term, or even long-term storage in case you want to get certain items out of the way while you move. If they don’t provide it themselves, they may be able to suggest a trusted partner that offers storage solutions.

Britannia Movers International can provide a range of storage options, including long-term and short-term storage, and self-storage and container storage. We can help you find the right storage options for your needs.

Do they supply packing materials?

Most removal companies should be able to provide you with packing material. Of course, you’re welcome to get your packing materials elsewhere, but getting them from your professional removal company should help to keep your belongings safe and protected while they’re being moved.

Many removal companies will be able to provide different sizes of boxes, as well as packing paper or bubble wrap, and padded bags for fragile items, if required. Speak to your removal company about exactly what they can provide, how much it will cost and when they will be able to deliver the material to you so you can start packing.

What removal van sizes can they provide?

You should ask your removal company about the types of removal vans they have. If you’re moving a large load and the company only has small vans, it will likely take longer to move. If they can only provide large vehicles and your route requires driving down narrow roads, this could also cause an issue.

When discussing vehicle sizes, make sure the removal company knows the details, such as access restrictions to your home or new place, any parking issues (i.e. will parking suspensions need to be arranged in advance of the move) and how much you will be moving. This should be covered in the pre-move survey if your removal company conducts one.

Are there any items they can’t move?

If you have dangerous goods that need moving, you should check whether your insurance company is able to move them. Often, due to health and safety requirements, removal companies might not be able to move certain goods, and you will have to move them yourself. This could include flammables, corrosives and firearms.

If you have any items that you think might cause a problem, be sure to bring it up with your removal company so they can confirm. Or, check the terms and conditions that your removal company will provide you with, here items not to be included for carriage should be listed.

What extra services do they offer?

You should ask your removal company if they offer any additional services that can help to make your move easier for you. For example, Britannia Movers International offers a professional packing service, where our trained staff pack your items for you. This can give you added peace of mind that your belongings will be safe while they’re being transported.

Britannia Movers International has also partnered with TransferMyBills to offer a simple change of address service. They can notify your utility providers that you’ll be moving and give them your new address, help to streamline your change of address process and even suggest more competitive alternative providers.

What’s included in the quote?

You should make sure you know exactly what’s included in the final quote that’s provided by the removal company. This will ensure you’re not hit with any surprise fees down the line.

You should check whether you’ll have to pay extra costs such as surcharges for heavy items, charges for late hour working, any costs for waiting/delays, plus things like parking, permits and fuel. If you’ve requested additional services such as packing and/or packing materials, you should make sure these are included in the quote.

How will they take payment?

You should confirm how your removal company will take payment and when they expect to be paid. Most reputable removal companies will take payment by card or bank transfer – you should be wary of companies that will only take cash.

Some removal companies will request a deposit to secure your slot and then request final payment of the balance just before the first day of your move. Some companies may be prepared to allow payment of the balance post-move, so discuss this well in advance to see if this is an option. Whether you have paid up front or purely paid a deposit, check that the removal company has an advanced payment guarantee. BAR companies will automatically belong to an advanced payment guarantee scheme to provide you with peace of mind.

What’s the cancellation policy?

When buying and selling homes, you can often encounter delays or cancellations, with sales falling through. You should discuss with your removal company what their cancellation policy is in the event that you need to cancel your moving day or reschedule.

What certifications do they have?

It can be helpful to check your removal company’s certifications to ensure they’re a reputable and accredited firm.

Britannia Movers International has all noteworthy industry memberships and certifications including the BAR – the British Association of Removers, FIDI, FAIMplus, BSI, ISO and IAM.  These all help us to keep to our high standards and best practice regulations, ensuring your move goes smoothly. You can find out more about Britannia’s certifications here.

Do they have insurance?

You should ask if your removal company offers suitable insurance to cover your belongings while they’re being transported and in the care of the firm. Most removal companies will have some level of cover, normally provided as a separate charge, depending on the sum insured and the type of cover requested.

Britannia offers a range of insurance options so you can rest assured that your valued items are safe with us.

What do their customers say about them?

Finally, you should look at customer reviews and testimonials, to see what people who have dealt with the removal company first-hand have to say about them. You can use independent sites such as Trustpilot, Google Reviews and Removal Reviews to see what people have to say about the removal company you’re dealing with.

Britannia is proud to have a 4.6 rating on both Trustpilot and Google Reviews, a testament to the high-quality service we strive to provide for all of our customers. You can read more testimonials from our customers here.

If you’re moving home, contact Britannia Movers International for reliable and efficient removal services. You can find your nearest removal office or get a quote using our online form for an idea of the cost.