What to watch out for when comparing removal firms.
Most removal companies do a perfectly good job, but the ones that cause problems tend to share a few warning signs. Here's what's worth checking before you book.
A price given over the phone or from an online form, with no one having actually seen what you own, is a guess. It's common for a "cheap" phone quote to balloon on the day once the crew sees how much is actually in the house — or for extra charges to appear for stairs, parking restrictions or items that need dismantling. A quote from an in-person visit is a quote you can actually rely on.
Ask specifically about Public Liability Insurance (covers damage to the property itself) and Goods in Transit insurance (covers your belongings while they're in the van). A reputable firm will tell you the level of cover without having to be chased for it, and will be able to show you the policy if asked.
A modest deposit to secure a date is normal. Being asked for the bulk of the payment well in advance of moving day is not — it removes your leverage if something goes wrong, and it's a pattern associated with firms that don't last.
Check for a proper business address, landline number and company registration — not just a mobile number and a social media page. If you can't find who you'd actually be dealing with if something went wrong, that's worth noting.
A handful of five-star reviews with no detail can be written by anyone. Look for reviews that mention specific names, specific jobs, and a mix of star ratings — genuine feedback on a genuinely busy company rarely comes back as a perfect, uniform set of five-star one-liners.
Ask whether the people moving you are employed staff or day labour booked for the job. It's not necessarily a problem either way, but a company that's cagey about the answer, or can't tell you who'll be on the van, is worth being cautious of.
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