How To Choose a Removals Company in the UK
Moving is hard work, especially if you are doing it yourself. Whether you are moving next door, down the street, to another city, or to another country (yikes!), choosing a removals company can be stressful. Choosing the right removals company can make all the difference.
The Need For a Quality Removals Company
Organising a move is hectic. It takes physical strength, mental endurance, and a ton of time. Packing, lifting, climbing stairs, and filling vans is exhausting when doing it alone. Tight deadlines to vacate a property add another element of stress.
It is best to choose a removals company to handle the heavy lifting, especially if it involves fragile pieces, valuable items, or large furniture. A removals company shoulders the burden of the physical move so the rest of the family can focus on organising other aspects such as utility transfers or mail forwarding.
Getting Quotes when Moving House
Moving is also expensive. It is essential to ensure the gathering of quotes to be prepared in advance. Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best one. Take into consideration the quality of service and diligently research company reviews.
If the removals company has a reputation for fast, cheap service, negative customer experiences, or damaged items, look for someone else. For convenience, many companies will also offer packing services, which for some is worth the extra pennies to save time and hassle.
The process of getting quotes takes time, so do it far enough in advance of the final moving date to allow everyone to prepare appropriately. Not every removals company is available on short notice. They could be booked weeks, or months, in advance, so it pays to start looking early.
Often, these prices are negotiable. Many removals companies provide discounts. Moving on a Saturday or at holiday time is more expensive, so arrange the move when demand is not as high, and ask for any discounts they may offer.
Planning Ahead for the Big Move
Provide the moving company with as many details as possible, such as new and old property addresses, access points, and layouts so they can determine logistics. How many flights of stairs do they have to climb, how wide are the doorways, or are there alternative routes to help accommodate larger vans?
Moving Insurance
Many removals companies provide insurance against loss or damage while property is in transit. Don’t overlook it, and if the selected company does not have insurance, seek coverage elsewhere, or choose a different company.
Companies that are members of The British Association of Removers or The National Guild of Removers and Storers come highly recommended. They provide excellent service in the removals industry. They set standards and codes of conduct for their members, so individuals or families moving are reassured of their professionalism at all times.
Recommendations
The best removal companies come recommended by friends and family. A positive first-hand experience alleviates so much of the uncertainty associated with moving. If a recommendation is not available, choose the removals company that demonstrated the most professionalism and helpfulness during the quoting process. Negotiate lower prices for more expensive companies at this point to get the best deal.
Trusting a removals company with meaningful items is stressful, so develop a good rapport to make the move as smooth and painless as possible. Personally, I created this post due to a superb experience with John Mighall's Removals, who were perfect from start to finish. They operate in Liverpool and around the North West of the UK, just in case anyone reading is in that region; they come highly recommended.
