How to Choose a Removal Company

This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of: • Goods in Transit Insurance - Covers your belongings during the move. Minimum £10,000, ideally £50,000+ • Public Liability Insurance - Covers damage to property. Minimum £1 million • Employer Liability Insurance - Covers their staff if injured Request certificates and check they're current. Be wary of vague answers like "we're fully insured" without specifics.

Don't just trust testimonials on their website. Check: • Google Reviews - Look for patterns in recent reviews • Trustpilot - Independent platform, harder to fake • Checkatrade - Vetted tradespeople with verified reviews • Which? Trusted Traders - Rigorous assessment process Red flags: All 5-star reviews posted in the same week, generic responses, or refusal to provide references.

Get at least 3 written quotes. Be suspicious if: • One quote is dramatically cheaper (more than 30% below others) • Quotes are given over the phone without seeing your property • Prices seem too good to be true A proper quote should be based on a video survey or in-person visit. This ensures accuracy and gives you a chance to assess their professionalism.

Check they have a real business address, not just a mobile number. Look for: • Registered company number (check on Companies House) • Fixed landline number, not just mobile • Business premises you can visit • VAT registration if claiming to be VAT registered Search their address on Google Maps - is it a real office or a residential property?

While not mandatory, memberships show commitment to standards: • British Association of Removers (BAR) - Code of practice, dispute resolution • National Guild of Removers and Storers - Standards and ethics • Which? Trusted Trader - Independent assessment Verify memberships on the organisation's website - don't just trust logos on their site.

Find out: • How long have they been trading? (5+ years is a good sign) • Do they have experience with your type of move? • Can they handle specialist items (pianos, antiques)? • What training do their staff receive? Experienced companies have systems in place. New companies aren't necessarily bad, but check their background carefully.

A professional quote should include: • Detailed breakdown of costs • What's included (packing materials, dismantling, etc.) • What's NOT included (parking fines, waiting time) • Payment terms and cancellation policy • Insurance details and excess amounts Get it in writing. Verbal promises mean nothing if things go wrong.

Red flags that should make you walk away: • Pressure to book immediately • Request for large upfront deposits or cash-only payments • No written quote or contract • Reluctance to answer questions about insurance • Generic email addresses (@gmail, @hotmail) • No physical address provided • Pushy sales tactics If something feels off, trust your instincts. There are plenty of reputable companies.