Moving all of your worldly possessions can be a stressful experience. Whether you are relocating to a new area or moving your stuff into a storage unit, there is a lot to think about. Using a removal company can take the pressure off, but only if you choose the right firm. Here a are a few tips on finding the perfect removal company for you…

1.       Before you decide, get multiple quotes

It’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from different removal companies and compare their offers. Ask for a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved. This will include things like:

• the hourly rate
• additional staff
• insurance
• packing services
• mileage
• overtime rates.

You may also want to consider firms in the location you are moving your stuff to, rather than your current area, as they may have more competitive prices.

Looking at the members of British Association of Removers is a good place to start! There you will find qualified and approved companies.

2.       Organise an assessment of your house move

A reputable moving firm should send one of their staff to visit your property and analyse the job. They will look at the layout of your building, parking space, the amount and size of your possessions. This will make sure that they are giving you an accurate price and this visit allows them to be aware of any risks involved and to plan how to mitigate them.

The assessment also allows you to check out the company for yourself. Do they seem reliable and professional? Are they personable? You want your possessions to be going into hands you can trust.

3.       Find adequate insurance cover

You may be wondering how your personal property is insured while you’re moving. In most cases, removal firms will have insurance cover of their own which will be included in their costs. If you have more valuable items, it’s important to check whether they will cover them. And consider using a specialist moving firm for items like pianos and artwork.

Note that while your insurance with Store and Insure will protect your goods in transit between your storage unit and your home as long as they are in a covered vehicle, it does not provide coverage for moving goods between your old and new home. If you have any questions about your coverage with S&I, call us and ask.  

4.       Ensure a safe payment

You’ve done your research, and you think you’ve found the right removal company – great! However, check what their payment options are before confirming anything. Be dubious of firms that only accept cash-in-hand, especially if it is a large sum of money. Nowadays, most companies should be able to process cheques and bank transfers.

5.       Pack well for a successful move.

Removal companies can include a packing service in their costs which saves a lot of hassle for you. However, if you’d rather do it yourself have a look at our article on moving your goods safely for some handy advice.

Removing the stress from moving

Removal companies are there to do the hard work for you. Just make sure they are the right team for you.