02 Feb 2016
If you have a lot of belongings to move or you’re moving out of the area, then you might want to consider hiring a company to help with the removal.
This can often be an area where people look to save money and carry out the removal themselves, but if you don’t have family and friends on hand to help you then it can be a daunting task. The moving day is one of the most stressful parts of the whole move and you don’t want anything to go wrong on the day. That’s why it can be vital to make sure you have a reputable removal company to help. But how do you choose the right removal company to meet your needs?
1. Make Sure they’re Certified
When choosing a removal company, you should make sure that they uphold the highest level of industry standards. An easy way to make sure of this is by checking that the company are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Amongst other accrediting bodies, you can be sure that any BAR removal firm will act professionally and with the highest level of care at all times. By hiring an accredited firm, you can be sure that your belongings are safe and in good hands. If you choose a company that isn’t part of the BAR or similar accrediting body, then they do not adhere to the same standards and you may not be covered if something goes wrong. It is often the case that such firms only hire the labour when needed so the people moving your belongings are not professionals.
2. Get a Detailed Quote
This is often the all-important question and one of the biggest factors when people decide on hiring a removal company. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question as the cost of removal can vary largely depending on what you are looking to move and the size of your home. The cost can also be more if you are travelling a long distance or planning to move in peak times such as school holidays or weekends. Typically you can expect to pay anywhere from around £500 for a smaller home move but this is just a rough estimate. Be cautious of getting quotes over the phone as you can’t truly get an accurate price until the estimator has been out to see your home. Try to use a company that encourages this type of visit as you know that they will be able to accurately provide you with a quote.
3. Ask The Right Questions
There are a few crucial questions that you should ask a potential company before go ahead. They should help you get a better idea and understanding about whether the company is reputable and whether they can offer you the right level of service:
- What level of insurance and type of cover do you provide?
- How long have you been trading and carrying out removals?
- How will you carry out the move and how long will it take?
- What kind of security do you provide if my goods are stored overnight?
- Can I speak to someone in person about the move?
Most reputable companies should be able to answer these questions and assure you that they are right for the job. Well, we've done our bit, the rest is down to you.
