Choosing the Right London Removals Company for your Move

Bishop's Move have been providing removals and storage services throughout London since we were established in what was the "village" of Pimlico in 1854 - so here are our 5 top tips on choosing the right London removals company for you:

1. Get a couple of comparative moving quotes
Make sure that you get at least 2 written quotations from companies that are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Members of  the BAR operate to the highest of standards, this will ensure the quality of your move, that professionally trained staff will be handling your move and that you are financially protected.

The best way to get a quote is to book a home survey - this should be free, with no-obligations - the removals company will send a representative to your home to discuss the move, assess the contents of your home and give you a comprehensive written quote. Access to your home can also be looked out at this time, so regardless of whether you are the penthouse apartment basement flat, terraced home or town house - the right amount of crew and equipment will be on hand to undertake your move.

2. Check the actual service you are getting, not just the price
Removal companies, and cheaper man and van services, will quote in slightly different formats. By using a BAR member, the variations should be less, but you should still check that you are getting the move you are expecting for the price.

• Are getting the packing service you want (full, part or none)?
• Is there enough crew for your move?
• Have awkward items (pianos), antiques or artwork been taken in to account?
• Has enough time/days been allowed for your move?
• Is there adequate storage, should you require it?
• Moving from a flat - is there a lift and will you have access to it on moving day?

Lastly, check the added extras such as removals insurance - whilst seeming an extra cost, the right insurance can protect you from extra expense if anything unexpected should occur.

3. Unique considerations when moving within London
If you have chosen the right London removals company they will automatically have taken in to consideration any extra costs such as narrow streets, parking permits and restrictions, the congestion charge and the low emission zone that may effect your move. Additional equipment, such as a furniture hoist or actual crane, may be required to get large items of furniture in or out of your home and this may mean case extra parking will need to be reserved or even closing the road for a short period. All of this should not be a problem for a removals company that works in town.

4. Local knowledge and moving experience
Choosing a long-established removals company will help to ensure that you are getting staff with plenty of local knowledge and moving experience - just like choosing one of London's iconic black taxis.

5. Moving out of London
Make sure that the company you choose has other removal branches across the UK. This will ensure that they have the actual resources and infrastructure to cope with your move out of town. 

If you are moving abroad from London, do some basic research into how much shipping the removals company you choose actually undertakes. Many London removals companies profess that they do, yet actually employ agents or other removals companies to take on the work - charging you a premium in the process.

With these top 5 moving tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the right London removals company that will provide all the packing, moving and storage requirements that you need to make your move a successful one.

Having been founded in London, with historic warehouses in Hugh Street, Ebury Street, Belgrave Road and Stewarts Road and now in modern offices in Kensington and Chelsea, the Thames Gateway and Chessington - Bishop's Move have removals in London covered, just ask for your free quotation today.