Description: This guide provides a detailed overview of how to choose a removal company in 2024 for a hassle-free move and its benefits.
Moving and shifting can be a challenging task, and choosing the right removal company is critical for a seamless transfer. Most people try moving by renting a van but end up breaking or misplacing their goods. Here’s when hiring a trustworthy moving company comes into play.
It needs a team to do big tasks like moving houses. You’re doing well if you’ve found a buyer or an agent, sold your house, and even chosen your new residence. The next task is to find a reputable removal firm. The ideal option often relies more on your unique demands than on picking the first result on Google. In this guide, you will learn the steps to choose a removal company and the benefits of hiring one.
How Much Does a Removal Company Cost?
The average cost of removing a three-bedroom house is £850. The exact price will change depending on many factors, including the quantity of items, the distance travelled, and the accessibility. A man with a van can be less expensive if it’s a smaller move. However, additional services, including packing and furniture disassembly will incur extra charges. You’ll pay around £280 for packing services.
8 Steps to Choose a Removal Company
Here are the steps to select a removal company
- Research removal companies near you
The internet makes it easy to locate many things. Before you start considering all the alternatives and costs, narrow down your search to companies in your area. Local moving firms will bring suitable vehicles for the task since they will be aware of the road network, parking issues, and traffic hotspots in your neighbourhood. Shortlist the firms you want to quote and ask yourself the following questions:
- Are they offering all the services I need?
- Do they operate on a regional or national level? Do they cover my area?
- What are the opinions of others about them?
- Check customer reviews
Check user reviews about the firms from ReferenceLine and Facebook and analyse what people think of them. You must not trust reviews from a company’s own website since they can be selective and biased. Remember that any company having a 100% positive rating is probably fake, except if it is a brand-new company.
Even so, you might wish to think twice before giving them the keys to your new home. Getting advice from family and friends is another smart move. If they had a really positive experience and the company was trustworthy and on time, you can trust that company.
- Decide and note down your requirements
Planning and scheduling the whole moving procedure might take some time. Before making your decision, you may have to evaluate five or six firms, so carefully assess your needs. Do you need assistance packing your possessions for storage or a move? Are you moving into a new home or office? Are you concerned about breaking or losing electronics or sensitive goods? The more information you provide, the more chances an ideal company will have to impress you with their answers.
- Invite removal firms for a home survey
Reliable removal firms like Meerkat Removals visit your current house before the planned move. After that, they can estimate how many things you have and how challenging the move will be. Many removal companies do a video survey as an alternative if they cannot visit the house.
By visiting your house for once, they can offer an exact price for their services after doing a house survey. It also prevents moving companies from charging you more or unexpected costs on the day of your move.
- Get quotes
Get multiple quotes from the 5 or 6 companies you have already shortlisted for your move. It is better to request a formal quote and make sure the price covers everything. The surveyor’s quote should include every element of your move and the removal company’s action plan.
When discussing your move with a suitable removal firm, you should be as specific as possible. Also, remember that the best quotation isn’t always the lowest. There may be extra costs if you need services that aren’t on the list but become necessary that day.
- Check accreditation
Most of the removal companies belong to a trade organisation. As the leading trade association for the removal business, the British Association of Removers (BAR) sets standards for all its members’ behaviour and adheres to a code of conduct. Every BAR-registered removal company has to have:
- Meet the minimal requirements set by the industry for job quality and safety
- Provide a guarantee for upfront payments to secure bookings
- Offer unbiased dispute resolution services in case anything goes wrong
- Check your insurance details
The majority of moving firms provide limited liability insurance. It limits the quantity of damage your belongings are insured against while moving. Check the insurance you have and the time it expires. Additionally, it’s a good idea to confirm what your current home contents insurance plan covers before taking out any extra policies.
- Look for any additional services
Consider any additional services a removal business could provide that you would find more appealing than others. Although many of these services come at an extra cost, you can also utilise them to bargain for a more favourable rate or removal package. These services might include:
- Packing and unpacking at your new house
- Instructions for assembling and disassembling furniture
- Specialised container or protective packaging for antiques
Benefits of Hiring a Removal Company
- Knowledge and Experience: Skilled experts manage all aspects of moving, guaranteeing efficiency and security.
- Appropriate Equipment: Removal companies have special equipment and vehicles meant for secure transport of possessions.
- Insurance Coverage: Many companies provide insurance options, giving clients peace of mind for expensive goods.
- Flexible Services: Companies provide storage, packing, and unpacking options to meet your unique requirements.
- Safety: Reduced risk of damage to goods due to skilled handling and packing practices.
- Cost-effective: You might think you can save money by moving yourself, but what if you damage or break something very expensive? That’s why it’s worth hiring removal professionals.
Conclusion
Moving home is usually one of life’s most challenging and stressful tasks. It might be overwhelming to know where to begin when there are so many home items to pack and organise. That’s why we all hire removal professionals, as they deal with this job daily. But, how to choose a removal company that guarantees smooth transfer? You can select one by carefully following all these tips and steps mentioned above. However, Meerkat Removals is a reliable removal company that provides top-notch home and office removal and storage services across the UK and guarantees the safety of your goods. Happy moving!
