How to Get a Removal Company Quote

Getting a removal company quote can be confusing and time-consuming - and getting it wrong can lead to hidden costs and a bad move experience. Here's how to get a removal company quote that will give you accurate pricing and smooth transition to your new home in 3 simple steps. 

In this post we'll cover:

• Finding removal companies to invite to quote
• Understanding the importance of a pre-move survey
• Comparing quotes 

1) finding Removal Companies to get quotes from

When it comes to moving homes, one of the first steps is to research and compare removal companies. This is important because not all removal companies are the same, and you want to ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy company to handle your move. Start by looking for removal companies in your area and gather a list of potential options - you can use a search engine like Google or Bing or ask your friends, family or social network for recommendations (local community facebook groups are a great place to ask for experiences in your area). 

Next, take the time to research each company on your list. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers on independent websites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to get an idea of their reputation and quality of service. You can also check if they are members of any professional associations (like members of the British Association of Removers) or have any certifications that demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Once you have gathered enough information about each removal company, it's time to compare them. Consider factors such as pricing, services offered, availability, and insurance coverage. Narrow down your options to a few companies that meet your requirements and have positive reviews (3 is the magic number as it allows you to check if anyone is way out in case they've missed something). 

Next, you need to get in touch to explain your requirements and likely arrange a pre-move survey to get your quote. 

2) Contacting removal Companies and What to Ask

After narrowing down your list of removal companies, it's time to contact them and gather quotes. When contacting a removal company, be prepared with a list of questions to ask. This will help you gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Some questions you can ask include:

• What is included in the quote? Make sure you understand what services are covered and if there are any additional charges.
• How long have you been in the removal business and what are your qualifications? Experience and expertise is important when it comes to handling your move.
• Are my belongings insured for the move? It's crucial to choose a removal company that has adequate insurance coverage in case of any damages or accidents during the move. Removal companies all offer different types of insurance so take the time to understand your cover properly to make sure you're comfortable. 
• Do you provide packing materials? If you need assistance with packing, ask if the company provides packing materials and what the additional cost is.
• What is your availability? Make sure the company can accommodate your preferred moving date and time - if you don't have one yet that's not a problem, you can work with estimates and confirm nearer the time. 

It's unlikely the removal company will want to give you too strong of an indication of price during your first call as it can really vary depending on your individual circumstances, but they may be able to give you a ball park if you're still trying to determine rough budget. Check out our article explaining the average cost of a removal company to find out more. 

By asking these questions, you can gather all the necessary information to evaluate the removal companies and make an informed decision before going ahead and booking a pre-move survey and getting your quote.

3) ARRANGING PRE-Move Survey to get an accurate removal company quote

You will normally need to have a pre-move survey to get an accurate removal company quote. Often this is done by visiting your home in person, but sometimes can be done virtually by video call or using a list of items you provide. 

Understanding Pre-Move Surveys

The purpose of a pre-move survey is:

• Calculate the volume of items to be moved
• Assess the packing and loading requirements 
• Identify anything that needs special care or handling 
• Check access to the property so the right size vehicle can be used and that enough time is allocated to get to/from your door
• Check access within the property to make sure they can plan to manoeuvre any large items in awkward spaces
• Answer your questions about things that you're concerned about
• Understand valuable/fragile items to make sure they are properly protected and handled
• Do a risk assessment to make sure they bring everything they need for the move to be done safely

Understanding all of these things helps make sure your removal company's quote is accurate and fixed, and that the move plan (including how many crew and type of vehicle allocated) will run smoothly on move day. 

Top tips for the home survey to get an accurate removals quote and move plan:

• Share as much information as you can - from potential move dates to access information at your new home, any concerns you may have, and how you envision the process unfolding in an ideal world. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quote will be, ensuring a seamless and stress-free moving experience for you.
• Show them ALL the items that require moving - open up cupboards, show them garages, lofts, and outdoor spaces etc. so that the removal company can accurately assess the resources needed for your move in full. Also, be sure to mention any new purchases you plan to make before the moving day.
• Point out what items you DON'T want to be moved - this will ensure everything is delivered to the right place and prevent you from paying for unnecessary items.
• Highlight any special care or valuable items that require extra protection or handling.
• Talk about the type of assistance you'd like - whether you need help with packing or prefer to handle it yourself, or if having a handyman assist with dismantling items would be beneficial.
• Be upfront about any challenging situations - not all moves are straightforward, so it's essential to inform the removal company about any potential obstacles such as poor access, restricted parking, or tricky items. Transparency will help avoid additional charges or complications on the moving day.
• Don't be tempted to book a visit with only one company and share information from their home visit with others. Each survey is a manual calculation based on the surveyor's expertise, and having multiple surveys allows you to compare and spot any significant discrepancies that could impact costs or the moving process. Meeting with a surveyor is also more than just about volume and pricing - they can provide valuable guidance throughout the moving process and serve as a representation of the company's service standards and professionalism. Their input can help you make an informed decision when selecting a removal company.

Want to know more about the Home Survey?

Check out our full guide to how to get the most out of your home survey for an accurate quote and smooth move day experience. 

Evaluating removal company Quotes

Once you have gathered quotes from different removal companies, it's time to evaluate and choose the right quote for your move. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote may not always be the best option. 

Check out our full guide to comparing removals quotations to make sure you've assessed the quotes and companies behind them comprehensively. 

Good luck!