Removal Company Checklist: UK Guide for Safe House Moves

Moving house ranks among life's most stressful events. A poor choice of removal company can transform moving day into a nightmare of broken furniture, late arrivals, and unexpected bills. This checklist helps you select a trustworthy removal firm and prepare your move properly.

Verify Credentials and Accreditation

Before anything else, confirm your removal company holds genuine professional accreditation. BAR (British Association of Removers) membership is the gold standard in the UK. It signals the company meets strict standards for safety, insurance and customer service. You can verify membership on the BAR website in seconds.

Ask whether the company holds:

• Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million coverage)
• Employer's liability insurance if they employ staff
• Goods in transit insurance for your belongings
• Health and safety certifications

Request written proof of all insurance policies. Never proceed with a removal company that refuses to provide documentation. Many uninsured operators work illegally, leaving you unprotected if items get damaged.

Request and Compare Multiple Quotes

Obtain written quotes from at least three different removal companies. Each quote should itemise costs separately, showing charges for packing, labour, vehicle use, and insurance. This approach prevents shock costs on moving day.

When comparing quotes, note these variations:

1. Fixed-price quotes lock in costs regardless of how long the job takes
2. Time-based quotes charge per hour and may exceed initial estimates
3. Volume-based quotes depend on how many items you're moving
4. Full-service quotes include packing, whereas basic quotes only cover transport

The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A company quoting £800 for work others quote at £1,200 may lack insurance, use inexperienced staff, or add hidden charges later. Compare quotes from 3 providers to find the right balance of price and reliability.

Check Online Reviews and References

Search for the company on Google, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade. Read recent reviews from the last 6 months, paying attention to comments about punctuality, professionalism, and damage. One or two poor reviews among dozens of positive ones is normal, but multiple complaints about the same issue indicate a pattern.

Ask the removal company directly for references from recent customers. Contact at least two previous clients and ask these questions:

• Did the team arrive on time with the correct number of staff?
• Were your belongings handled carefully?
• Did any items arrive damaged?
• Were there any surprise charges?
• Would you hire them again?

Direct references work better than star ratings because you can ask questions that matter to you.

Confirm Timing and Availability

Establish exact timings well before moving day. The removal company should confirm the date, expected arrival time (or a narrow window), and how long the job is likely to take. Ask whether they guarantee same-day completion or if your belongings might be stored overnight.

For long-distance removals, clarify whether they're moving your items directly to your new address or consolidating items with other customers' goods. Direct moves cost more but are faster. Consolidated moves save money but may take 5-10 days.

Check the company's backup plan if their vehicle breaks down or staff call in sick. Reputable firms have contingency arrangements. Ask this directly and get the answer in writing.

Prepare Your Home and Belongings

Your preparation significantly affects moving day efficiency and cost. Measure doorways, hallways and staircases at both properties to ensure large furniture can pass through. Notify the removal company of any difficult access issues like narrow stairs or basement entrances.

Sort belongings into three categories before the move:

• Items to keep (pack or label clearly)
• Items to donate or sell (remove from the house before movers arrive)
• Items to recycle or bin (arrange collection in advance)

Dispose of hazardous items yourself. Removal companies cannot transport aerosols, paint, petrol, cleaning chemicals, or explosives. Batteries, electronics, and light bulbs require special handling. Contact your local council for hazardous waste disposal options.

Defrost your freezer 24 hours before the move. Empty and clean your washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge. Take photographs of expensive items in case you need to claim for damage. Keep valuables, important documents, and sentimental items with you rather than in the moving van.

Finalise Contracts and Payment Terms

Never hand over payment upfront. Industry standard is a small deposit of 10-20% of the quoted price to secure your moving date, with the balance due on completion. Some companies ask for payment before they unload your items. Never agree to this; you need to inspect items upon arrival before paying in full.

Read the terms and conditions carefully. Understand what happens if you need to postpone, what the company's liability is for damaged goods, and whether they'll refund your deposit if you cancel. Legitimate companies provide written contracts covering all these points.

Confirm the final price in writing. Any extras, such as extra labour, packing materials, or storage, must be added to the original quote in writing before moving day. Verbal agreements won't protect you if disputes arise.

Moving Day Preparation

Prepare your home on moving day by clearing pathways, protecting floors and walls with cardboard or plastic sheeting, and ensuring the removal team has easy access to a parking space. Label all boxes clearly with room names and contents. Keep a record of expensive or fragile items and watch the team load them.

Have a final walkthrough of your old property with the removal company supervisor to confirm nothing has been left behind. Take meter readings for utilities and photograph empty rooms. Keep the supervisor's mobile number in case you notice damage after the move.

Once items arrive at your new home, inspect them before signing off the job. Open boxes and check for damage before the removal team leaves. Document any issues with photographs and obtain a written damage report from the company immediately.

Final Thoughts

Following this removal company checklist reduces stress and protects your belongings. Verified credentials, transparent pricing, genuine references, and clear contracts form the foundation of a successful move. When you're ready to find a suitable company, compare quotes from 3 providers to find the best combination of price, reliability, and insurance coverage for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if items arrive damaged?
Document the damage immediately with photographs and obtain a written damage report from the removal company. Most insurers require notification within 30 days. Keep all photographic evidence and the original quote for your claim.

Can I pack items myself to save money?
Yes, but tell your removal company which items you've packed. Their insurance may not cover items you've packed yourself if they're damaged, so ask about their policy first.

How far in advance should I book a removal company?
Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead, particularly during peak moving season (May to September). This gives you time to compare quotes and arrange your schedule.

What happens if the removal company cancels on me?
This is why you should ask about backup plans when booking. Reputable companies have contingency staff and vehicles. Always get cancellation policies in writing.

Should I tip the removal team?
Tipping isn't obligatory, but offering tea, coffee, and snacks is appreciated. If the team provides exceptional service, a tip of £10-20 per person is customary.