Compare Removals Quotes

Hiring a removals firm to help with your move can reduces time and stress, especially with packing and heavy lifting. Removal companies specialise in packing fragile and delicate items and protecting your belongings.

Check their credentials – When choosing a removals firm, check if they are a member of the Ombudsman Services or British Association of Movers and check how long they have been in business.
Check customer reviews – See customer reviews to get an idea of how satisfied previous customers were with their service and to get a feel for the company.
Ask for a pre-move survey – Your removal company should visit you to survey the job before your move and provide a firm quote. This helps them check how many items need to be moved. They can also check any access issues with your property.
Ask about insurance & payment options – Find out what insurance they have for goods in transit. Check you don’t need to supplement this as some items may not be covered during the move. And, how the company wants to be paid. Be dubious of firms insisting on a cash-in-hand payment or a sizeable cash deposit. Reputable companies should accept payment by credit/debit card.

The average house removals cost in the UK is £928 for a three bedroom house. A packing service may cost around £400-£500 for a 3 bedroom house and it may cost more for fragile items. Factors that influence the cost of house removals include the distance you’re moving, size of the property and the volume of your belongings. You may be able to save on your removals by moving on a less popular day of the week (Friday is the most popular).

A moving quote typically includes the cost of transportation, loading and unloading, and basic insurance. Additional services such as packing, storage, and special handling may incur extra charges, so it’s important to get a detailed breakdown of the quote.  Some removals firms charge extra for each hour of delay, which can often be out of your control, so it is worth checking this. Especially if you are waiting for your conveyancing solicitor to inform you that your property transaction is complete. See what happens on completion day.

That depends on your removal firm. Most will ask for payment in full in advance of your move, typically at least a week before moving day. This is standard practice for all members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). 

Once you have your completion date, book a moving company as early as possible, ideally 4-6 weeks before your move date. In peak periods such as summer, book even earlier if you can. This ensures availability and allows time for a pre-move survey to get an accurate quote. See our moving house checklist for more on getting ready for your move.

The main way to reduce the cost of removals is to compare multiple quotes. You can also cut costs by reducing how much you move – having a good clear out, booking in advance, using second hand removal boxes, and checking to see if your removals company offers discounts — some firms offer discounts for moves on less busy days of the week.

Removal companies won’t move anything hazardous or that could be a fire risk. Additionally, they won’t move perishable food. And they won’t move plants or pets.

A man and van service is a good choice for small moves, if you are moving from a studio or 1 bedroom flat. Man and van services generally will not pack for you.

Speak to your removal company in advance to ensure they can park and have access to your home. You might need to arrange a parking permit with your local council.

Most reliable removal companies will be members of a trade association like the British Association (BAR). This means they are more likely to give you a quality service and means if anything goes wrong you can complain directly to their trade association.

Being organised on moving day will ensure a smoother process for both you and your home removals company. Make sure to pull together any moving essentials that you’ll be travelling with yourself. Declutter and label boxes in advance of the day so that you can be sure of what is where, what is moved, and what has yet to move. You’ll have packed most of your things, so prepare an overnight bag with clothes and toiletries so that you’re not caught short when you settle into your new home. 

Many will offer packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. Some also provide full or partial packing services where they will pack your items for you, ensuring they are securely packed for the move.