Are you planning to move soon and need to choose a removal company to lend a hand?
We understand that moving to a new home is both exhilarating and stressful.
One of the most challenging aspects is sorting out the logistics.
You’re probably wondering: how will you get everything you own out of your current house and into a new one?
It might seem impossible, yet somehow it all comes together in the end.
To alleviate some of the stress, many people turn to professional house removal companies for help.
Removal experts are there to assist you in moving all your boxes and furniture from your old home to your new one.
They arrive equipped with strong muscles and spacious vans to make the process as easy as possible.
If you’re moving soon, you’ve likely looked into removal firms—but where do you start?
They all make similar claims, and the quotes are often quite alike.
To help you decide before hiring a house removal company, we’ve put together 12 essential questions to help you narrow down your choices, ensuring your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. How Long Have They Been In Business?
While new removal companies aren’t necessarily a poor choice, if you’re seeking experience and top-quality service, it’s wise to consider how long they’ve been in the business.
Generally, the longer a moving firm has been around, the more likely they are to provide excellent service at reasonable costs.
Companies that have stood the test of time have often outlasted or outperformed their competitors, suggesting they possess qualities people appreciate—and what better way to find out about a company than by hearing what their customers have to say?
2. Payment
Don’t hesitate to ask about payment details upfront.
Begin by finding out exactly how much the move will cost and what services are included in that price.
Some people feel awkward about asking what they’re paying for—but you shouldn’t!
You’re investing in a service, so it’s important to know what you’re getting.
It’s also crucial to learn when payment is expected.
Some removals companies ask for a deposit with the remainder paid after the move, while others don’t require payment until the job is complete.
By clarifying when they expect payment, you ensure that both parties are on the same page.
3.What Removal Vehicles Do They Offer?
Most removal companies have a fleet of vans of various sizes to suit different jobs.
Ideally, you have an idea of how much you need to move, so you can gauge what size van will be necessary.
But if you’re unsure, you can always ask the removal company for their advice—after all, it’s their area of expertise.
4. What Sort Of Time Frame Are You Looking At?
The time required for your move depends on a variety of factors.
How much you own, whether items need packing or dismantling—the list goes on!
By being upfront with your movers, they’ll be able to provide a rough time estimate, allowing you to plan accordingly.
However, don’t be surprised if unexpected hiccups cause delays—moving house often comes with a few surprises!
5. What Can’t Be Moved?
Some removal companies have a list of items they simply won’t move—whether due to the size of their vans, health and safety regulations, or the expertise of their staff.
Common restrictions include heavy or oversized items, flammable materials, acids, corrosives, and sometimes even plants or pets.
They might also be unable to transport perishable goods or valuable items like jewellery and important documents.
If you’re unsure about any belongings, it’s wise to ask the company beforehand.
Knowing ahead of time can help you make alternative arrangements and avoid any last-minute surprises.
6. When Will They Conduct A Survey?
Scheduling the home removal survey is a crucial step in your moving process.
This visit gives the removal company the opportunity to see exactly what the job requires and to devise a plan for getting your belongings safely to your new home.
By assessing your items in person, they can identify any challenges—like large furniture that might need dismantling or fragile items needing special care.
This allows them to tailor their services precisely to your needs.
Knowing when they’ll conduct the survey means you can ensure everything is ready for their visit, giving them plenty of time to thoroughly assess your home.
This preparation helps prevent any last-minute surprises on moving day and ensures a smoother transition.
7. Do They Offer Storage?
Many removal companies offer temporary or even long-term storage solutions to meet your moving needs.
This can be particularly useful if you’re moving into a new home that’s not quite ready, or if you have items that can’t be moved in straight away.
If you need to remove belongings from your old house but can’t transfer them to the new one just yet, storage services are an excellent option.
Often, the company can add the storage costs to your final bill, making the whole process smoother and more convenient.
It’s also a good idea to inquire about the security and conditions of their storage facilities to ensure your items will be well-protected.
8. Do They Supply Packing Materials? Such As Packing Boxes, Tapes, etc.
It’s important to ask this question, as not all removal companies provide packing materials.
The last thing you want when moving home is to spend a small fortune on boxes and packing supplies online, only to find they’re unsuitable.
You might also be worrying about where to find high-quality packing materials to get everything ready for the big day.
Some companies offer ‘packing sets’ that include everything you need for your move—for an extra cost.
Finding this out beforehand can help you avoid any unwelcome surprises and make your moving experience less stressful and more enjoyable!
9. Ask About Their Removal Insurance
While most removal companies offer some form of insurance, it might not cover everything you own.
Some policies exclude valuable or precious items during transit, and others won’t insure goods worth over a certain amount.
It’s crucial to be honest about what you’re moving and to ensure their insurance policy adequately covers your possessions.
10. Do they need help?
It’s important to ask whether the movers are comfortable handling the entire move themselves or if they expect you to lend a hand.
This can vary between companies and might even change depending on their staff availability on the day.
Some removal firms prefer to manage everything for efficiency and insurance reasons, while others might welcome some extra help.
Knowing what’s expected of you allows you to plan accordingly, reducing stress and ensuring a smoother moving day for everyone involved.
11. Do They Provide References or Customer Reviews?
Before making your final decision, it’s wise to ask for references or read customer reviews.
Hearing about others’ experiences can offer valuable insights into the company’s reliability and the quality of their service.
Pay attention to feedback on their punctuality, professionalism, and how they handle any issues that may arise during the move.
A company with positive reviews and satisfied customers is often a good indicator that you’re making the right choice.
You can check out Curtiss Moving & Storage’s Google reviews HERE, we are very proud of the feedback we receive from our customers!
12. What Are Their Cancellation Policies?
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the removal company’s cancellation policies.
Life is full of surprises, and your moving plans might need to change unexpectedly.
Find out how much notice you need to give if you have to cancel, whether any fees apply, and how they handle rescheduling.
Knowing these details in advance can save you a lot of hassle later on.
Need To Hire A Removal Company? Get In Touch With Us!
We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog post and find it helpful.
To see what our customers say, please visit Referenceline or check out our Google reviews.
Here at Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth, we’ve been helping people move home since 1871.
We’re members of BAR (The British Association of Removers), all of our moving services are carried out to uphold the high BAR Standard, meaning you can count on us to make your home move a professional and pleasant experience.
If you are moving soon and would like to price your move, please contact us on 023 9298 5830 and our friendly team is here to help you.
