How to choose a removal company: 10 things to check before you book

This is non-negotiable. Any professional removal company must carry comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance covering the full replacement value of your belongings, plus public liability insurance. Always ask to see proof — not just a verbal confirmation. If they cannot provide it, walk away.

Hourly rates can spiral on moving day if access is difficult, lifts are slow or the move takes longer than expected. A fixed price means you know exactly what you are paying from the start. Always get a fixed price based on a proper survey of your home — not a guess over the phone.

Any professional removal company should survey your home before quoting — either in person or by video call. A quote provided without a survey is a guess. Without seeing your belongings, a company cannot accurately price your move and may add charges on the day when the volume is larger than expected.

Look for reviews on Google, Trustpilot or Which? Trusted Traders. Read the negative reviews as carefully as the positive ones — how the company responds to complaints tells you as much as the complaints themselves. A consistent pattern of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms is a strong indicator of reliability.

The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the leading trade body for removal companies in the UK. Members must meet minimum standards for insurance, equipment and professional conduct and are subject to a code of practice. Membership of BAR is a meaningful quality indicator.

A professional removal company should own and operate their own vehicles — not rely on hired vans. Ask about the size of vehicle they intend to use for your move and confirm it is appropriate for your volume of belongings. A crew arriving in a Transit van for a four-bedroom house is a red flag.

Some removal companies subcontract moves to third parties, particularly at busy times. This means the people handling your belongings may never have worked for the company before and may not be covered by the company's insurance in the same way. Ask directly whether the crew on your move will be their own employees.

House purchases fall through. Completion dates change. Your removal company should have a clear and fair policy for postponements and cancellations. Ask what notice period is required to change your date without losing your deposit and whether they have a waiting list policy for rescheduled moves.

A full-service removal company should be able to pack your entire home if required, using professional-grade materials. Even if you plan to pack yourself, check whether they supply quality boxes and packing materials and whether these are included in the quote or charged separately.

Ask directly — before you book — what the claims process is in the event of damage. A professional company will explain their process clearly, confirm the excess on their insurance and give you confidence that any claim would be handled promptly. Vague answers are a red flag.