Moving can be a stressful time and finding the best removal company can be tiresome and a long process, most removal companies have a good reputation but there are a few cowboy traders out there, by following some few helpful tips will help in choosing a professional and honest removal company.
A good place to start is an internet search, this will give you a list of all removal companies within your area, most will have a website so you can see exactly what each company offers, and you can then email the selected companies for a quote which you can then be compared.
If you choose a company without an email or website address or you simply want to visit the removal company personally, which is always a good idea, a phone call or personal visit will enable you to get a quote and do a full comparison, this will also enable you to get a feeling for the company, after all they will be handling all your worldly goods.
If you have large household goods or high valued items to move it is worth getting the removal company to visit your home to get a FREE quotation, this will enable a greater communication flow between you and the company, they can also estimate the time to load and unpack the removal vehicle so you have a rough idea of the time scale of your move.
A lot of companies also offer the packing supplies if this is also a requirement, get a full quote for all the services that you require.
The best option is choose a company that’s has a telephone landline and a full postal address, this can illuminate unlicensed traders, a VAT check can be made for extra security whilst choosing the company.
The internet is also a good place to search for reviews of each company and how they have been performing. There are also organisations committed to ensuring that customers receive a professional service has such organisations have a code of conduct that must be followed by removal companies.
By asking family and friends for recommendations is ideal as you will get an honest review of that company and their experience with dealing with that company.
Depending on the distance you are planning to move and the amount of possessions you are taking with you it may be easier and less expensive to hire a removal firm by the distance or cost per hour, however this can also prove expensive if there is any delays with your move or traffic problems.
It is also a good idea to find out if the employees have got a recent CRB check and the staff are properly trained, also are the staff in uniform? This is a sure sign of professionalism and you will be able to easily identify the staff employed and ensure a level of professionalism with the company you have hired.
Ensure that the company you choose hold the relevant insurance regarding your items; you can obtain a copy of their insurance policy from the removal company to see exactly what their insurance policy covers, be aware that a lot of household contents insurance policies will not cover your goods whilst in transit.
Always obtain a written quote and then contract before you move to ensure the price quoted is the price you pay with no hidden extras. It is also good practice to know how the company would like payment; reputable companies will receive payment via credit or debit card and also as cash.