Moving house is one of life’s biggest events. One of the last things you’ll need is to encounter a sub-standard removals company. It is worth taking the time to find a company that is professional, experienced and reputable. Find the right company in the first place and avoid regretting the choice later on.
When making the decision, you may like to consider the following tips as a starting point:
1. Past performance
Read customer reviews and testimonials to ensure that you’re hiring a company that you can rely on. This will give you a sense of how reputable they are, how much of an authority they are in the industry and also how they interact with their customers.
2. Professional accreditations
Use a removal firm which have professional accreditations and memberships. This is a clear indicator that they meet the best standards of service and professionalism. Look for removal firms who are fully accredited members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), the leading quality removals industry organisation in the UK and those which are a quality certified member of the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI).
These organisations exist to enforce excellence in the removals industry for the benefit of both removal companies and their customers. Members must adhere to a set of standards and a code of conduct to ensure their professionalism and conduct.
3. Fully trained staff
A professional firm will have properly trained staff: including removal estimators, move coordinators and removal operatives and porters. They will give the option of a professional packing service; including the best packaging materials. They will also be skilled in handling high value special items (pianos or artworks etc). This will all be loaded into presentable, branded and clean vehicles.
4. Get it covered
By the very nature of moving properties, there is always a chance that your possessions may get damaged during transit. Many people choose to pay a little extra to have their items insured whilst in they are being moved. Notably, not all removal companies will offer this as a service, and not all will offer a complete insurance package.
Clarify, with any removals company, exactly what they can supply you with, how the charges and the terms and conditions work. Insurance is a worthwhile investment in these cases, but don’t sign anything until you are entirely sure about the legalities of the agreement. As ever, always take time to scrutinise the fine print.
5. Be careful with quotations
Many movers may offer to give you a quote over the phone without visiting the premises. On first impression this may be an appealing solution to save time and money. However, it will also be the precursor to a price estimation with a large margin for error. This will risk causing you problems later on.
Professional removal companies will send an estimator out to the premises. Once they have seen the volume of goods you wish to take and discussed access to the premises you are moving to, they will be able to offer you a proper evaluation, and a quotation with an agreed price and move date. It will include a breakdown of all charges or different options if you require.
When comparing quotations from removal companies, it is important to base your decision on value for money, rather than the cheapest. Lower cost options do not always pay-off in the long term. Compare like-for-like quotations based on the level of service and benefits, to ensure making an informed decision. Obtain the quotes well in advance of any proposed completion date.
For professional advice on removal, a pre-move survey, and packing services, please contact Burke Bros. Moving Group on 01902 714555 or email: sales@burkebros.co.uk
