How to choose a home removals company that aligns with what you need
Getting a home removals company to move your belongings is an excellent way to destress the whole moving debacle.
However, not all removals companies are created equal. Some are true specialists with years of experience and a constant focus on your needs, whereas others are cheap and cheerful.
You’ll want to make sure your belongings are in good hands, so you need to do your due diligence before you book anyone in.
Here are the questions you need to find out the answers to when weighing up any removals company. A bit of online research, followed by a phone conversation or two, will tell you everything you need to know about them.
How established and experienced are they?
The older the removals company is, the more likely they are to have vast experience in different kinds of removals jobs. Whether you’re in a one-bed flat, a two-bed terraced house or a six-bedroom cottage, you want to be sure that your chosen remover is going to do the job efficiently and carefully.
Every removals firm has to start out somewhere, of course, but if you have any items of high monetary and/or sentimental value, such as antique furniture, is it worth the risk? You need a remover who’s seen and done it all before.
For instance, let’s say you have a grand piano that needs moving. Not all removals companies will have experience in doing that sort of thing, so make sure you give them a call and speak to them about any such specific needs.
A great removals company will proactively ask you questions about your belongings and your general requirements – and this will show you that they plan ahead.
What do their reviews/testimonials say?
All of the above said, you’ll want to see what the remover’s recent clients have to say about their service. Being in business for decades is one thing. Maintaining a consistently high and professional level of service is another.
Check out the remover’s reviews and testimonials on their company website, but pay more attention to Google Reviews and Trustpilot – that’s where you’ll gain a truly balanced view. Do any of the reviews mention particular care taken with fragile or valuable items?
Are they a BAR member?
This one is very important. The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the trade body for removals companies in the UK. Every removals company that wishes to be a BAR member must prove that it can deliver consistently high levels of service, and must abide by BAR’s strict Code of Practice.
BAR members are audited annually, as well as being constantly monitored by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), so it really is a badge of honour if a removals company has those logos on the website. (If in doubt, give BAR a call and they will verify whether or not the remover is a member.)
Do they offer specialist services?
Any decent removals company will do more than just move your belongings from A to B – they’ll offer additional services that make the process less stressful and generally much easier for you.
Here are some examples of services to look out for:
● Specialist packing of fragile items
● Furniture dismantling/reassembling
● Disposing of unwanted items
G W Twilley & Son is a professional removals company in London, with more than 100 years of proud history, and a certified member of the British Association of Removers (BAR).