Important questions to ask your removals company

Reputable removals companies will offer to visit your home for free so they can assess the belongings that you'd like to move. They’ll then be able to give you an accurate quote, rather than offering you a standard, often inaccurate, one.

You should ensure your belongings are insured throughout the moving process. Read the removals company’s insurance documents and if you feel that the cover isn’t adequate, ask your own home insurance company if you are covered for any breakages or mishaps. Often home insurance policies exclude goods in transit. The removals company should be a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) which sets the industry standards.

If you don’t ask, you may be in for a surprise on moving day when a small van arrives to do several trips. You ideally want several large vans or one lorry that’s large enough to transport all of your belongings in one go, especially if it’s a long distance move.

Removals companies can pack for you, but expect to pay in the region of £20 an hour per packer. Plus, you may have to pay for packing materials on top of this. Make sure you get a quote in writing so that there are no surprises later on.

Loading and unloading a removals lorry takes a lot of skill and you want to make sure that the people who are sent to do your move are experienced and professional. Again, see that the company is part of the British Association of Removers (BAR), which sets the industry standards.

Some removals companies include boxes for no additional charge. If you need to buy boxes from your removals company, buy a set, rather than individual boxes, as it works out cheaper. On average, to pack up a 3-4 bedroom house you will need:

• 12 small boxes
• 16 medium boxes
• 10 large boxes
• 20 metres of bubble wrap
• One roll of tape

You might also want to get some speciality boxes from your removals company. Wardrobe boxes can be ideal as they have a rail inside so your clothes don’t get creased, plus you can use them as temporary wardrobes. Mirror boxes can help prevent breakages, while reinforced book boxes can transport items up to a combined weight of 40kg.

You don’t want your larger items getting dirty or damaged en route to your new home. Make sure that the removals company has mattress covers and blankets to wrap around your bed, sofa and other bulky items.

If you have antique items or special belongings, ask about containers that will provide additional protection while they’re being handled. Always ask about extra costs before you agree to anything.

If you have large items such as wardrobes, tables or a piano, it's best to check whether the removals company is able to move them safely and in a professional manner.

If you’re downsizing or want to store some of your belongings while you redecorate or renovate your new home, it might be worth asking about storage units. If the removals company doesn’t have storage units, they might be able to recommend a company that does.

Finally, if you’re moving into a new build home on a development, you’ll want to ensure you are arriving at a specified time so that the transition is as smooth as possible. Ask if the removals company is able to arrive when you want, so that you’re able to avoid waiting around for the keys.

If you're interested in moving into a new build home, then click here to discover a development near you.