How to Choose the Right Removals Company (And Why the Cheapest Quote Might Cost You More)

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Dennis Rogers, Founder of Redpath Moving & Storage based in North London

Having worked in the removals industry for over 30 years and overseen more than 50,000 moves, I've seen just about everything that can happen on moving day. Some wonderful moments, some rather unusual requests, and occasionally situations that would make a good episode of a television comedy. Although they weren't particularly funny at the time.

One thing I've learned is that choosing the right removals company can make an enormous difference to the whole experience.

Moving home is a big deal. You're trusting a team of people with pretty much everything you own, asking them to navigate narrow staircases with your furniture and hoping they'll get it all safely to your new home, ideally without taking half the bannister with them.

So how do you know who to trust? Here are a few things I'd suggest looking out for.

Start with recommendations, not just Google

Google is a useful place to start, but I would always encourage people to ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations first. If someone you trust has recently moved and had a great experience, that's worth an awful lot.

I'd also suggest speaking to your estate agent. Good local estate agents deal with removals companies regularly and will often know which firms are reliable, professional and experienced. They're also likely to hear about it when things don't go quite so well!

A recommendation from an established local estate agent can be particularly valuable because they see the same companies working with their clients time and again.

Once you've got a shortlist, then do your own research

Don't automatically choose the cheapest quote. This is probably the most important advice I can give. We receive calls almost every week from people who have booked a removals company based on price, only to find themselves let down, sometimes just days before their move.

I understand why people shop around. Moving home is expensive enough, and nobody wants to spend more than they need to. But there's a difference between getting good value and simply choosing the lowest number on a quotation.

A proper removal quote should account for the volume of your belongings, access at both properties, parking, travelling time, the size of the crew and any additional services required.

 One company might quote for four experienced movers and two vehicles, while another has allowed for two people and a van. On paper, the second quote looks considerably cheaper. In practice, you might be comparing two entirely different services.

An experienced removals team won’t be super cheap, nor should it. Good people, proper training, maintained vehicles, suitable insurance and quality packing materials all cost money.

And believe me, moving day is not the time to discover why one quote was £500 cheaper than the others. My advice is to compare what you're actually getting, not just what you're paying.

Check they're genuinely based where they say they are

This is something people often overlook. If you're looking for a local removals company, make sure they're actually local.

I've come across companies advertising themselves as North London removal specialists when their physical premises are nowhere near North London. Some are based a considerable distance away. Choosing a local mover has huge advantages not least that they’ll be able to get to you on time when you need them.

Check their website for a physical business address, look them up on Google Maps and see whether the address corresponds with a genuine operating location.

An established local company is more likely to know the area's parking restrictions, awkward access arrangements and traffic hotspots.

Anyone who has tried getting across North London during the school run will appreciate just how valuable that local knowledge can be.

Read the reviews, including the bad ones

Online reviews are useful, but don't just look at the star rating. Read what customers actually say. Are there repeated mentions of punctuality, careful handling, friendly crews and good communication? Do customers describe how the company dealt with unexpected problems?

I'd also recommend reading the occasional negative review and seeing how the business responded. Even the best companies can receive complaints. What matters is how they deal with them.

Look for reviews across different platforms and pay particular attention to detailed feedback from genuine moving customers. A company with hundreds of glowing but suspiciously vague reviews deserves a little more investigation.

Make sure they're a registered member of the British Association of Removers

This is one of the strongest recommendations I can make. The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the recognised trade association for the UK removals industry, and membership isn't simply a matter of paying a subscription and displaying a logo.

Members must meet specified standards and comply with a Code of Practice covering areas such as customer service, quotations, contracts and complaints handling. It's an important additional layer of reassurance when you're entrusting a company with your home and belongings.

Don't just take a company's word for it, either. Check their membership directly through the British Association of Removers website.

You can search for registered members and confirm that the company you're considering is genuinely accredited.

I'm proud that Redpath is a BAR member, and I would always encourage customers to look for that accreditation, whether they're choosing us or somebody else.

Expect a proper survey prior to the quote

Be cautious of a company that provides a firm quotation without properly understanding what needs moving. A professional removals company should offer a survey, either in person or by video, so they can assess the volume of belongings, access arrangements and any specialist requirements.

That beautiful antique wardrobe might look perfectly innocent in the bedroom, but if it won't fit down the staircase, somebody needs to know about it before moving day.

A survey also gives you an opportunity to ask questions, understand the service and get a feel for the people you're dealing with.

Trust your instincts. If communication is poor before you've booked, don't assume it will suddenly improve once they've got your payment.

Finally, think beyond the moving van

A successful move doesn't necessarily finish when the last box comes off the lorry. Think about what you'd like your new home to look like at the end of moving day. Do you want everything unpacked, furniture assembled and your home properly organised, or are you happy to spend the next fortnight searching for the kettle?

Services such as those offered by our friends at Settle in Style can take care of the unpacking and home organisation, allowing you to start enjoying your new home rather than spending your first few weeks surrounded by cardboard boxes. A little thought about the whole moving process can make an enormous difference.

Ultimately, choose a removals company you feel confident in. One that has the experience, people and professionalism to look after your belongings properly.

The cheapest quote might save you a few pounds, but a good removals company can save you an awful lot of worry. And, after more than three decades in this industry, I can assure you that a smooth moving day is worth every penny.

 A little about the author

Dennis Rogers is the founder of Redpath Moving & Storage , a professional removals and storage company serving North and North West London.

With over 30 years of experience and more than 50,000 moves behind him, Dennis has built his career around delivering careful, reliable removals with experienced teams who genuinely care about their customers.

Redpath Moving & Storage is a member of the British Association of Removers and is also Which? Trusted Trader approved. The company provides home removals, professional packing, secure storage, specialist moving services and comprehensive home set-up solutions.

Redpath Moving & Storage. We'll get you there, with care.