How To Pick A Local Removals Service
Moving home is notoriously stressful, not least because it involves entrusting everything you own to a complete stranger. Pick the right removals service, though, and that worry disappears—if you know your belongings are in safe hands, you'll be able to focus on everything else. So how can you find a moving company that is right for you?
Ask for recommendations and read through reviews
Word of mouth is an invaluable commodity, and when you're looking for a business that operates mostly locally, you've got an advantage—most of your neighbours will have moved in at some point, after all! Get recommendations from people who live in your area, and read through as many reviews online as you can before making a decision. Sites that aggregate customer reviews are useful, but a personal recommendation is best of all—so ask around, and look through your local social media groups.
Spend some time evaluating a few different websites
Most removals services will have their own website, and you can learn a lot about them from what they choose to put on it. Do their testimonials seem positive and realistic rather than non-existent? Have they put effort into creating a well-written, useful site with all the information you need? Can you find guide prices anywhere? Don't expect to see exact costs, though—a good moving company will always adjust their quotes once they know about your specific situation, and their website will also explain what they'll need to know in order to give you a price for the day.
Don't make low cost your highest priority
Buying or renting a new property is an expensive time for anyone, and there are plenty of costs associated with moving. Even so, don't be tempted by removal quotes that look too good to be true, as they probably are. The best moving firms charge everything upfront with no hidden costs or unexpected added fees, and will include their own insurance costs in their quote. By picking a reasonably priced company, you know you're getting a service you can trust.
Bear your specific circumstances in mind
Not all moving companies are specialised in the same ways, so it helps to know what's best for your move. Do you own anything that will need special care, such as a piano? Would it be useful to pick a company who can send extra staff to help you with particularly bulky furniture? Will you need to book extra time for going up and down several flights of stairs to an apartment at one or both ends? You'll need to have thought about all this before you book.
The right local removals firm can totally change the way your moving day goes, so don't leave booking your van until the last minute. The best companies book up quickly, so start hunting as soon as you have a set date.