How to Choose a Moving Company for Your House Move

Moving home is both exciting and stressful, with lots of things to organise to make sure things run smoothly. One of the most important is securing a moving company that will ease the process and give you peace of mind when it comes to transporting your furniture and possessions. 

If you’re unsure of where to start, here’s our checklist of things you should take into consideration before deciding on the ideal moving company for your house move. 

Consider the Costs and Your Budget

The first thing you should take into account is your budget, and the amount of things you actually need to move. The more you have to move, the more it will likely cost, so make sure you’ve included everything when you get your quotes so you’re getting an accurate estimate. It’s also a great excuse for having a sort out to get rid of anything you don’t need, which can help to keep costs down. 

Also remember that if you have anything that needs specialist equipment, or a door or window needs removing to get something in or out, this will likely cost extra.  

Decide on the Services You Need 

Apart from the actual moving of furniture and boxes to your new home, there’s also the option to choose a company that will pack up your possessions for you. This can take a lot of the stress and work off your hands, and allows you to focus on other aspects of the move, so check if this service is offered when considering companies. 

Larger or heavier items such as pianos or paintings might need specialist equipment, not to mention experience and care, so choose a company that has the equipment and expertise to deal with everything you need when moving. 

You should also think about the possibility of needing temporary storage space for anything that won’t be going directly to your new home, so check if this is something your moving company is able to help with. 

Get a Recommendation if Possible 

Like any other service, getting recommendations and doing your research is always important before you make your decision. Searching online will give you plenty of options and allow you to see the wealth of reviews and ratings that are available on there, but it’s also worth checking with family and friends who have moved recently as nothing beats word of mouth and from people you trust.  

Ask around to see if they’ve used moving companies and get their honest thoughts and reviews – plus, you could also ask your estate agent for any good recommendations they may have. 

Look for Accreditation

Choosing a moving company with professional accreditation is also essential. 

Look out for industry accreditations and notable associations – in the UK, the most trusted association for moving companies is the British Association of Removers (BAR), and there’s also The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Federation of European Moving Associations (FEDEMAC). If you find moving companies with any associations such as these, you can be confident of a professional level of service.

Compare Quotes 

Once you’ve narrowed down some contenders, be sure to get at least three quotes so you can compare the balance of costs and service between them. The most important thing is to get the level of service and expertise you need for your move, so don’t automatically go for the cheapest quote. Choose the moving company that gives you the best value for your money. 

Choosing a moving company that you trust and can rely on will require some careful thinking and research, but this checklist should give you a good place to start and help you to find the company that will help you complete your journey into your new home.