Choosing the right removal company is one of the most important decisions you will make during your move. A good company will make the experience smooth and stress-free; a bad one can turn moving day into a nightmare. This guide walks you through everything you need to consider before making your choice.
Check for BAR Membership
The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the UK's leading trade association for the removals industry. BAR members are audited against a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, which means you have a formal complaints and arbitration process if anything goes wrong. Always check whether a company is a current BAR member before booking — you can verify membership directly on the BAR website. Daley & Co has been a BAR member for decades.
Verify Insurance Cover
A reputable removal company will carry Goods in Transit insurance and Public Liability insurance as a minimum. Always ask for evidence of cover and check the limits — for a typical three-bedroom house move, you need at least £50,000 of Goods in Transit cover. If you are moving high-value items such as antiques, fine art, or a grand piano, ask specifically about specialist cover for those items. Some companies offer additional All Risks cover for an extra premium.
Get Three Written Quotes
Never accept a verbal quote or a quote given over the phone without a surveyor visiting your property. A reputable company will always conduct a pre-move survey — either in person or via video call — to assess the volume of your belongings, access conditions at both properties, and any specialist requirements. Get at least three written quotes and compare them carefully. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value.
Ask About Their Crew
Ask whether the company uses directly employed crews or subcontractors. Directly employed crews are generally more reliable and better trained, and the company has greater accountability for their conduct. Ask how long the crew has been with the company — experienced movers who know each other well work more efficiently and handle your belongings with greater care.
Read Reviews Carefully
Look for reviews on independent platforms such as Reviews.co.uk, Trustpilot, or Google. Pay particular attention to how the company responds to negative reviews — a professional company will acknowledge issues and explain how they were resolved. Be wary of companies with only five-star reviews and no negative feedback, as this can indicate curated or fake reviews.
Understand What Is Included
Make sure you understand exactly what is included in your quote. Does it include packing materials? Dismantling and reassembly of furniture? Parking suspension applications? Storage if there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates? Get everything in writing before you sign a contract.
Ready to get a quote from one of the North West's most trusted removal companies? Contact Daley & Co today.
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