House Moving Advice
7 July 2026 · 6 min read · The RayMovals Team
How to Choose a Removal Company: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Book
Your belongings, your moving day and your money are all riding on the removal company you choose. Cheapest isn't always best — and it's worth spending ten minutes checking a company properly before you hand over a deposit. Here's what actually matters.
10 questions to ask before you book
- 1. Are you fully insured, and what does the cover include? — Ask specifically about Goods in Transit and Public Liability, not just 'yes we're insured'
- 2. Is the quote fixed or hourly, and what could change the price? — Get this in writing before moving day, not verbally on the phone
- 3. Do you have recent, genuine reviews? — Check Google and Trustpilot, not just testimonials on the company's own website
- 4. What happens if something is damaged? — A proper company has a clear claims process, not a shrug
- 5. Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture, and is it included? — Ask what's standard versus what costs extra
- 6. How many movers and what size vehicle? — Make sure it matches the size of your move, not a generic estimate
- 7. Do you subcontract the job out? — Some 'removal companies' are brokers who sell your job to a third party you've never vetted
- 8. What's your policy on deposits and cancellations?
- 9. Can you provide packing materials or a packing service?
- 10. What's your availability, and how far in advance should I book?
Green flags vs red flags
| Green flag | Red flag |
|---|---|
| Fixed quote in writing before the day | Vague verbal estimate, 'we'll see on the day' |
| Clear, named insurance cover | Insurance mentioned but no detail given |
| Genuine, recent reviews with real names | Only 5-star reviews with no detail, or none at all |
| Own crew and vehicles | Job sold on to an unknown subcontractor |
| Asks about access, floors and parking upfront | Quotes without ever asking about the property |
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the best value
A low hourly rate can look attractive until the job takes twice as long as quoted, or an uninsured breakage costs you more than the saving. A fixed, written quote from a properly insured company almost always works out better value — and considerably less stressful — than chasing the lowest number.
Want a straight answer to all ten questions? Get a free, fixed quote from RayMovals today.
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