How to choose a removal company (and why it is worth hiring one)

Moving is often a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you try to take on all the packing and moving tasks by yourself. To make the process easier, it is highly recommended to hire a professional removals company. At A to B Removals we have seen everything, and below are some of the benefits of using a removals company, followed by how to choose a removal company you can trust.

We are a family run business and have been moving people across Liverpool and the North West since 2007, so we know what a good move looks like.

Why hire a removals company?

 

Save time and effort

Hiring a removals company to help with your move will save you time and effort. Professional movers have experience in loading and unloading items quickly and accurately, so they can do the job significantly faster than you could on your own.

They also have access to specialised equipment such as ladders, hoists, trolleys and lifting straps, which lets them handle bulky or awkward items of furniture safely. Specialist jobs such as piano removals take technique as much as strength, and that comes with experience.

The time you save can then go on the other jobs that come with relocating, such as getting your paperwork organised or sorting out accommodation for your new home.

Peace of mind

A second benefit is peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are in safe hands. Any reputable removals company will have adequate insurance in place to cover damage or loss in transit. At A to B Removals we are fully accredited and fully insured, with goods-in-transit and public liability cover included as standard.

A good crew will also dismantle large pieces of furniture to get them through doorways or up stairs safely, and reassemble them at the new property where agreed at your survey. That cuts the chance of anything going wrong while your valuables are being handled.

Expert advice

Using an experienced moving firm also gives you access to expert advice on how best to pack items securely, so they do not get damaged in transit or when unpacking at the new property. If you would rather not pack at all, our packing service can do it for you. If you prefer to pack yourself, we sell packing materials too.

Professional movers also know what is needed when transporting fragile objects such as artwork, electronics or antiques, from wrapping them tightly in protective materials to taking extra care when loading them onto the van.

Moving yourself is a perfectly reasonable thing to try, but without the know-how for proper packing techniques there is a higher risk that something goes wrong. When the item cannot be replaced, it is a risk worth avoiding.

A service built around you

Most removals companies offer flexible services designed for each customer’s needs. That runs from full-service moves, where they handle everything from start to finish including packing and unpacking, to part-service moves where you only need certain parts taken care of, such as loading and unloading. Our Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages work the same way, from a move-only day to a fully tailored service.

It gives you more control over costs, and the peace of mind of knowing your whole move has been planned out in advance.

How to choose a removal company in five steps

Once you have decided to hire a removals company, these steps will help you pick the right one.

Do your research

Choosing a removals company is an important decision, and the amount of information out there can feel overwhelming. Keep it simple. Identify your options, gather information about each one, and weigh up the pros and cons before you decide. A little time spent on research now means you can make the choice that is right for you. A to B Removals is a family run company covering Merseyside and the wider North West, and we move people across the UK too.

Ask friends and family for referrals

If you are planning a move, you are probably starting to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. As well as packing up your possessions, you have to find a reputable removals company to transport them to your new home. With so much to think about, it is no wonder many people feel overwhelmed.

One of the best ways to find a good removals company is to ask friends and family who have recently moved. They can tell you which companies they used and whether they were happy with the service.

Check online reviews

With so many companies to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the best ways to narrow down your options is to check online reviews. Reading customer feedback gives you a better sense of which companies are reliable and professional, and which offer the best value for money.

Look past the star rating and read what people actually say. Reviews that name the crew and describe the day tell you far more than a score on its own. You can read reviews from our own customers, including plenty that name Peter and Phil.

Get quotes from multiple companies

There is one piece of advice you will hear again and again when you plan a move: get multiple quotes. It makes sense, because you want to know you are paying a fair price. But there is another, often overlooked benefit. Different companies have different approaches to moving, and comparing quotes shows you which one is the best fit for your needs.

So do not focus on price alone. When you compare removal company quotes, check that each one covers the same things, such as packing, dismantling and insurance. We carry out a removal survey first, then confirm your price, so the quote is based on what you are actually moving and there are no surprises on the day.

Book in with your chosen removals company

It is always a good idea to book your chosen removals company as soon as you can. That way you are sure to get them on the day you need them. Give them plenty of notice too, because the more time they have, the easier it is to fit your date in. We will always try to help at short notice, but booking early gives you the most choice.

If your sale and purchase might not complete on the same day, ask what happens next. If your completion date moves, temporary storage can cover the gap between moving out and moving in, so a delay does not become a crisis.

If you are planning to move house in the near future, get in touch with your local removals company and book a date in the diary. You will be glad you did when the big day comes around.

What a good removals company gives you

There are many different tips for an easier and less stressful move, and choosing a good removals company is definitely one of them. A good removals company will have a range of services available depending on your needs. They can provide packing materials to protect your belongings, and they will have the right vehicle for the job, taking into account the size of your move.

Ready to talk it through? Get a quote and we will book a survey, confirm your price and tell you exactly what happens next.