from The Removal Supermarket

Moving home abroad is exciting, whilst organising and packing all of your things is a time consuming and tiring! Choosing a removal company is inevitable for most long distance moves abroad. To help you feel settled when you arrive, you want to be safe in the knowledge that all of your stuff has got there safely too. So what should you keep in mind when choosing a removal company?

Choose a company you can trust

Ensure you are hiring an actual company, not just a ‘man with a van.’ You can confirm a removal company’s existence by searching Companies House. This will also reveal how long the company has been running.

The tried and tested way of finding a reliable removal company is by asking for testimonials or checking out their website. Also try a Google search to see if there are any complaints listed on popular company feedback websites. Otherwise, friends and family may have some recommendations.

There are a couple of associations for removal companies to join, the most well known being the British Association of Movers (BAR) and the National Guild of Removers. BAR members must adhere to a code of standards, whilst the association also provides training and a dispute resolution service to consumers. Referenceline said in March 2008 that "96% of consumers would recommend their BAR member firm."

Compare firms for the best price

As with any other service, removal companies are no different in that you are able to negotiate the price of your move. Shopping around will certainly help. The time consuming element of this can be removed by using a comparison website such as The Removal Supermarket.

It is of course important to compare like-for-like. Certainly don’t be lured into the mindset of ‘cheapest’ being the same as ‘best’! Check for factors such as insurance: will the removal company cover anything that breaks on the journey? If so, to what value? Additional factors such as packing and un-packing can be built in the cost, so when getting a quote ask for a price breakdown.

If the removal company does not have suitable insurance, make sure you check your contents insurance covers your move.

With long distance moves, ask questions relating to costs for crossing the Channel and tolls on the way to your new home. What might seem small issues soon add up, and if you’re not prepared, it could spoil what should be a happy day!

Give yourself time

Don’t choose a removal company at the last minute! Most removal firms will be booked up weeks in advance, especially during school holidays and at weekends. Try to start the process of finding a removal company at least two months before your move. Peak days will be more expensive.

The removal company you get quotes from should have a thorough look at your current home and belongings in order to give an accurate quote. Factors which will change the quote include the amount of stairs in the property, and how easy it is to get large furniture outside.

You can save money by doing the packing yourself, but be sure to factor this into your plans. Also remember that doing it yourself can be incredibly time consuming and stressful if you’re not used to it. Would your time be better spent doing something else? There are many factors to moving abroad after all…

Before the move

Hopefully by following the above advice you will be able to enjoy a stress free move, allowing you to concentrate on you and your family. It’s always worthwhile to check a few days before you move that everything is in place with the removal company however. Don’t risk spoiling your move by getting caught out by an administrator error!

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The Removal Supermarket provides free removal quotes from various removal companies depending on your move. With experience in household and business moves, The Removal Supermarket can provide not only the cheapest, but the best removal companies according to your needs.