What questions should I ask a removals company before booking them?

Choosing the right removals company is one of the most important decisions you will make when moving home. A few direct questions before you book can reveal a great deal about how professional and reliable a firm really is.

• Are you fully insured? Ask specifically about goods-in-transit insurance and public liability cover. Find out the per-item limit and whether you need to declare high-value items separately. A reputable company will give you a straight answer and be happy to share a certificate of insurance.
• Do you own your vehicles? Some firms subcontract work to owner-drivers, which can affect accountability if something goes wrong. Ask whether the crew on the day will be directly employed by the company.
• How do you quote – and what is included? Is the price fixed or subject to change? Does it include packing materials, disassembly of furniture, or access to a storage facility? Ask what would trigger an additional charge.
• What experience do you have with properties like mine? Narrow staircases, seafront properties, long carries, and parking restrictions are all common on the South Coast and around Bournemouth. A company familiar with local roads and property types – Victorian terraces, seafront flats, new-build estates – will plan for these without you having to prompt them.
• What is your damage and complaints procedure? Ask how claims are handled and how quickly. Also check Google reviews and whether the company has been trading for a reasonable number of years; a long trading history is a reasonable indicator of reliability.

Finally, trust your gut when you speak to them. A company that gives vague answers, is reluctant to provide a written quote, or pushes you to pay a large cash deposit upfront is worth approaching with caution.