Removal Company Quotes Explained — What to Look For

Why Quotes Vary So Much

Get three removal company quotes for the same house move and you may receive prices ranging from £600 to £2,000 for what appears to be the same job. Understanding why requires knowing how removal companies price their work — because the cheapest quote is not always the best value, and the most expensive is not necessarily the best service.

Our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator) gives you benchmark prices for your move type. This guide helps you interpret the quotes you receive and choose the right firm.

How Removal Companies Assess Your Job

Most reputable removal companies will either visit your home for a survey or conduct a detailed video survey before quoting. During this assessment, they calculate:

• **Volume:** The total cubic footage of your belongings. This determines the size of van (or number of vans) needed. A fully-furnished 3-bedroom house typically has 800–1,200 cubic feet of contents.
• **Access:** Is there parking directly outside? Are there stairs? How far is the carry from front door to van? Each of these increases the cost.
• **Special items:** Pianos, large safes, American-style fridges, heavy gym equipment, and fragile or high-value art items all carry additional cost.
• **Distance:** Fuel costs and driver time increase linearly with distance. Very long-distance moves (Scotland to London, for example) may require an overnight stop and associated costs.
• **Packing requirements:** If you want the company to pack boxes, this is priced separately.

Avoid any firm that quotes without surveying or requesting detailed information. A low quote given without a proper assessment is almost always a "foot-in-the-door" price that will increase on the day.

What to Check on a Quote

A well-structured removal quote should specify:

**1. What is included**

• How many vans and crew members?
• Does it include dismantling and reassembling beds and furniture?
• Is packing included, or is this an add-on?
• Is wrapping of furniture and mirrors included?
• Are boxes provided or supplied by you?

**2. Insurance**

• What is the liability limit for lost or damaged items?
• Is this "replacement value" or "depreciated value" cover?
• What is the claims process?

Good removal companies carry goods in transit insurance covering replacement value. Some cheaper operators offer only nominal cover (£40 per item, for example) — which would not replace a television, let alone a sofa.

**3. What happens if completion is delayed**

• If your solicitor confirms completion late in the day, or if completion is delayed by one day, what do they do?
• Will they hold your goods overnight? Is there a storage charge?
• What is the cancellation policy if your completion falls through entirely?

**4. BAR Membership**

The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the trade body for reputable removal companies. BAR-approved firms have met minimum standards for training, insurance, and professional conduct, and operate a dispute resolution service. While not all good firms are BAR members, membership is a positive indicator.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Quotes

Cheap quotes often cut corners in ways that cause problems:

• **Insufficient crew:** A two-man team taking all day to do what a three-man team does in half the time costs you the day as well as money.
• **Inadequate insurance:** If your expensive furniture is damaged by a budget firm, their liability may be minimal.
• **Cash-in-hand operations:** Unregistered firms have no accountability. If they damage your belongings or fail to complete the job, you have no recourse.
• **Last-minute price increases:** A firm that quotes without surveying often raises the price on the day when they see the actual volume of belongings.

Practical Tips for Getting Good Quotes

1. Get at least three quotes, ideally from BAR-approved firms.

2. Insist on a home survey or detailed video walkthrough — not a quote based on bedroom count alone.

3. Ask for a written, itemised quote so you can compare like for like.

4. Check reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and Which? Trusted Traders.

5. Ask whether the price varies by day of week. Monday to Wednesday completions are often £100–£300 cheaper than Friday completions.

6. Confirm your move date is in the diary once you have a firm completion date — good removal firms book up weeks in advance, especially on popular completion days.

Use our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator) alongside your quotes to ensure your total moving budget is accurate.