Need a Man with a Van? Work with the Professionals 

It is no secret that moving house can set you back a few pennies. From the big things like hiring a conveyancing solicitor, sorting agency fees, paying deposits and applying for mortgages, to the little things like purchasing packing materials, we understand that it can feel like you are constantly burning a hole in your pocket. 

So, if you’re planning to relocate soon, it is most likely that you are looking for ways to save money during the move. There are numerous ways to do this, from selling some of your possessions to collating packing materials from friends and families. You may also be thinking that you can save money by finding an affordable removal company, or simply a man with a van. And whilst there are plenty of reputable cheap removal companies out there, it is imperative that you hire a professional and experienced company to help you move. It is no secret that professionalism equates with high-quality service, and this is imperative when handling your precious items. Also, if you are planning on moving abroad, finding the right removal company that is experienced in international moves is vital. 

But with the wealth of domestic and commercial removal companies out there, at first glance, it can seem overwhelming to navigate. Plus, each service may offer something unique and different. With this in mind, we have collated together the various ways to spot a professional and efficient removal company, as well as reasons as to why you should most definitely choose a professional removal service over an inexperienced, but cheap, company.

 

How to spot a reputable domestic removals company

There are various ways that a reputable domestic removals company will make itself known. Plenty of removal companies business will generate from personal recommendations and word of mouth, especially if they specifically work within a local area. So, they will be keen to show off their good service and this can be found on their website. 

It has been estimated that the 38 to 62% of people are influenced by the design, organisation and general look of a website, altering their overall perspectives of a business and service. Little things like loading speed, unattractive layout and the wealth of information on the website will make viewers click off your webpage and look elsewhere. When a business takes pride in their website, it translates to offering a good service and caring about their customers. This can most certainly be said for a reputable domestic removals company. So, when looking at their website, keep an eye out for the following:

Accreditations

Accreditations from third-party organisations are a key sign that the business is thriving, successful and offering good service. This is because they have passed the organisations high standards which are related to customer service, company ethos, general daily practice and more. Plus, once approved or affiliated, the organisation's badge would be put up on their website - a recognised trademark amongst others the industry and customers. 

When looking at a removal companies website, the main accreditation to look out for is the British Association of Removars (BAR). Representing around 450 UK removals businesses, as well as 250 international associates, they are the voice for the UK removal industry. Furthermore, BAR has an advanced payment guarantee and a free independent dispute resolution service. To become a BAR member, a removal company would have to go through a series of regulatory checks and tests to make sure that their customer service and practices are reliable and sound. 

 

Reviews and Testimonials

If a removal company has been in business for a long time, it is likely that they have collected reviews and testimonials over the years from past customers. If they are savvy, then they should have a few of these displayed on their website-peer-created content is deemed trustworthy to many. If you can’t spot any reviews on their website, then don’t be afraid to ask for some when making an enquiry. Or, take a look at their social media pages or on Google, as these reviews won’t have been regulated by them and are unbiased. 

If a removal company isn’t forthcoming with reviews, then this is clearly a red flag and you should most likely look elsewhere.

 

Insurance

Whilst it may be tempting to cut down on costs by opting out of an insurance policy when moving house, you should most definitely check if one is offered in the first place. Many removal companies will insure themselves, but they may not offer cover for you - therefore, when contacting a removal company - it is imperative that you ask them beforehand if they do offer cover for you. This can protect you against damages and losses to your possessions. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the written contract they present you with before you sign it. Plus, if they don’t offer you a written contract then make sure to ask for one, or look elsewhere.  

 

How a professional removal service can help you

Now that you are clued up on how to determine a professional removal service from an inexperienced company, we have collated some reasons as to why you should choose them:

 

Can help lift heavy items - Although you may not initially think it, moving heavy items actually requires specialised training to avoid injury. So, simply hiring an inexperienced person to help could be detrimental as you or them could get injured in the process. And, this could result in them asking for money for compensation. Don’t take a chance on your heavy possessions; from bed frames to sofas and pianos, make sure that you choose a professional and highly trained removal company to help you.

 

Provides storage units - Whether you are looking to move abroad or you are downsizing to a smaller property, a reputable removal company may provide safe storage units where you can keep some of your furniture whilst you decide what to do with it, and help ease the stress of moving.

 

Can save on multiple trips - Professional removal companies will have large vans that can fit a multitude of your objects and furniture. Simply hiring a man with a van may mean that you need to take multiple trips between the old property and new property. This will make the move last longer and is less environmentally friendly. 

 

Can ease stress - One of the main reasons as to why you should choose an efficient removal service is because they can help prevent any unnecessary stress from occurring before or during the move. Simple things like helping you pack your belongings, providing packing materials, and helping to lift items will make the whole process much smoother, letting you focus on the exciting chapter of moving to a new place. 

 

Years of expertise - You may have accumulated some heirlooms, beautiful pieces of art or antiques throughout your years in your old house. Due to their age and fragile nature, they will need to be handled more carefully than your other bric a brac. With this in mind, many removal companies will be highly trained in the lifting and transporting of these precious items, which can be accumulated through years of expertise.

If in doubt, ask your family and friends to help

We understand that you may be tentative about trusting strangers with your items. Yet, there are plenty of other dangers that come with hiring an inexperienced removal company, or a man with a van service. Why not find a middle ground and ask your family and friends to help you move alongside a professional removal company, or by allocating them the precious items that you are most concerned about moving. A professional service will make the process much smoother and easier, and having your trusted companions around you will certainly help this too.

 

Turners Removals: Leading Removal Service in Cornwall

A family run business, here at Turners Removals, we always put our customers first. Skilled in national and international moves, our highly trained experts will help you every step of the way. Though based in Cornwall, we can help you move no matter where you are. 

We are proud to say that we are an accredited BAR member, as well as offering both sturdy storage units 365 days a year and comprehensive movers insurance. To find out more, and receive a free quote, contact us today.