How to select removal companies?
1. If possible you should begin the process of selecting removal companies well in advance of your estimated move date. This will give you time to make a considered choice and subsequently book the services of your prefered mover whilst they still have availability. Typically, moving companies become booked with a 2 weeks lead time, however this can lengthen or shorten depending on seasonal demand. Peak demand normally occurs in the following periods:
July, August & September. The last week of every month. During school half term breaks. Either side of UK Bank Holidays. The 2 weeks immediatley preceding Christmas.
2. Get three quotes from local removal companies. Local is good - it means that if anything untoward occures during the removal process a local company will be able to react more quickly to resolve the problem than a firm located three hours away.
3. If you are moving within the UK, quality is reasonably assured if you invite removal companies that are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). BAR members operate under a set of terms and conditions that have been approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and must comply with the BAR code of practice which is also approved by the OFT.
4. If you are moving overseas, your choice of removal companies becomes even more critical. There are many 3rd parties involved during an overseas move and the ability of a removal firm to understand, communicate and control the process is paramount. Companies that are 'Overseas Group' members of the BAR contribute to an scheme that guarentees any advance payments made for an overseas move. If you also select a removal company that is FIDI - FAIM certified then you will be assured of a high standard of competence, financial stability and responsiveness - all these parameters having been independently inspected by Ernst & Young on behalf of FIDI.
5. Can any of your friends recommend a removal company? Include any recommended companies within your choice of three.
6. Once you have selected the 3 potential movers, invite them for a survey. During the survey you will be able to compare and assess the level of professionalism of the representatives from each removal company. Test their knowledge by asking lots of questions and assess their answers. Do they appear to be customer focussed? Do they answer your questions fully and clearly or do they provide vague, unclear responses? Are they pro-active in making recommendations and suggestions?
7. Reading the quotation. Is it comprehensive and detailed? Has the company fully understood your requirements? Does the quote represent value for money, taking into account the likely professionalism and service level being offered?
8. Visit the removal companies! This is an incredibly useful excercise if you have the time. Any good company will be delighted to show you their premises, equipment and would happy to introduce their employees to you. What level of investment has the company been making in facilities and equipment? Do you see old vehicles likely to breakdown or a well maintained, modern fleet? Do you see nicely uniformed, cleanly dressed, well disciplined employees or scruffy individuals showing little pride in their work? Is everybody happy to see you, smiling and polite or is there a mood of reluctance? Would you like the company inside your house, handling your treasured effects? Are you completely satisfied with what you see and hear or are there concerns in your mind?
After going through the above process, you can be confident that you have selected the best removal company for you.