Choosing a removal company in London isn’t difficult because there aren’t many options. It’s often the opposite. From smaller man and van operators to established companies offering complete removal, packing and storage services, there’s plenty of choice. The challenge is knowing which company can provide the right level of service for your move, rather than simply opting for the lowest quote.
London also brings practical considerations that can quickly complicate a move, including parking restrictions, limited access, flats and lifts, narrow streets and busy locations. An experienced removal company should identify these issues in advance and explain how they’ll manage them. At Aussie, we deal with the realities of moving people across London every day, so we’ve put together 12 practical checks you can use to compare removal companies before you book.
Quick Answer: What Should You Look for in a London Removal Company?
Look for a London removal company with genuine customer reviews, professional accreditation, suitable insurance and plenty of local experience. They should assess your move properly, provide a detailed written quote with transparent pricing, and clearly explain how they’ll handle practical details such as parking and access. Packing and storage options are also worth checking if you’re likely to need them.
Contents
- 12 Checks Before Choosing a London Removal Company
- Check Genuine Customer Reviews
- Check Professional Accreditation
- Check What Insurance Is Included
- Check Their Experience With London Moves
- Ask Whether They Conduct a Home or Video Survey
- Get a Detailed Written Quotation
- Check for Potential Additional Charges
- Compare Like-for-Like Removal Quotes
- Check Their Packing Options
- Ask About Storage Options
- Check How They Will Handle Parking and Access
- Look for Warning Signs Before Booking
- How to Compare London Removal Quotes Properly
- Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Your 12-Point Removal Company Checklist
- FAQs
12 Checks Before Choosing a London Removal Company
There’s rarely one thing that tells you whether a removal company is right for your move. A low quote might look appealing, while an impressive review score can provide reassurance, but neither gives you the complete picture. It’s better to consider experience, credentials, insurance, service options and how thoroughly the company prepares for your move. These 12 checks will help you compare your options before making a decision.
1. Check Genuine Customer Reviews
Online reviews are a useful starting point, but don’t rely on the headline rating alone. We suggest looking for established removal companies with an average Google rating of around 4.6 or higher, then spending some time reading what customers actually say.
Pay particular attention to recent reviews and recurring comments about punctuality, communication, careful handling and whether the final price matched expectations. Read some lower-rated reviews too, as well as the company’s responses. Consistent feedback across a large number of customers usually tells you far more than a handful of perfect scores. Recommendations from friends, family and colleagues can provide another useful layer of reassurance.
2. Check Professional Accreditation
Professional accreditation gives you another way to distinguish established removal companies from operators with few safeguards in place. Look for recognised industry bodies such as the British Association of Removers (BAR), and check what membership actually means rather than treating a logo on a website as sufficient evidence.
BAR members must meet defined professional standards and follow a Code of Practice covering areas such as advertising, quotations, contracts and customer service. Membership also provides customers with access to formal complaints and dispute resolution procedures. Aussie Man & Van is BAR-accredited, so this is one of the standards you can compare us against when comparing your options.
3. Check What Insurance Is Included
Ask exactly what insurance protection applies to your belongings before signing a removal contract. A reputable company should be able to explain its cover clearly, including any limits, exclusions and circumstances that could affect a claim.
It’s particularly worth checking whether self-packed belongings are treated differently and whether high-value or unusual items need to be declared in advance. You should also know what happens if something is accidentally damaged during packing, loading, transport or delivery. Don’t assume every removal company provides the same level of protection.
4. Check Their Experience With London Moves
London removals bring logistical challenges you won’t encounter everywhere. Parking restrictions, controlled parking zones, loading restrictions, narrow streets and congested locations can all affect how a move needs to be planned. Flats add another layer, particularly where there are stairs, limited lift access or a lengthy carrying distance between the property and removal vehicle.
This is where genuine local experience matters. A company that regularly handles moves across London should recognise these issues early and factor them into the plan. That includes choosing suitable vehicles, arranging the right-size crew, and allowing enough time for loading and unloading. Ideally, these details should be discussed before moving day rather than discovered when the removal van arrives.
5. Ask Whether They Conduct a Home or Video Survey
An accurate removal quote starts with understanding what needs to be moved. For larger household removals, a home or video survey allows the company to assess the volume of your belongings, identify bulky or awkward items, and discuss anything that requires additional care.
The survey should also cover the practical side of the move. Stairs, lifts, parking, property access, dismantling and reassembly, and your packing requirements can all influence the crew, vehicles and time required. Providing this information upfront makes it much easier for a removal company to give you an accurate quotation and prepare properly.
6. Get a Detailed Written Quotation
Always ask for your removal quote in writing. It should make it clear exactly what you’re paying for, rather than leaving you to rely on a verbal estimate or a headline figure that could change later.
Depending on your move, check whether the quotation covers the removal crew and vehicles, packing services and materials, furniture dismantling and reassembly, travel, parking arrangements, storage and VAT. Payment terms and the company’s cancellation or postponement policy should also be clear. If something isn’t included, ask before you book. A detailed quotation gives both you and the removal company a clear understanding of the agreed service.
7. Check for Potential Additional Charges
Extra charges aren’t necessarily a warning sign. Some moves change after the original assessment, and certain costs depend on circumstances outside a removal company’s control. The important thing is knowing what could cost extra before moving day.
Ask whether additional charges could apply for:
- Parking or permits
- Waiting time
- Difficult or previously undisclosed access
- Extra packing
- Additional belongings not included in the original survey
- Temporary storage
- Last-minute changes to your move
- Delays or changes to completion times
Transparent pricing means you know where you stand. If a company can’t clearly explain when additional charges might apply, ask for clarification before accepting the quote.
8. Compare Like-for-Like Removal Quotes
The cheapest removal quote isn’t automatically the best deal. Before comparing prices, check that each company is quoting for broadly the same job. One price might include packing materials, furniture dismantling or parking arrangements, for example, while another lists them separately.
An unusually low quote is worth investigating rather than immediately accepting. Check the scope of the service, insurance, reputation and whether the company properly assessed your move before providing the price. We’ll look at how to compare removal quotes in more detail later in this guide.
9. Check Their Packing Options
You might be happy to pack everything yourself, or you may prefer someone else to handle the whole job. Either way, find out what packing options are available when comparing removal companies.
A full packing service can cover most or all of your belongings, while partial or fragile-item packing lets you bring in professional help only where you need it. Ask about packing materials, protection for furniture and specialist handling for delicate or unusual belongings. It’s also useful to know whether dismantling and reassembly can be included. Having these options available gives you more flexibility if your plans change as moving day approaches.
10. Ask About Storage Options
Moving dates don’t always line up neatly. A delayed completion, property chain, renovation or period in temporary accommodation can leave you needing somewhere secure for your belongings between properties. Storage can also help if you’re downsizing or want to clear some space before putting your current home on the market.
Ask whether your removal company can collect your belongings, place them directly into storage and deliver them when you’re ready. Keeping removal and storage arrangements with the same provider can make the process much simpler, particularly when dates change unexpectedly.
11. Check How They Will Handle Parking and Access
General London experience is important, but the company also needs a workable plan for your addresses. Ask where the removal vehicle will park at both properties and whether parking suspensions or permits need to be arranged. You should also establish who is responsible for organising them.
Property access matters just as much. Are there stairs or a usable lift? Does the building restrict moving times? How far will the crew need to carry furniture to the vehicle? Can a larger removal van access the street? These details can affect the time, crew, and vehicles needed, so they should be part of the planning rather than left until moving day.
12. Look for Warning Signs Before Booking
Good removal companies should make it easier for you to understand what you’re booking. Be cautious if you’re pressured to make an immediate decision, can’t get a written quotation or receive vague answers about insurance, additional costs or terms and conditions.
Other warning signs can include poor or inconsistent reviews, unclear contact details, unexplained charges and little interest in assessing the size or access requirements of a substantial move. Communication is another useful indicator. If getting clear answers is difficult before you’ve booked, consider whether you’re comfortable relying on that company on moving day.
How to Compare London Removal Quotes Properly
Getting several removal quotes is a sensible way to understand your options, but the final figures won’t tell you much unless you know what sits behind them. Look closely at the services included, the level of cover provided and how thoroughly each company has assessed your move. A higher quote may actually offer better overall value once everything is taken into account.
Don’t Compare Price Alone
It’s natural to look at the price first, especially when moving house already comes with plenty of other expenses. However, choosing the cheapest removal quote can prove costly if important services are left out or additional charges arise later.
Instead, consider what you’re receiving for the quoted price. Experience, customer reviews, insurance, professional accreditation and the quality of communication all matter. You should feel confident that the company understands your move and has provided a realistic price for completing it properly.
Make Sure You’re Comparing the Same Services
Two quotations that initially appear similar can cover very different levels of service. Check each one carefully and identify what’s included, what’s available at an additional cost and anything that hasn’t been mentioned.
This is only an example, but it shows why comparing the total service is more useful than comparing three headline prices. If something isn’t clear, ask the removal company to explain it before making your decision.
Investigate Significant Price Differences
If one quotation is considerably cheaper than the others, find out why. There may be a perfectly reasonable explanation, but it’s worth checking whether anything has been overlooked.
Ask yourself:
- Was your property and volume of belongings properly assessed?
- Are all three companies quoting for the same services?
- Are the proposed crew and vehicle requirements comparable?
- Have packing, parking or access requirements been accounted for?
- Could additional costs be added later?
The same principle applies to a noticeably higher quote. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed comparison rather than guessing based on price alone.
Compare Value Rather Than Just Cost
Ultimately, you’re looking for a company you trust to handle your belongings and complete the move as agreed. Price forms part of that decision, but so do reputation, insurance, experience, service options and communication.
Once you’ve compared those factors alongside the quotation itself, you’ll have a much clearer picture of which company offers the best overall value for your London move.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
By the time you contact a removal company, you should already have a reasonable idea of what you’re looking for. Asking a few direct questions can fill in the remaining gaps and make it easier to compare your options. Keep this list handy when requesting quotes or speaking to prospective movers:
- Are you professionally accredited? Ask which industry bodies the company belongs to and whether you can verify its membership.
- What insurance is included? Find out what protection applies to your belongings, along with any limits, exclusions or special conditions.
- Will you survey my property before quoting? For larger moves, ask whether an in-person or video survey is available.
- Is this a fixed quotation or an estimate? Make sure you understand whether the price can change and under what circumstances.
- Exactly what does the quote include? Check the removal service, crew, vehicles and any additional services you’ve requested.
- Could any additional charges apply? Ask about parking, waiting time, difficult access, extra belongings and other circumstances that could increase the final cost.
- Who will arrange parking? Establish whether you or the removal company will deal with parking suspensions, permits or other arrangements at each address.
- Do you provide packing and packing materials? Even if you’re planning to pack yourself, it’s useful to know what support is available.
- Can you dismantle and reassemble furniture? Check whether this service is available and whether it’s included in your quotation.
- What happens if my moving date changes? Property chains and completion dates can shift, so find out how the company handles changes before they happen.
- Can you provide storage if there’s a delay? Having storage available through the same company can make an unexpected gap between properties easier to manage.
- What happens if something is damaged? Ask about the claims process and what you would need to do if an item were damaged during the move.
- What are your cancellation and postponement terms? Understand any notice periods, charges or other conditions before committing.
- Who should I contact before and on moving day? Knowing your main point of contact gives you somewhere to turn if plans change or you have a last-minute question.
Get Clear Answers Before You Commit
A reliable removal company shouldn’t have difficulty answering these questions. You should come away knowing what you’re paying for, what happens if plans change and how the practical details of your move will be handled. If important answers remain vague after you’ve asked for clarification, that’s worth considering before you book. Don’t forget to check out our moving checklist to help keep you on track.
Your 12-Point Removal Company Checklist
Before making your final decision, run through these 12 checks. You can use the list to compare companies side by side or as a final check before accepting a quotation:
☐ Strong, genuine customer reviews from a consistent range of recent customers.
☐ Recognised professional accreditation that you can verify independently.
☐ Appropriate insurance cover with the terms, limits and exclusions clearly explained.
☐ Proven London removals experience, including knowledge of common logistical challenges.
☐ A home or video survey offered where appropriate for the size and complexity of your move.
☐ A detailed written quotation explaining exactly what is and isn’t included.
☐ Potential additional charges explained before you agree to the service.
☐ Quotes compared like-for-like, rather than choosing solely on the lowest price.
☐ Suitable packing options available if you need help preparing your belongings.
☐ Storage available if required, particularly if your moving dates don’t align.
☐ Parking and property access planned at both your collection and delivery addresses.
☐ No significant warning signs, such as pressure selling, vague pricing or unclear terms.
Make Your Final Choice With Confidence
You don’t necessarily need every optional service on this checklist. Packing and storage, for example, will depend entirely on your move. What matters is choosing a company that meets your requirements, communicates clearly and gives you confidence in how the job will be handled. Once those boxes are ticked, you’ll be in a much stronger position to make your final choice.
FAQs
Still weighing up your options? These frequently asked questions cover some practical details to check when comparing London removal companies and their quotations.
How Many Removal Quotes Should I Get?
Getting around three removal quotes is usually a sensible starting point. This gives you enough information to compare prices, services and how each company approaches your move without turning the process into a hunt for the lowest figure. Make sure you’re comparing similar services and ask about any significant differences between the quotes.
Should a Removal Company Visit My Home Before Quoting?
For larger or more complex moves, a survey is often the best way for a removal company to provide an accurate quote. This can be completed at your property or, where suitable, by video. It allows the company to assess your belongings, access, parking, stairs, lifts and any items requiring special handling before planning the move.
Should I Choose the Cheapest Removal Company?
Not necessarily. A lower price can represent good value, but only if the quotation covers the same level of service as the alternatives. Compare what’s included alongside the company’s experience, reviews, insurance, accreditation and communication. If one quote is considerably cheaper, ask why before accepting it.
What Insurance Should a London Removal Company Have?
A professional removal company should have suitable insurance covering its work and be able to explain what protection applies to your belongings. Ask about cover for loss or damage, any limits and exclusions, and whether conditions differ for items you’ve packed yourself. If you’re moving particularly valuable belongings, mention them during the assessment rather than assuming they’re automatically covered.
How Can I Tell Whether Removal Company Reviews Are Genuine?
Look beyond the overall star rating and read a selection of recent reviews. Genuine feedback often contains specific details about the move, crew, communication or service provided. Consistency matters too. Check reviews from multiple sources where possible, including how the company responds when customers raise issues or leave negative feedback.
What Should a London Removal Quote Include?
A good removal quote should clearly explain the service you’re paying for and any circumstances that could change the final cost. Depending on your move, this could include:
- Removal crew and vehicles
- Packing services and materials
- Furniture dismantling and reassembly
- Insurance
- Parking arrangements and associated costs
- Storage, if required
- VAT
- Payment terms
- Potential additional charges
- Cancellation or postponement terms
If anything is unclear or missing, ask for clarification in writing before you book.
Why Choose Aussie Man & Van for Your London Move?
Choosing a removal company becomes much easier when you know which things to check before booking. Experience, insurance, clear quotations, packing and storage options, and a proper plan for London parking and access can all help separate reliable movers from the rest. Aussie Man & Van can take care of each stage, from assessing your requirements and planning the logistics to packing, transport, storage and delivery.
We’ve built our reputation by providing professional removal services throughout London, backed by BAR accreditation, appropriate insurance and our commitment to maintaining high standards through our quality policy. Just as importantly, customer service remains at the heart of what we do, something reflected in our consistently strong Google reviews. Whether you need a straightforward man and van service or support with a larger household move, our team can recommend an option that fits your requirements.
If you’re planning a move to London, click here to arrange an assessment, and we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote based on what you actually need. You can also visit our blog and FAQ pages for more practical moving advice, planning tips and free resources to help you prepare.