How To Get An Accurate Removals Quote
Are you in the middle of planning a house move and need an accurate removals quote?
Moving house is chaotic enough; the last thing anyone wants is a quote that falls apart on moving day.
Getting a clear, realistic removals quote isn’t just about the price; it’s about avoiding nasty surprises, hidden charges, and more stress when you least need it.
Recent research shows that the cost of moving home has surged by nearly 60% over the past decade, leaving many movers unclear about what their money is actually paying for.
Here’s how to get an accurate removals estimate you can trust, and make a smarter decision when choosing who’s helping you move.
Table of Contents
Start With a Solid Survey (Not a Guess)
Online quote forms are quick and convenient and give you a rough idea of move costs, but they don’t always give you the full picture.
A proper in-depth removals survey, whether it’s in-home or via a video link, lets movers see exactly what they’re dealing with.
In-home surveys typically offer the highest accuracy because the professional can physically assess:
- How much stuff do you have
- When are you moving?
- Make provision for large or awkward pieces of furniture or any particularly high-value items such as antiques.
- Make the removal team aware of anything that may need dismantling.
- Any tricky access issues at either property
A video survey is a great second option if you don’t want visitors yet, but be aware that it’s usually less precise than someone standing in your living room.
Nothing compares to chatting your concerns over with an experienced surveyor.
Pro tip: Schedule your survey as soon as you know your move date.
Movers are ridiculously busy around popular moving times (think summer weekends).
Know What’s Going into That Quote
A lot of people assume the number on a removals quote is final, but that’s not always the case.
Quotes are be based on several factors:
- Volume of your belongings
- Distance from current home to new home
- Crew and vehicle sizes are required to complete the job.
- Extra services (packing, storage, dismantling, etc.)
Make sure you understand exactly what’s included and what isn’t.
For example, some quotes include basic liability cover, but additional insurance for high-value items might be extra.
Remember: Flexibility separates a good removals company from a risky one. If timings slip or extra time is needed, having this agreed in advance makes all the difference.
Choosing the cheapest option can leave you stuck if the movers can’t accommodate delays.
Be Super Clear About What You’re Moving
This sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people forget things tucked away in lofts, garages, sheds, tucked-away drawers and cupboards or storage units.
If a mover doesn’t know about something up front, they either won’t bring enough crew or worse, you could be billed extra on the day for services that were not discussed before move day.
Before your survey, make a room-by-room list of:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Boxes
- Fragile or unusual items (pianos, antiques, oversized mirrors)
Got special-care items? Ask whether they’ll need custom crating or additional manpower, and ensure it’s clearly listed on the quotation to avoid misunderstandings.
Ask the Right Questions (Don’t Be Shy!)
A survey isn’t a one-way street. This is your chance to interrogate the company a bit, professionally, of course.
Here’s what to discuss with your house move surveyor:
- What’s the insurance coverage? How does it work, and what isn’t covered?
- Do you charge by the hour, by volume, or by weight?
- Is the quote fixed, or could it change at the last minute?
- What happens if the move runs over time?
- Are parking permits or stair carries included, and who is responsible for organising them?
There’s a great list of recommended questions you should ask before booking your move on the comparemymove website.
Pro movers will answer these confidently; if they look annoyed, that’s a red flag!
Get Several Quotes – Then Compare Them Like a Pro
Never, ever take the first quote you receive.
Three is the magic number for comparison; it provides a baseline to spot oddball pricing and ensures you’re comparing like-for-like.
Be cautious and take the time to read the quotation thoroughly, including the fine print: a cheaper quote might not include services that matter to you.
Here’s what to watch when comparing:
Feature Why It Matters
Packing Included Saves hours and stress
Insurance cover Lower cover you cost you later.
Storage options Useful if your completion date isn’t synchronised.
Extra services Disassembly/assembly or any special packaging materials
Honestly? Sometimes a slightly more expensive quote is actually a better value if it includes more services.
Transparency = Less Stress
At the end of the day, getting an accurate removals quote comes down to clear communication (from both sides).
The more upfront you are about your stuff, your schedule, and your expectations, the fewer surprises on moving day.
Take your time, compare properly, and ask the questions that matter.
Your future self, standing in your new home, relaxing with a glass of wine, will thank you!
Ready to Get a Removals Quote You Can Actually Trust?
If there’s one takeaway from all this, it’s simple: accurate quotes start with proper preparation.
The clearer you are about what you’re moving and when, the smoother your moving day will be and the fewer surprises you’ll face along the way.
That’s exactly where GoodMove comes in.
With experienced surveyors, transparent pricing, and flexible removals services, GoodMove makes it easier to get a realistic, reliable quote you can actually plan around.
No guesswork, no vague estimates, just clear information from the start.
Before you lock anything in, take a few minutes to get yourself organised. It could save you time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress later on.
When you’re ready to take the next step, choosing a removals company that values clarity, flexibility, and experience can make all the difference and that’s exactly what GoodMove is known for.