Why Choose A BAR Removals Company For Your Move?
Moving house can be a stressful experience, and if you don’t do your research before selecting a removals service, things can fall apart quickly.
Timely delays, untrained staff, and inadequate insurance can turn what should be an exciting event into a nightmare.
For that reason, it’s essential to look for a BAR Removals Company—one that is registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) and adheres to the highest professional standards.
Recent guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government explicitly highlights the BAR brand as a crucial mark of quality.
It advises that you confirm whether a remover is BAR-registered before you explore online reviews or the small print.
Doing so means you’re one step closer to a reliable, stress-free moving experience.
Table of Contents
Understanding the British Association of Removers
Unlike some industries, there is no legal requirement in the UK for a removals or storage firm to join a recognised trade body.
That’s where the British Association of Removers stands out. Certified by Trading Standards, BAR has been the leading voice of the removals industry for over 100 years.
It sets high expectations for members and regularly reviews training standards, premises, equipment, and ethical practices to ensure consumers receive genuine value for money.
Every firm that joins BAR agrees to abide by the BAR Code of Practice.
This code commits them to follow strict procedures, putting customer needs first.
Those who fail to meet the standard face disciplinary measures, meaning you can trust that a BAR-accredited firm has a reputation worth maintaining.
The BAR Code of Practice: High Standards for a Stress-Free Move
Adherence to the BAR Code of Practice is one of the core pillars that sets a BAR Removals Company apart.
This document, approved by Trading Standards, outlines the minimum standards members must uphold.
From staff training and dispute resolution to transparent pricing, the code covers every aspect of removals work.
By choosing a company that follows it, you can expect:
- Clearly stated terms and conditions
- Proactive communication about any additional costs
- Ethical handling of your belongings, including fragile or high-value items
- Well-maintained vehicles and facilities
- Respectful, trained staff who follow best health and safety practices
BAR membership isn’t a one-time accreditation.
Companies face ongoing audits, ensuring they remain consistent with these standards over time.
Choosing a BAR-Registered Firm
Statistics suggest that more than 97% of 15,000 consumers surveyed by the independent review site Reference Line recommend using a BAR remover.
Selecting a BAR Removals Company guarantees several benefits that non-affiliated businesses may not offer.
When choosing a BAR member, you can expect:
- Professional, fully trained staff who understand packing techniques and safe loading
- Sufficient insurance cover to protect your household goods in transit
- Purpose-built vehicles that meet current transport legislation
- Environmentally responsible packaging materials and waste disposal
- Transparent quotes, clear communication, and minimal hidden fees
What to Expect on Moving Day with a BAR-Accredited Mover
Once you’ve booked your chosen BAR firm, you should feel confident that all the details are in hand.
On the day of the move, you can typically expect:
- Punctual Arrival: BAR-registered companies pride themselves on reliability, arriving on time and ready to work on your move.
- Careful Packing and Loading: Whether you’ve opted for a full packing service or plan to pack yourself, BAR movers handle your items with the utmost care.
- Skilled Operation of Vehicles: Each vehicle is suitable for your move, ensuring your furniture is loaded securely and transported without unnecessary risk.
- Professional, Friendly Service: Trained staff are there to help and reassure you, explaining any processes and offering advice if unexpected issues arise.
Protecting Your Move with Insurance and Payment Guarantees
Reputable firms recognise that sometimes, no matter how well you plan, unforeseen circumstances can cause upheaval.
One main advantage of selecting a BAR-registered company is the built-in safeguards that help you overcome these challenges.
All BAR members provide insurance against loss or damage to personal effects, typically based on the customer’s value declaration.
Moreover, there is the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) scheme.
If your removals company were unable to carry out the job—perhaps due to business closure or unexpected operational issues—your paid fee is protected.
This level of safety is rarely available with non-BAR companies, leaving you at greater risk if something goes wrong at the last minute.
Dealing with Disputes and Complaints
Despite the best efforts of any mover, sometimes the unexpected happens.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with the service provided, BAR membership gives you access to a structured, independent complaints-handling process through the Furniture Ombudsman.
This step ensures any dispute is addressed fairly and transparently, offering peace of mind that your concerns will be taken seriously.
How to Identify a BAR Removals Company
A professional BAR remover typically displays the BAR badge prominently on its website, vehicles, or staff uniform.
If you’re unsure, you can check the official BAR website and use its search function to confirm whether a business is actively registered.
Doing so guarantees you’re dealing with an organisation that meets BAR’s rigorous standards.
Comparing BAR Firms vs. Non-BAR Movers
If you’re weighing your options, you may wonder why you should choose a BAR Removals Company over one without this accreditation.
Generally, the differences become apparent in areas like staff training, insurance coverage, and dispute resolution.
While a non-BAR firm might initially quote a lower price, the lack of protective measures—such as advanced payment protection and independent ombudsman support—could lead to higher costs in the event of problems.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Removals Firm
Before booking your move, consider asking a few key questions:
- Are you a BAR-registered company?
- How is my payment protected if something goes wrong?
- What insurance cover is provided for my belongings?
- How do you handle complaints if I’m not satisfied with the service?
- What packing options do you offer, and are the materials environmentally friendly?
Their responses can help you determine whether you feel confident putting your home move in their hands.
GoodMove: Your Local BAR-Accredited Removals Company
As a proud BAR Removals Company, GoodMove has been offering reliable and affordable removals from our base in Colchester, Essex, for over 36 years.
Our commitment to professional service and customer care has enabled us to help thousands of families relocate to another county, country or continent.
We also provide flexible storage options and packing solutions, perfect for anyone seeking extra support before, during, or after their move.
Our customers often highlight our attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition.
We’re rated 9.7 on Reference Line, with 100% of reviewers recommending our services—praise we work hard to maintain daily.
Ready to plan your move?
Choosing a BAR Removals Company like GoodMove means you’ll be supported by a trusted, accredited team from start to finish.
We take the hassle out of your move by offering transparent quotes, proven expertise, and the security of recognised insurance and payment schemes.
If you’d like to learn more about our house removals or any of our other services, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer services team.
You can request a free home survey or complete our no-obligation quote form on our website.
Discover how GoodMove and the BAR accreditation can give you confidence in a truly stress-free moving experience, whether at home or abroad.