Why Choose A BAR Removals Company For Your Move

Moving house can be a stressful experience and failing to do your research when selecting your removals company can mean things start to fall apart very quickly.

Timely delays, untrained staff and uninsured removal companies can quickly lead to spiralling costs and make your moving experience a real nightmare.

That’s why it is so important to research your options thoroughly and select a removals company that is registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR).

In fact, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has recently reissued it’s home buyer and sellers’ guidance and explicitly makes reference to the BAR brand as mark of quality in the removals industry.

The guides recommend checking that a firm is BAR registered before even considering online reviews, small print for charges and other important considerations, such as insurance cover.

What is the BAR and what does it do?

It is important to note from the outset that there is no legal requirement for a removal or storage business in the UK to be a member of a recognised trade body.

The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the only removal and storage trading organisation certified by Trading Standards and has been the recognised voice of the industry for over 100 years.

It is responsible for reviewing standards and ensuring that staff are suitably trained, practices are ethical, premises and facilities kept clean and that the services provided offer real value for money to home movers.

Members sign up freely to the BAR Code of Practice which subjects them to disciplinary processes and sanctions for failing to uphold the high standards set by BAR.

All members, from small family sized businesses to large multinational movers, undergo annual audits and inspections to meet this industry standard.

Why use a BAR registered removals company?

More than 97% of 15,000 consumers surveyed by the independent review site, Reference Line, recommended using a BAR remover.

BAR registered removal companies offer several benefits which those who are not affiliated to a trade body – or one which is not explicitly linked to the removals industry – cannot:

Quality service

As mentioned above, with a BAR remover you are guaranteed a provider who has been approved by a certified industry body to meet the highest expectations with regards to staff training and practices.

Members can safely handle and protect a customer’s personal belongings and minimise risk to the possibility of damage or loss.

Staff are trained to help customers no matter their age, disability, level of English, reading capabilities and can clearly and simply explain their processes and offer advice free of charge.

Packing methods and materials

BAR registered removers will offer only the highest quality packaging materials.

They can advise and even carry out the packing themselves using the most up-to-date methods.

Materials will be disposable in line with good environmentally friendly practices.

Purposed-built vehicles

All vehicles will comply with the latest transport legislation governing the operation of goods vehicles

Vehicles will be roadworthy and suitable for the removals work presented.

Flexible options will be provided for accessing hard to reach places.

Correct goods in transit insurance cover

All BAR members will offer insurance against loss or damage to household goods and personal effects.

Insurance will be provided as standard, usually subject to a declaration of value by the customers.

Many will also offer additional protection options for specialist items.

How a BAR removal company can help when things go wrong?

BAR members acknowledge that despite their best efforts sometimes things go wrong some of which is outside of their control.

They attempt to minimise disruption and distress to their clients by offering support and alternatives when things go wrong.

Two ways in which they do this are:

• Payment protection — When you book with a BAR registered remover you are guaranteed a fixed moving date. The upfront fee you pay is protected by the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) scheme so that if the removal company cancels they are contractually obliged to return your fee or arrange for another BAR removal company to turn up.
• An Independent complaints handling process — If you are not happy with any aspect of the service you are provided with you have recourse through an independent complaints handling service, the Furniture Ombudsman.

How can I check to see whether a removals company is a BAR member?

The best way to identify if a removals company is BAR registered is to check its website.

A BAR badge should be displayed on its marketing materials and often on staff uniform and vehicles.

Always remember, if you’re moving – look for the badge.

Of course the best way to check whether it is still a member is to go on the BAR website and use the search function.

In summary:

• BAR members offer the highest quality service
• Vehicles, staff and warehouses all of expected standard
• Professional staff will guide you throughout the process
• Insurance will be offered as standard
• Your moving date is fixed and payment protected through a recognised scheme
• Suitable method of redress where unhappy with service provided

Looking for a BAR registered removals company near you?

GoodMove is a BAR registered removals company which has been offering an affordable removals service for over 36 years from it’s base in Colchester, Essex.

We take great pride in our work and have helped thousands of families move across the country and even to far-flung destinations like South Africa and Australia.

We also offer flexible storage facilities and packing solutions for those that require it, with discounted rates available for local health and armed services workers.

Don’t just take our word for it.

Our customers are always quick to offer glowing feedback on how we have gone out of our way to help make their moving experience stress-free.

We have a 9.7 rating on Reference Line, with 100% of our customers having recommended our service. Our testimonials can be read here in full or on the Reference Line site.

To find out more about any of our house removal services don’t hesitate to contact us today for a FREE home survey.

Alternatively fill out a no obligation quote form and a member of our friendly customers services team will be in touch shortly.