Are you facing a big move soon, be it personal or at work?
Have you been tasked, voluntarily or otherwise, with managing the admin behind the move, or even the act of packing and moving yourself?
If any of this rings true, then we probably don’t need to tell you how stressful moving can be – you already know that. But what you might not know is that you don’t have to face it alone. In fact, select the right moving and removals company, and you might find that you can simply create a brief and then walk away – safe in the knowledge that everything you have packed away will be safely moved and unpacked on your behalf.
The removals market is one which always enjoys high demand, and as such there are a great many companies out there offering various solutions and support services to customers. So, how do you find the right one for you?
In this blog, we’ve outlined just some of the factors that we consider to be important in choosing the right removals company – from costs to coverage, reputation, and more.
Top factors for removal company comparison
Reputation
Reputation is first on our list, mainly because it can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways. The most effective tend to be customer testimonials, as this lets you know exactly what other people in your position think of the company in terms of their reliability, attention to detail, and the extent of the support they offer throughout the moving process. Word of mouth has long been one of the most effective forms of testimonial and organic marketing for companies, with this factor marking a make or break for many prospective customers in terms of whether they select a company or not.
Reputation also comes from the company’s own vision and the promises they make. As a customer, look for a company that offers the services you need and pledges to carry them out in ways that matter to you – for example, using electric vehicles rather than petrol or diesel ones, and balancing their carbon footprint through planting trees and other environmental acts.
Insurance Coverage
This is a big one because it considers what will happen if damage occurs or if some possessions are lost during transit. Comprehensive insurance coverage means that a company values its reputation and position in the market – and also means that you can book and use them, safe in the knowledge that everything has been legally verified in terms of their drivers and vehicles.
Accreditations
Have any of your prospective companies been recognised for the standard of service they deliver? Are any of them trusted removals companies, listed in industry publications or media outlets?
Accreditation is a great way of confirming the quality and reliability of a company.
Experience
If you are moving office and are seeking the support of a removals company, then you want a company that has engaged in office and corporate moves before. This means they have experience in moving lots of technology and devices and can guarantee the safe transportation of not only physical business assets but also important company information, customer data, and more.
Similarly, if you’re booking a removals company for a big move – for example overseas or to the other end of the country – then you might find that it’s best to identify and book a company with experience in such a significant geographical move. Not only will they be able to provide you with the best rates in terms of your move, but they will be experienced in some of the complex admin involved in moving all your possessions from one location to another.
What to confirm before hiring a company and paying a deposit
Even if you think you’ve found the right company, there are a few recommended steps that we urge homeowners and office admin teams to consider and implement, before confirming the booking with a deposit.
The first is a cost or quote comparison, lining your top company up against a few other competitors to see how the costs compare across the board. Contrary to popular belief, it is best to steer clear of the cheapest service provider as this may be indicative of a novice company or a lower standard service – instead opting for a middle-ground company in terms of pricing.
Another area to focus on prior to confirming a specific company or service is the terms and conditions listed in the contract – including where liability lies in the case of damaged goods during the moving process.
Finally, it’s important to compare testimonials and previous customer reviews with the practicality of the service that is being offered – in terms of location, vehicle size, and the timeline available. While testimonials are a major selling point and should frame a large chunk of your decision-making in terms of which company to book, it’s important that your decision is also a practical one in terms of where they are based and what services they can support you with – ensuring that you are not liable to extra fees for lengthy journeys to and from your property, or for having to hire in extra large vehicles that the company otherwise doesn’t have access to or use.
What to do next
If you’re seeking a removal company to help with your office or home move, and aren’t sure where to start with your search, then you’re in the right place. With experience spanning both corporate and private moves, and with no moving job too big or too small for us to help and advise with, here at A Swift Move we deliver a reputable service that has been heralded by previous customers as “stress-free”.
As a family-run business, we recognize what matters to customers – because it matters to us too.
Get in touch for more information and to find out more about our availability.