So, you’re moving house and it’s now time to narrow down your options. You have all your quotes- now how do you pick the London home removals company for you. If you aren’t lucky enough to have friends or family recommend a removal company to you, then this final step may be a little daunting. How do you find the right moving company for you without knowing much about the process?
At the end of the day, your removal company should provide quality service at every stage of your moving process. There are quite a few things you should think about before making your final choice. In this blog, we’ll go through some valuable points to consider when you start planning your upcoming relocation in South West London.
Our Guide to a Successful Move –
Moving to a new home is one of the most gruelling tasks imaginable and definitely not something to take lightly. Even more so if this is your first relocation and you lack the experience of arranging the removals booking. It’s tricky to know where to start, especially if you’re relying on word-of-mouth recommendations. Undoubtedly, you’ll need assistance to find movers who can match your requirements.
That’s where a reliable removals company becomes a vital ally in this process. The good ones will take on a lot of the preparation work for you. Similarly, they’ll give you prompts and useful tips to consider as you edge closer to the moving day. They’ll ensure you don’t forget an important task and can also offer you add-on services, like packing.
This article will go through some points to remember as you work your way through the organising stages. There’s a wealth of knowledge available to help your move, and we’ll make sure you have them to hand. We’ll also make a few suggestions in each section to point you in the right direction to enjoy a successful relocation.
Check Online Feedback and Reviews –
By doing some online searching, you should be able to vet your shortlist. So, check out unbiased reviews from previous customers. By reading feedback from other customers, you can feel more assured that your chosen company will provide a good removals service. It might be trickier for newer companies with fewer ratings, but we also have a tip for this.
Gentleman’s Moving Tip #1 – contact any prospective companies and go with your gut.
Google Reviews and Trustpilot can provide you with a score out of five for their services. Look to see how many reviews are available and read every testimonial thoroughly. You can usually spot any that sound fake or too good to be true. More reviews tend to make it more legit, but you should also drop them an email or call. It’s usually a good sign if they respond straight away in a friendly manner.
By utilising online ratings and reviews, you get an insight into the type of service you’re likely to receive. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s worth remembering what makes this so important. Service providers thrive or fail because of their reputation and go the extra mile to make a good impression. Gentleman & A Van has excellent feedback, and you can read our ratings here.
Get a Comprehensive Estimate –
If your move is a large one, your home removals company should visit you to survey the job prior to your move and provide a free quote. By doing this, they can assess the volume of items that need to be moved and investigate any access issues with your property. Be honest about the number of possessions you plan to move. Otherwise, the removal’s team may arrive under-prepared on moving day.
Gentleman’s Moving Tip #2 – get at least three quotes before booking.
This is an area Gentleman & A Van excels in, and we have an assessment team. We can calculate the most suitable package from your initial phone call or email. It’s possible to determine the best course of action if you know what questions to ask. And we have a track record of matching our customers’ requirements with the right service.
In addition to having a range of services, we also have a fleet of removal vehicles at our disposal. Gentleman & A Van caters to households and businesses from all over South West London. Our primary removal and storage packages cover most situations. We’re flexible and can adapt them to suit non-typical scenarios wherever possible.
Value for Money and Customer Service –
You may consider going with the cheapest quote but ask yourself a few questions before you do so. Are all your items insured? Have suitable packaging materials been used? Is getting that heavy mirror up the stairs really a job for one guy? Shortcuts may initially save some money but paying to replace damaged items and jobs running overtime due to inexperience could end up costing more in the end.
Gentleman’s Moving Tip #3 – weigh up pricing with customer service.
Using a professional team to get the job done correctly will save you money in the long term. Not only that, but you’ll have confidence your belongings are in the care of professionals. The Gentleman & A Van team has decades of experience to fall back on if the need for problem-solving arises. We equip our crew with the best removal tools and equipment to tackle any job.
Moreover, you’ll receive a free quote before anything is booked, giving you a full breakdown of the removals package. You can also seek other quotes to have at least three at hand to provide you with a better idea of the costs. Then check them against Google Reviews and Trustpilot for each prospective company, and that includes us! You can read our five-star reviews here.
Check Your Insurance Details –
It’s a good idea to ask each company about their insurance level for goods in transit to put your mind at rest that your belongings will be covered. You should also find out if you need to arrange extra cover with your own insurance company. Avoid the temptation of assuming you have enough cover and send an email to your broker today, just to double-check it for yourself.
Gentleman’s Moving Tip #4 – check your current insurance coverage.
You might be considering a DIY relocation, but you must verify the details with your insurer. Many insurance companies have clauses in coverage that doesn’t apply to self-relocations. That means you might have no cover if you don’t work with a professional mover. And this would be disastrous if something happens, and you can’t claim back on any breakages.
Don’t second-guess this or skip over – ask your insurer and err on the side of caution. Gentleman & A Van can arrange additional cover for the relocation on your behalf, so please inquire about this when you request a free quote. It pays to be open and honest about this side of things with your insurance broker. Otherwise, it will only work against you if you need to claim.
Payment Options Available –
Find out how the company would like to be paid. Be dubious of firms who insist only on a cash-in-hand payment or a sizeable upfront deposit. Reputable home removal companies should be able to accept payment by credit/debit card and cheques as well as cash. Moving into a new London home should be an exciting fresh start for you, so make sure nothing changes that.
Gentleman’s Moving Tip #5 – don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding payment options.
Aside from checking for any red flags, there’s no reason you should shy away from asking about payment arrangements, options, and any discounts. After all, you should feel confident you’re working with a credible moving company. Similarly, it’s prudent and wise to know the exact costs and what payment requirements are in place. That way, you have all the prices at hand and can budget accordingly.
When you discuss the payment side of things with a prospective company, always go with your gut instinct. If you have any reservations, it’s unlikely they’re entirely trustworthy. And you should never feel like this when paying for a service. Reputation goes a long way, so feel free to reread our previous section for online ratings before making any final decisions. And remember – a credible moving company will never be offended by you asking specific questions.
Gentleman & A Van – Matching You with the Ideal Removals Service –
Ultimately, the moving company you choose should align with your needs, not the other way around. It might not be possible to work with the desired moving company if you don’t book in time. However, it’s possible to find another suitable provider with similar credentials. Just follow our tips and focus on customer service, reputation and what other customers state about the service they received.
Gentleman & A Van ticks all the boxes when it comes to relocating, and we have a range of related services. We base our range of services on meeting and catering to a variety of types of moves. To do this, we encourage feedback with customers to hone and improve the packages we offer. We never settle for less than the best, and neither should you.
It’s time to get the best removals and storage on offer in South West London. Click here, and we’ll start an assessment questionnaire before sending you a free quote, with a breakdown of the most suitable relocation service.
