How to Choose a Removals Company in Shropshire: 8 Questions You Need to Ask

Trying to choose a removals company in Shropshire?

Let’s face it, moving house isn’t just about boxes and bubble wrap—it’s one of life’s most enormous upheavals.

Between organising paperwork, saying goodbye to neighbours, and planning the logistics of your new home, it’s easy to feel swamped.

That’s where choosing the right removals company comes in. The team you pick can either make the whole process feel seamless or turn it into a stressful headache.

If you’re relocating within Shropshire, possibly to the historic streets of Shrewsbury, a new build in Telford, or a rural retreat near the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you need a removals company by your side that you can rely on.

So, before you go ahead and book the first one you come across, here are eight essential questions to ask before putting your belongings in someone else’s hands.

1. Are They Professionally Accredited?

Always check if the company is a member of a recognised body like the British Association of Removers (BAR) for professional standards and your protection.

When you’re trusting people with your home and everything in it, credentials matter!

A dependable removals company should be a member of a recognised organisation, such as the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Accreditation means the firm has been vetted, follows a code of practice, and offers protection should anything go wrong.

In Shropshire, where numerous smaller operators exist, accreditation distinguishes the genuine professionals from the rest.

Don’t be afraid to ask for proof if it is not clearly shown on their website. If they can’t show it, take that as a warning sign. Even those that tell you they are members (but aren’t), can easily be verified via the BAR website.

Choosing an accredited firm gives you confidence that your house removals, be it Bridgnorth, Oswestry, or Market Drayton, will be handled with care and accountability.

2. Have They Carried Out a Pre-Move Survey?

A reputable firm will conduct a pre-move survey (in-person or video) to accurately assess volume, check for access issues, and provide a precise quote.

A proper removals company won’t guess how much space you need; they’ll do a pre-move survey.

This is when they visit (or use a video call) to check access routes, calculate the volume of your furniture, and note any tricky items or specific requests/concerns you may have.

In Shropshire, this step is especially useful. Narrow lanes in villages like Clun, busy town centres in Shrewsbury, or tricky access in heritage areas such as the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site all pose challenges that only a survey can uncover.

It’s also your chance to flag fragile items, antiques, or anything needing special care.

Without a pre-move survey, quotes can be inaccurate, and last-minute complications may crop up, adding extra money to the job.

A survey shows the company is thorough and genuinely invested in making your move run smoothly, without any hidden incidentals.

3. What Insurance Cover Is Provided?

Ask for clear, written details on the insurance provided, as basic cover is often not enough, and ensure you are protected against accidents.

Even the most careful removal team can’t control absolutely every risk, no matter how experienced they may be.

Accidents and unexpected bumps happen, and that’s why insurance is non-negotiable.

Ask exactly what cover is included in the quote; some firms provide only the bare minimum.

Companies like White & Company offer tailored insurance for valuable items, from artwork to jewellery.

Always get the details in writing, including what isn’t covered.

Proper insurance doesn’t just protect your belongings; it protects your peace of mind on one of the most important days of your life.

4. Can They Handle Specialist or Bulky Items?

Confirm the company has the right equipment and specialist expertise to safely move large, heavy, or valuable items like pianos or antiques.

Moves are rarely just about boxes of clothes and flat-pack furniture. Many homes have awkward or heavy items that need extra attention.

From upright pianos and gym equipment to large garden furniture or even agricultural kits, you need to know your removals team can cope.

Shropshire, with its mix of townhouses and sprawling farm properties, often presents these challenges.

Don’t assume every firm can handle them; ask directly, and check they have the right equipment.

If they hesitate, that’s a clue to look elsewhere. The right company will have both the expertise and confidence to deal with unusual loads safely.

When you use White & Company as your preferred mover, you are assured a service that can tackle any difficult situation.

With nearly 160 years of experience in the removal industry, we have encountered almost everything along the way.

5. Do They Provide Packing Services?

Check for flexible packing options, whether you need a full professional packing service, help with fragile items, or just the supply of sturdy boxes.

Packing is, hands down, the most time-consuming part of moving. A good removals company should offer flexible packing options.

In Shropshire, where families often move into larger rural homes or downsize into smaller market town properties, the scale of packing can vary significantly.

Some people want a full-service option where the movers wrap and box everything; others just want help with fragile items like glassware or electronics.

Many firms also sell packing supplies, sturdy boxes, wardrobe cartons, and protective wrap, if you prefer to do it yourself.

White & Company also provide professional packing services for anyone who wants to save time and ensure everything is wrapped securely for the journey, thereby minimising damage.

6. How Clear Is the Pricing?

Nobody wants nasty surprises when the final bill lands.

Always ask for a detailed, written quote. This should clearly show what you’re paying for: labour, transport, mileage, packing, storage, and insurance cover.

Beware of vague or too-good-to-be-true estimates; they often come with hidden extras later.

A professional firm will be upfront, explain the costs, and answer your questions without hesitation.

Compare at least three quotes, but remember the cheapest isn’t always the best!

Value lies in transparency, reliability, and peace of mind.

7. Do They Offer Storage Solutions?

Ask if the company offers secure storage, which is a lifesaver if your completion dates don’t align, you’re downsizing, or you need to decorate.

Life rarely runs like clockwork, and moving house is no exception.

Sometimes hiccups happen at the very last minute, such as your new home isn’t ready, or completion dates change and now don’t align, or you may want to hold some of your belongings back, so you have space to do some re-decoration. That’s where storage can be a lifesaver.

Many Shropshire movers, including White & Company, offer secure storage facilities, ideal if you’re between properties or downsizing.

Ask about the security measures in place and whether access is flexible.

Having your storage handled by the same company managing your move keeps everything streamlined.

From short-term solutions to long-term arrangements, having that option available can save you stress (and multiple van hires) if things don’t go exactly to plan.

8. Do They Know the Local Area?

A company with local Shropshire knowledge will anticipate challenges like narrow rural lanes, town centre parking, or tricky access to heritage properties.

Local knowledge can make a huge difference.

Shropshire is a county of contrasts: historic towns with narrow streets, rural villages with access challenges, and busy modern hubs like Telford.

A removals company that knows the lay of the land can anticipate problems before they happen.

For example, they’ll understand parking restrictions in Shrewsbury’s town centre, the steep hills near Church Stretton, or how to liaise with local authorities when moving close to heritage zones.

Ask how long they’ve operated in the county and what types of moves they’ve handled.

Experience on the ground is worth its weight in gold when it comes to a smooth relocation.

Check your chosen removal company has received good feedback. Online sites such as Trustpilot are a great source of information.

Why Choose White & Company for Your Shropshire Move?

White & Company provides over 150 years of BAR-accredited experience, local knowledge, and full packing/storage for a stress-free Shropshire move.

When moving home in Shropshire, you don’t just need muscle and a van, you need expertise, professionalism, and a company you can trust.

White & Company brings well over 150 years of experience to every move. As a BAR-accredited firm, we offer industry-leading standards, tailored insurance, and flexible packing and storage solutions.

With local teams who know the quirks of Shropshire’s towns and countryside, we’re well-equipped to make your relocation stress-free.

No Matter where you choose to settle in Shropshire, we’ll deliver a seamless service tailored to your needs.

Get started today with a free, no-obligation removals quote.

Need more house move advice? No problem, our highly skilled bloggers have some great tips and ideas alongside general moving home inspiration, take a look at these:

• Living in Shropshire – A Complete Guide to the County
• Top 12 Most Common Pitfalls When Moving House and How to Avoid Them
• Cheap Removals – 10 Ways to Reduce Moving Costs

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.