How to Choose a Removals Company in Devon: 9 Questions You Need to Ask

Trying to choose a removals company in Devon?

Moving home is rarely straightforward; in fact, you can be sure that somewhere along the way, it will throw you a curveball.

Between juggling estate agents, paperwork, and packing up your life, there’s plenty to think about.

One of the biggest decisions is choosing a removals company you can actually trust. Get that choice wrong, and the whole process quickly spirals out of control.

Get it right, and you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about.

In a county as diverse as Devon, whether you’re relocating to the cobbled streets of Exeter, a seaside home in Torbay, or a rural spot on Dartmoor National Park, local knowledge and professionalism matter.

To help you find the right fit, here are nine essential things to ask before hiring your mover before deciding which one you will choose:

1. Is the Quote Clear and Detailed?

Always insist on a clear, itemised quote in writing. This ensures all costs, like packing and mileage, are included and helps you avoid hidden fees.

Moving home is not just stressful, it is also very expensive. Nobody wants unexpected costs creeping in at the last minute.

Always ask for a written estimate that spells out exactly what’s included labour, mileage, packing, dismantling furniture, storage, and insurance.

In Devon, where rural lanes can be tricky to access or ferry crossings may be required, transparency is key.

If the quote feels vague or suspiciously cheap, be cautious. The most reliable companies are upfront about their pricing and will gladly explain the breakdown.

Compare at least three quotes, but don’t let price be the only deciding factor; peace of mind is worth paying for.

2. Do They Know the Local Area?

Devon’s narrow lanes and tourist traffic require local expertise. A company that knows the area can anticipate access issues and plan smoother routes.

Devon isn’t the easiest place to move around. Narrow coastal roads, hilly countryside, and busy urban centres like Plymouth each bring their own challenges.

A removals company with strong local knowledge (such as White & Company) can plan for access issues, restricted parking, or even timed road closures and repairs, especially time delays in tourist hotspots at certain times of the year.

Ask how long they’ve been operating in Devon and what kind of moves they’ve handled.

A company familiar with the county’s quirks will anticipate problems before they happen, making your move far smoother in the long run.

3. Are They Professionally Accredited?

Check that the company is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). This is your guarantee of professionalism, standards, and financial protection.

Trust matters when you are moving home.

The safest way to guarantee professionalism is to check for membership with the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Accreditation proves that the firm has been thoroughly audited, meets industry standards, and offers financial protection.

Devon has plenty of smaller operators, but not all are equal.

Membership is your reassurance that the company takes its responsibilities seriously.

If in doubt, check directly on the BAR website; you’ll soon see who’s genuine and who’s not.

4. What Packing Options Are Available?

A good mover offers flexible options, from a full professional packing service to simply supplying high-quality boxes and materials for a self-pack.

Packing is easily the most dreaded part of moving.

Some people like to do it themselves; others would rather leave it to the professionals. Packing, wrapping, and lifting large items is also very hard work.

Many Devon removals companies offer flexible packing services, from full house packs to just the fragile or valuable items.

White & Company provide tailored packing services designed to save you time and keep everything secure during the journey.

If you’d prefer to do the job yourself, White & Company can supply sturdy boxes, bubble wrap,  wardrobe cartons, and tape.

Whichever way you decide suits you best, having a choice puts you in control.

5. What Kind of Insurance Cover Do They Offer?

Ask for details on their insurance policy. Comprehensive cover is vital to protect your valuable or antique items, as basic policies are often not enough.

Even with the most careful team, accidents can happen.

That’s why it’s vital to ask exactly what insurance is included in your quote rather than find out further down the line when it is too late.

Some Devon movers only provide basic cover, while companies like White & Company offer comprehensive protection (MoveProtect) for everything from family heirlooms to fine art.

Always get the details in writing and don’t be shy about asking what isn’t included.

With so many people moving into period homes in Totnes, listed cottages in Exmoor, or waterfront apartments in Plymouth, the right insurance cover provides reassurance that you won’t be left out of pocket if something goes wrong.

6. Can They Move Awkward or Specialist Items?

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

A House move rarely consists of just boxes.

Maybe you’ve got a grand piano or valuable antiques in your Exeter townhouse, surfboards in your Torquay beach house, or gym equipment in a converted barn near Barnstaple.

Not every removal team has the gear or the expertise to handle these safely.

Ask upfront whether they’ve dealt with items like yours before. A confident company will explain how they’ll manage tricky belongings, from lifting equipment to custom made wooden crates.

With almost 155 years in the industry, White & Company have pretty much seen it all, and moved it too!

7. Do They Provide Storage Options?

Check for secure, on-site storage solutions. This provides a flexible and essential backup for move-in delays, downsizing, or decorating.

Just when you think you have everything under control, something happens, and things don’t go to plan.

Completion dates slip, renovation work overruns, or you decide to delay moving everything in at once, so you have the space at your new home to redecorate and lay new carpets.

That’s where having secure storage is a lifesaver.

Many removals firms in Devon offer short- and long-term storage solutions. Ask about security, access, and whether storage can be bundled in with your move.

White & Company never had your belongings over to third-party storage; we have our own on-site storage facilities at all our depots, saving you time and money as well as risking extra handling that can lead to breakages.

Keeping everything under one roof makes the process easier to manage and saves the hassle of dealing with separate providers.

8. What Do Previous Customers Say?

Read independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot. Look for consistent feedback on punctuality, careful handling, and professionalism.

Reviews are one of the quickest ways to see if a company delivers what it promises.

Sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews give you honest feedback from real people. Look for consistent praise on punctuality, careful handling, and professionalism.

Of course, no company is perfect, but the way they handle complaints reveals a great deal about their standards.

In a county like Devon, where word-of-mouth still counts for a lot, a solid reputation is often the clearest sign you’re choosing wisely.

9. Do They Offer Eco-Friendly Moving Solutions?

If sustainability is important to you, ask if the company offers eco-friendly options, such as recyclable packing materials or fuel-efficient vehicles.

With more people these days keen to make greener choices, it’s worth asking your removals company what they’re doing for the environment.

Some movers now use recyclable or reusable packing crates, biodegradable wrapping, or fuel-efficient vehicles.

In a county as naturally beautiful as Devon, with its Exmoor National Park and stunning coastline, it makes sense to choose a mover who respects the environment as much as you do.

Eco-friendly options aren’t just good for the planet; they can also make your move more efficient and modern.

If sustainability matters to you, don’t be afraid to put it on your checklist.

Why Choose White & Company as Your Removals Company in Devon?

When it comes to moving in Devon, you want more than just a van and a couple of strong arms, you need expertise, experience, and a team that knows the area.

White & Company has been helping families move for over 150 years.

As a BAR-accredited removals firm, we provide industry-standard professionalism, tailored insurance, and complete flexibility with packing and storage.

Whether you’re heading to a cottage on Dartmoor, a townhouse in Exeter, or a seaside villa in Torquay, our team will make the process smooth and stress-free.

👉 Start your move today with a free, no-obligation removals quote.

Want more information, help and advice when moving home in Devon? No problem – we have produced numerous articles related to moving home and life in the county:

• Moving Made Easy: 11 Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition
• Moving House Checklist: Your Comprehensive Guide to a …
• 14 Must See Villages in Devon –
• What to Do If Your Removals Company Cancels Last Minute

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.