How to Choose the Best Removals Company

Choosing the best removals company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when moving house.

A professional team can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free relocation and a day filled with chaos, broken furniture, and last-minute panic.

The removals industry has evolved rapidly in recent years, with new technologies, customer review platforms, and stricter standards changing how people choose who to trust.

Whether you’re moving across town, relocating your business, or heading overseas, it pays to do your homework thoroughly.

This 2025 guide takes you step-by-step through what really matters when choosing the best removals company, from credentials and insurance to customer service and local expertise, so you can make an informed choice, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

1. Start with Reputation and Reviews

The best measure of a company is its reputation. Start your search by reading recent, independent reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot.

When it comes to removals, reputation is everything.

Don’t be swayed by glossy adverts or cheap deals. The real measure of a company’s reliability comes from its customers.

Start your search by reading independent reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot.

Look beyond the star ratings. What do people say about communication, punctuality, care of belongings, and how issues were handled?

Consistent praise for professionalism, efficiency, and friendliness is what you’re after.

Also, check whether reviews are recent; a company that hasn’t been reviewed in years may no longer deliver the same service.

White & Company, for instance, consistently maintains strong ratings across multiple review platforms, showing the value of decades of reliability and expertise in every move they handle.

2. Verify Professional Accreditation

Always verify professional accreditation, specifically membership with the British Association of Removers (BAR), for vetted standards and financial protection.

A reputable removals company will always be properly accredited.

The gold standard in the UK is membership with the British Association of Removers (BAR).

BAR members are vetted annually and must comply with a strict Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, ensuring transparency, fair pricing, and top-tier service.

Importantly, BAR membership provides financial protection through the Advance Payment Guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your money is safe even in the unlikely event a company ceases trading before your move.

For overseas relocations, accreditations with international bodies such as FIDI and OMNI signal a company’s commitment to global standards of professionalism.

White & Company proudly hold (and have for many decades), all three memberships, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to safe, reliable, and expertly managed moves across the UK and worldwide.

3. Confirm Insurance and Liability Cover

Insurance is vital. Ask exactly what level of cover is included to protect against damage and loss during every stage of the move.

Even the most careful movers can’t control everything, from unpredictable weather to sudden traffic delays or accidental knocks and scratches.

That’s why coverage is a key factor when choosing your removal company.

Always ask what level of cover is included in your quote and whether additional options are available.

The right policy should protect against accidental damage, loss, and theft during every stage of the move, packing, transit, and unloading.

Don’t assume your home insurance automatically covers removals because most policies don’t.

Reputable companies, like White & Company, will provide clear details of their cover and can arrange extra protection for valuable or fragile items such as antiques, fine art, or technology.

It’s worth paying a little extra for peace of mind knowing everything is properly covered from door to door.

4. Get a Detailed Written Quote

Transparency is non-negotiable. Always insist on a written quotation following a survey of your home.

This can be done either in person or via a virtual video assessment, which many reputable firms now offer for convenience.

A professional quote should clearly itemise all costs,  labour, packing materials, transportation, insurance, and storage (if applicable).

Hidden extras or vague pricing are red flags. Don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest quote; in removals, you really do get what you pay for.

A trustworthy company will also take time to discuss logistics, access issues, or special items like pianos or large furniture that may require additional care or equipment.

At White & Company, every quotation is tailored and transparent, ensuring clients know exactly what’s included, which means no surprises, no hidden costs, and total clarity from the start.

5. Ask About Packing and Storage Solutions

A professional company offers flexible packing services using quality materials and secure, short- or long-term storage options for added flexibility.

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, and one of the easiest areas for things to go wrong.

A professional removals company should offer flexible packing services using quality, sustainable materials and techniques to protect your belongings.

From full packing services to fragile-only options, the best movers adjust to your needs and budget.

They’ll also label everything methodically and complete an inventory, ensuring quick and easy unpacking at your destination.

Storage can be another lifesaver. Whether you’re downsizing, waiting for completion, or travelling abroad, secure storage options add flexibility to your move.

White & Company’s nationwide storage depots offer both short- and long-term solutions, monitored 24/7 and designed to keep your items safe, dry, and easily retrievable whenever you need them.

6. Look for Experience and Local Expertise

Experience in the removals industry counts for a lot; it’s what separates the seasoned professionals from the opportunistic newcomers.

Established companies with years (or decades) under their belt have seen it all and know how to handle tricky access, fragile loads, or unexpected complications calmly and efficiently.

Equally important is local knowledge. A company that understands your area’s parking restrictions, traffic patterns, and council regulations can plan your move more efficiently and avoid unnecessary hold-ups.

White & Company’s extensive branch network across the UK means you benefit from both national coverage and local insight.

Whether you’re moving from a London townhouse, a rural cottage, or a coastal retreat, they’ve already got the route and the know-how mapped out before arrival at your home.

7. Compare Quotes Like-for-Like

Not all removal quotes are created equal. When comparing, make sure you’re looking at similar levels of service.

One quote may appear cheaper because it excludes vital extras such as packing, insurance, or dismantling and reassembling furniture.

A good mover provides value through experience, equipment, and care, not just the lowest price.

Ask each company what their quote includes, and whether there are additional fees for things like stair carries, heavy lifting, or extended travel times.

Remember: a trustworthy mover is upfront about all costs. Saving a few pounds on paper might cost you dearly in stress or damage later.

8. Evaluate Customer Service and Communication

Customer service is a clear indicator of professionalism. Choose a company that is friendly, knowledgeable, responsive, and keeps you informed.

Customer service is often the clearest indicator of professionalism.

From your first contact, pay attention to how the company communicates.

Are they friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive? Do they answer your questions clearly and honestly, or do they give vague, rushed replies?

A removals company that values customer experience will make you feel supported every step of the way, from quotation to unloading your final box.

They should assign a clear point of contact, keep you informed throughout, and follow up after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.

White & Company’s commitment to outstanding customer care has been at the heart of its business for over 150 years.

Our removal crew’s teams don’t just move your belongings; they move your home life with care, attention, and respect.

9. Consider International Moving Expertise

For moves abroad, look for international accreditation (FIDI/OMNI) and expertise in customs documentation, shipping logistics, and overseas coordination.

If you’re planning an overseas relocation, international experience becomes crucial.

Moving abroad involves far more than just loading a lorry; it requires expertise in export packing, customs documentation, shipping logistics, and careful coordination with overseas agents.

Look for companies accredited by international bodies like FIDI or OMNI, which guarantee global service standards and a trusted network of partners worldwide.

White & Company’s international division handles thousands of moves every year to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Our knowledgeable team manages every detail, from customs clearance to final delivery, ensuring a seamless experience wherever you’re headed.

For more guidance on moving abroad, visit GOV.UK’s moving checklist for official advice on customs, visas, and tax matters.

10. Plan Early — and Trust Your Instincts

Moving isn’t something you want to rush. However, the best companies get booked up quickly, especially during summer or end-of-month periods.

Start planning at least six to eight weeks before your move date to secure your preferred slot and allow time for packing, decluttering, and paperwork.

And don’t ignore your instincts. If a company pressures you into booking quickly, avoids questions, or doesn’t feel quite right, move on.

A reputable removals firm will always respect your decision-making process and never rely on high-pressure tactics.

When you’ve done your research, compared options, and chosen a trusted mover, the rest of your move will fall neatly into place.

Why Should You Choose White & Company?

With decades of experience under our belt, White & Company is one of the UK’s most trusted names in removals and storage.

A family-owned company and proud members of BAR, FIDI, and OMNI, we operate to the highest international standards, offering customers total peace of mind from start to finish.

From small local moves to complex overseas relocations, our expert teams handle every detail with care, precision, and professionalism.

With secure storage facilities nationwide and a dedication to customer service, you can rely on White & Company to make your next move your smoothest yet.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today at whiteandcompany.co.uk and discover why thousands of customers trust them to move their homes safely, efficiently, and stress-free.

Why settle for anything less than the best!

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.