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Choosing your removal company
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Comparing quotations from removal companies is difficult because they can vary widely. This information may help you to decide which quotation suits you best.
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What does the quotation include?
What happens if there is a problem with the payment for the house going through?
If the removers are using a large van, do they have an operator's licence?
How do I decide if the company will take good care of my things?
What does the quotation include?
This question is important because most companies do not include packing boxes and materials in their quotes - you have to buy your own. Others will charge extra (waiting time) if they arrive at your new address and have to wait to unload because the outgoing people are still moving out. Others will charge extra for insurance. Some removal companies will split down and re-build furniture, others will expect you to do it before they arrive. Others will not disconnect washers and electric cookers and reconnect at the new address.
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What happens if there is a problem with the payment for the house going through?
This can happen quite often, and can also result in waiting time being charged because the removal company has to wait to unload until the money has gone through to the sellers. Very occassionally the money does not go through at all, and the removal company cannot unload. The usual solution is for them to take your goods to storage and deliver when the sale is completed. Obviously this will result in extra charges, but how much?
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If the removers are using a large van, do they have an operator's licence?
This is very important, as the Department of Transport stop and inspect large vans on a regular basis to check that an operator's licence is in place, that the tachograph records are correct, and that the van has been inspected by a reputable garage at the regular intervals laid down by the Department.
They have the power to take a van off the road immediately if their rules have been infringed. This could be a problem if the van has all your house contents on it! Go to our links page to check that your removal company has a licence (but use different search criteria to find them, as some do not seem to work very well). If you cannot find the details, ask the company for details of their licence. There is also a link to Vosa, which gives information on the legal requirements for H.G.V. operators.
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How do I decide if the company will take good care of my things?
Often people contact a removal company because they or a friend or relative have used the company before and know that they are reliable. If this is not the case, don't be afraid to ask for some contact details for recent customers-and contact them to check if they had a good removal experience.
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