When you hire a removals company, you're placing an enormous amount of trust into someone else's hands. The things they'll be packing, picking up, and shipping are the possessions you've accumulated over the years. They not only have financial value; every box is filled with precious memories. For these reasons and more, it's important to choose carefully when selecting a company to move your things. The following is a basic guide to finding the removalist that will provide the best service, while adhering to your budget (because after all, that has to be one of your primary concerns!).



That means you can't just open the phone book and point to a random listing (or, today, throw a couple of search words into Google and hope for the best). Talk to friends and family, and see if they have a recommendation for a moving company in the local area. If you can't find anyone that's used a removalist recently, there are other options. The realtor or rental agency you're using may also have a company they deal with consistently.

The first step is to start early: moving companies often book dates far ahead, and there may not be much flexibility in your move-in (or move-out) date. It's generally a good idea to lock up a removalist approximately 4-8 weeks before, or even longer if possible. If you don't book early, you'll have a much smaller pool of options to choose from.

Whenever you contact a company, whether they come recommended from someone you know or not, ask for references. Make sure you call at least two from the provided list, and ask specific questions: "was anything damaged in the move?" "were the movers on time?". These are the kinds of things that separate decent movers from great movers.

It's also important to get a number of quotes before selecting a removalist. Remember, you often get what you pay for; are you willing to risk the security of your belongings to save a few hundred dollars? Talk to a few movers before committing to a company. Like anything else, with each new provider you speak with, you'll have a better idea of everything that goes on behind the move.

Is the company you've chosen part of a union or accreditation association? This will ensure that they adhere to the quality standards of that organization, and are held accountable. As a collective, these groups take their reputations seriously, and will therefore uphold their members to your expectations.

Finally, talk to the prospective removalist about the insurance they offer. If they don't have insurance, seriously consider using another company. A wreck, though unlikely, could have the potential to wreak havoc on your life. Insurance will protect you from this possibility. You may also want to consider purchasing additional insurance for even more peace of mind.

Choosing a moving company doesn't have to be an incredibly stressful experience. By checking out your chosen company and engaging in some thorough research, you're sure to find a removalist you can trust.