Moving house is stressful enough without worrying whether the company you booked will actually turn up, handle your belongings with care and charge what they quoted. Most removals firms are honest. But a few are not, and knowing the difference before you book can save you money and a lot of grief.
Here is what to look for when you hire a removals company in Hinckley or the surrounding Warwickshire area.
Watch out for quotes given without seeing your home
If a company gives you a firm price over the phone without asking much about what you are moving, be careful. An accurate quote depends on how much you have, how easy the access is and how far you are going. A price pulled out of thin air often climbs on the day once the crew sees the real job.
What to expect from a good firm: a proper survey before they quote. At Coape-Arnolds we offer a free survey, in person, so the price we give you is the price you pay. No surprises when the van arrives.
Check they are genuinely insured
This is the one that catches people out. Ask directly whether the company carries goods-in-transit insurance and what it covers. Some cheaper operators carry little or none, which means if something is damaged or lost, you are the one out of pocket.
What to expect: a company that can tell you exactly what is covered and to what value. Coape-Arnolds carries full goods-in-transit insurance, so your belongings are protected from the moment they are loaded to the moment they are unpacked.
Ask who is actually doing the move
Plenty of firms take your booking then subcontract the work to whoever is available. You have no idea who turns up or how experienced they are. It is your home and your possessions, so this matters.
What to expect: a company that uses its own vans and its own trained crew. That is how we work. The people who move you are employed by us, not strangers hired for the day, so they know what they are doing and they answer to us.
Read the reviews, then read them properly
Reviews are the easiest way to spot a good firm, but look past the star rating. Read what people actually say, especially about how problems were handled. Any company can have a hiccup. The good ones sort it out.
Look for recent reviews, local names and specifics about the move rather than vague praise.
Get everything in writing
Before you commit, you should have a written quote that sets out what is included, what is not and the total cost. If a company is reluctant to put things in writing, treat that as a warning.
What to expect: a clear written quote you can check line by line before you decide.
The short version
When you are comparing removals companies, ask four questions. Will you survey my home before quoting? What does your insurance cover? Do you use your own crew? Can I have that in writing? A trustworthy local firm will answer all four without hesitation.
If you are moving in Hinckley, Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick or anywhere within about 20 miles, we are happy to answer all of those and give you a straight quote. Get in touch for a free survey.
