How to Choose a Reliable Removal Company in London
Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences you'll go through — and choosing the wrong removal company can make it significantly worse. With hundreds of removal companies operating in London, knowing how to separate the reliable from the rogue is essential. Here's what to look for.
1. Check Their Insurance
This is non-negotiable. Any reputable removal company must carry:
- Public liability insurance: Covers damage to your property during the move (walls, floors, doors)
- Goods-in-transit insurance: Covers damage to your belongings during transit
Ask specifically: "What is the maximum value covered by your goods-in-transit insurance?" The minimum you should accept is £50,000. Always ask for a certificate of insurance — any legitimate company will provide one without hesitation.
2. Look for Industry Accreditation
The main UK removal industry body is the British Association of Removers (BAR). BAR members must meet strict standards for insurance, service quality, and customer complaints procedures. They also offer an advance payment guarantee, protecting your deposit if the company goes out of business.
Other useful signals: Which? Trusted Traders endorsement, Trustpilot rating with a large number of verified reviews, and membership of the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS).
3. Read Reviews Carefully
Don't just look at the star rating — read the actual reviews. Look for:
- Consistent mentions of punctuality
- How the company handled any problems or complaints
- Reviews mentioning the team by name (a sign of genuine reviews)
- Recent reviews — a company that was good three years ago might not be now
Be cautious of companies with only 5-star reviews and no responses to negative feedback — this can indicate fake reviews.
4. Get a Home Survey (for Larger Moves)
For anything larger than a 1-bedroom flat, a reputable removal company should offer an in-person or video survey before quoting. A survey ensures the quote is accurate and complete — companies that quote without seeing your belongings often increase the price on moving day.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Your quote should clearly state:
- Fixed price or hourly rate (and what extras could add to the total)
- What services are included (packing, disassembly, stairs)
- Insurance details and claim limits
- Deposit amount and cancellation/postponement policy
- Start time and estimated completion time
6. Red Flags to Avoid
- No physical address or landline number — mobile only is a warning sign
- Unusually low quotes — if it seems too cheap, it usually is
- Request for full payment upfront — reputable companies take a small deposit only
- No written contract or terms — walk away
- No insurance certificate available on request
- Vague answers about who will actually carry out the move — some companies subcontract to anyone available
7. Compare Value, Not Just Price
The cheapest quote is almost never the best value. Compare what's included in each quote: number of operatives, van size, insurance levels, and what happens if the job takes longer than expected.
Why Choose Fair Price Movers?
Fair Price Movers is a fully insured, professionally staffed removal company with over 300 verified 5-star reviews. We provide fixed-price quotes, carry £1M public liability and £50,000 goods-in-transit insurance, and our team is DBS-checked and professionally trained. Get a free quote or call 020 7101 4364 to speak to our team.