How to Choose the Right Removals Company – Expert Guide for a Stress-Free Move

Moving house is ranked as one of life’s most stressful events – right up there with starting a new job or planning a wedding. It’s a cocktail of excitement, logistics, deadlines, and emotions. While the thought of a fresh start in a new home is thrilling, the actual process of moving can feel overwhelming.
This is where choosing the right removals company makes all the difference. With professional movers by your side, you’re not just moving boxes – you’re gaining peace of mind, efficiency, and support during one of life’s biggest transitions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring movers: how to compare moving house companies, what questions to ask, how to protect your furniture, and even what to do once the vans have pulled away.And, as a trusted Yorkshire-based firm with decades of experience, David Duggleby Movers & Storers will share insider tips to help you move smarter, not harder.

What is the British Association of Removers (BAR) - Trusted Removals Company

 

 

Moving Yourself vs Hiring a Professional Removals Company

 

It’s a question that comes up every time: Should I hire movers, or just do it myself?

The DIY Move

On the surface, moving yourself can seem like the cheaper and more flexible option. You hire a van, round up a couple of friends or family members, and handle the heavy lifting yourself.

But in reality, do-it-yourself (DIY) moving comes with challenges:

  • Hidden Costs – Van hire, petrol, packing materials, and insurance quickly add up.
  • Physical Risk – Carrying a wardrobe down a narrow staircase isn’t just tiring; it can lead to injuries.
  • Damage Risk – Without the right equipment, your furniture and walls are more likely to get scratched or broken.
  • Stress – Coordinating everything yourself, often in a single day, can leave you exhausted before you even unpack.

 

Hiring Professional Movers

By contrast, hiring professional movers is an investment in convenience and security.

  • Movers bring specialist equipment: trolleys, hoists, protective covers.
  • They’re trained in safe lifting and efficient packing.
  • They carry insurance, so you’re financially protected if something goes wrong.
  • They save you time and energy.

👉 For most people, the peace of mind alone makes hiring movers worthwhile especially if you have a family.

At David Duggleby, we’ve seen countless families start moving day already stressed because they underestimated the workload. By the end of the day, they often say the same thing: “We wish we’d booked you sooner.”

 

 

 

What to Look for in a Good Removals Company

 

Not all removals firms are created equal. Choosing the wrong company can lead to delays, damaged belongings, or unexpected costs. Here’s what sets the best movers apart.

Experience & Reputation

Look for established firms with strong reputations. Read Google reviews, check testimonials, and ask around locally. A company that’s been moving families for decades has faced every kind of challenge – from listed buildings with tricky access, to transporting priceless antiques.

 

Transparency in Pricing

Good moving companies don’t give vague estimates. They provide clear, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

 

Flexibility & Range of Services

The best movers don’t just drive a van; they offer:

 

Local Knowledge

For residential movers, local expertise is invaluable. A Yorkshire-based team like David Duggleby knows the quirks of Scarborough’s coastal lanes, York’s tight terraced streets, Leeds’ busy streets, and Harrogate’s country roads. That knowledge can save you both time and money.

 

Accreditation & Professional Standards

A professional mover should belong to a recognised trade body such as the British Association of Removers (BAR). Membership means the company follows a strict code of practice and offers financial protection for your deposit.

 

Why-choose-a-BAR-member-for-your-move

 

How Much Does a Removals Company Cost?

 

One of the most common questions is: How much will movers cost?

Factors That Affect the Price

  • Size of your property (2-bedroom flat vs 5-bedroom house)
  • Distance (local or long-distance move)
  • Additional services (packing, storage, dismantling furniture)
  • Complexity (fragile items, antiques, restricted access)

 

Typical UK Removals Costs

While every move is unique, industry averages suggest:

  • Local moves (2-3 bed house): £500-£1,500
  • Larger homes or long-distance moves: £1,200-£3,000+
  • Packing services: £250-£600 extra

 

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Some removals firms add on charges for:

  • Waiting time if keys are delayed
  • Carrying items long distances due to parking restrictions
  • Insurance upgrades

At David Duggleby Movers & Storers, we pride ourselves on clear, upfront pricing with no hidden extras. What you’re quoted is what you pay.

 

Getting and Comparing Quotes

 

 

Why Compare?

Prices can vary dramatically. Getting at least three quotes ensures you’re not overpaying – but also that you’re not sacrificing quality for cost.

How to Compare Properly

When comparing moving house companies, don’t just look at the bottom line. Ask:

  • Does the price include packing materials?
  • Is insurance included?
  • How many movers will be provided?
  • Are dismantling and reassembly included?

👉 Pro Tip: Always arrange a pre-move survey. At David Duggleby, we offer in-person surveys so you get the most accurate quote possible.

 

 

Preparing and Briefing Your Removals Company

 

 

Even the best movers work more efficiently when they’re properly briefed.

 

Preparing Your Home

  • Declutter before moving day — why pay to move things you don’t want?
  • Label every box clearly by room.
  • Pack a “first night” essentials box: kettle, mugs, chargers, bedding, toiletries.

 

Briefing Your Movers

  • Point out fragile or high-value items.
  • Provide a floorplan of your new home so boxes land in the right place.
  • Confirm parking arrangements and access instructions.
  • Highlight anything unusual – like loft ladders, narrow staircases, or uneven steps.

At David Duggleby, our team prepares a personalised moving plan for every client. Nothing is left to chance.

 

Protecting Your Furniture and Belongings during house move

 

Protecting Your Furniture and Belongings

 

This is often people’s biggest worry: Will my furniture arrive safely?

 

Packing Materials

 

Professional movers use specialist materials:

    • Double-walled boxes for strength
    • Sofa and mattress covers
    • Bubble wrap and tissue for fragile items
    • Custom crates for fine art or antiques

 

Professional Handling

 

Movers are trained to:

  • Lift safely to avoid injury or damage
  • Secure items properly in the van
  • Use protective blankets and straps to stop items shifting in transit

Our antiques and fine art division at David Duggleby has decades of experience moving delicate, irreplaceable items. If we can move a 200-year-old oil painting, we can move your dining table with ease.

 

 

Extra Removals Services That Make a Difference

 

Extra Services That Make a Difference

 

Not all movers offer the same range of services. These extras can transform your experience:

  • Packing & Unpacking – Save hours of work and reduce breakages.
  • Storage Solutions – Short- or long-term storage if your move-in date is delayed.
  • Specialist Removals – Antiques, pianos, fine art.
  • International Relocations – Export packing, customs, and logistics.

David Duggleby offers full-service moving – making us one of the best removal companies in Yorkshire and nationwide.

 

Final Checklist Before You Book

 

Before you sign a contract with any removal firm, ask yourself:

  • Have I compared at least three quotes? ✅
  • Do I understand what’s included in the price? ✅
  • Do they offer personalised service tailored to your needs? ✅
  • Is the company accredited and insured? ✅
  • Do they have strong reviews and testimonials? ✅
  • Have I briefed them fully? ✅
  • Do I feel confident in their professionalism? ✅

If the answer is “yes” to all of the above, you’ve chosen wisely and are on the right track.

 

 

🧠 Download Our Free Moving Day Checklist

Want to make sure nothing gets missed? Download our free Moving Day Checklist Guide, full of expert tips from our team. It’s your go-to guide for a smooth, stress-free move.

 

 

👉 Ready to move with confidence?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and experience the difference of moving with a trusted BAR member.

  • Get a free, no-obligation quote
  • Discuss flexible moving options
  • Learn more about our professional packing, cleaning, and storage services

📍 Call us today on 0800 4334444

 

 

After the Move – Settling In

 

The vans may have left, but your moving journey isn’t quite over.

  • Take final meter readings at your old home.
  • Update your address with banks, utilities, and subscriptions.
  • Unpack methodically, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms.
  • Introduce yourself to new neighbours – it’s a great icebreaker.
  • Recycle or donate packing materials responsibly.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep a “week one” checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.

 

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. By hiring the right removals company, you gain not just a moving service, but a reliable partner. From protecting your furniture to managing logistics, a professional mover saves time, money, and stress.

At David Duggleby Movers & Storers, we’ve been helping families move across Yorkshire and beyond for decades. We combine experience, professionalism, and care to deliver a service you can trust.

So whether you’re moving across town, across the country, or even overseas, we’re here to make your next chapter start smoothly.

📨 Get in touch via our online form here

Share