15 Questions to Ask a Removal Company Before You Book
Knowing the right questions to ask a removal company before you book is the difference between a smooth move and a stressful, more expensive one. A good firm will welcome the questions; a poor one will dodge them. Here are the fifteen worth asking every Sussex removal company before you hand over a deposit, grouped by price, protection, and the practical detail that trips people up on the day.
Before you ring round, it helps to know the going rate. Our guide to how much removals cost in Sussex sets out typical prices by property size, and our advice on getting an accurate removal quote explains what a proper survey should cover.
Questions about price and the quote
1. Is this quote based on a survey? A firm price needs someone to see, in person or by video, everything that is moving. Without that, the figure can change on the day.
2. Is the price fixed or an estimate? Ask whether the number is guaranteed or could rise, and what would make it rise.
3. What is and is not included? Confirm whether packing, materials, dismantling, parking and any storage are inside the price or added later.
4. Are there extra charges for stairs, long carries or difficult access? Flats, narrow lanes and a van that cannot park near the door all add time, so ask how they are charged.
5. How much deposit do you need and when is the balance due? Be wary of any firm demanding a large cash deposit up front.
Questions about protection and trust
6. Are you a member of the British Association of Removers? BAR members follow a code of practice and offer advance payment protection, a useful safety net.
7. What insurance is included? Ask for the goods-in-transit limit, the per-item liability, and whether full cover costs extra.
8. What happens if something is damaged? A clear, written claims process is the sign of a professional firm.
9. Can you share recent reviews or references? Established Sussex movers will point you to genuine recent feedback.
10. Are your crew employed or subcontracted? Directly employed, trained crews tend to be more careful and accountable than casual labour.
Practical questions for moving day
11. How many crew and what size van? This tells you whether the job is properly resourced for a one-day move.
12. Will the same team pack and move? Continuity avoids confusion over what went where.
13. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy? Completion dates slip, so know the rules before you commit. Our guide to choosing a removal company in Sussex goes deeper on this.
14. Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture? Confirm beds, wardrobes and flat-pack are covered, or plan to do it yourself.
15. How do you handle parking and permits? In town centres a suspended bay may be needed, and someone has to arrange it.
Ask these and you will quickly tell a professional Sussex remover from a chancer. If a firm answers openly and puts it in writing, that is the one to shortlist. For a light load, also compare a man and van in Sussex before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask a removal company?
Ask whether the quote is based on a proper survey of everything you are moving. A price given over the phone without seeing your home is a guess, and it is the single biggest cause of a bill changing on the day.
Should I use a removal company that is a member of the BAR?
Membership of the British Association of Removers is a good sign because members work to a code of practice and offer advance payment protection, but it is not the only marker of quality. Check reviews and insurance as well.
How do I know if a removal quote includes insurance?
Ask directly what cover is included, what the liability limit is per item, and whether full goods-in-transit cover is standard or an extra. Get the answer in writing on the quote itself.
Is it rude to ask a mover for references?
No. A reputable Sussex firm will happily point you to recent reviews or customers in your area. If a company is reluctant to show any track record, treat that as a warning.
How many quotes should I get before booking?
Three surveyed quotes is the sweet spot. It gives you a real sense of the market rate and lets you compare what each firm includes, without dragging the process out.