Using a removal firm: what do I need to know/ask?

[winnie]

Title says it all really.
Have moved alot but never with a removal firm.
Guy is coming to give an estimate later today.
What do I need to know/ask?

I KNOW it is going to be horribly expensive already!

Are they insured - what are the details
What does the price include (ie are boxes etc extra)
How much to (a) pack everything for you and (b) pack breakables for you
How does it "work" on the day
Charges/times for late moving (if completion gets held up for example)

Check the insurance - our firm wee insured whilst our goods were in the van and in either of our properties but not whilst outside being carried etc.

Also, might seem ovbious but wasn't to us - how big is the van? All our stuff didn't fit in 1 trip so they had to do 2 trips and we were paying them by the hour

Ask about unpacking - do they just put the boxes/furniture in the right rooms or will they unpack for you too (will cost extra - ask how much) and for example put heavy items of furniture like wardrobes in precise place for you, rather than just any old where in the correct room.
Also ask if they will dismantle/reassemble things like beds/cots which will need to be in parts to get through the doors! Sometimes this is extra too, but indispensible imo!

thanks you guys

You are stars. He was early but I knew what to ask and felt like I've made the right decision in getting a company in. My Mum has volunteered people and friends have offered who live miles away but I just think this should be a lot less hassle free.

or even 'a lot more hassle free'

on the unpacking point lots of removal firms do offer this but the lads HATE doing it and tbh arent very good at it (at least none of the lads Ive ever met were anyway). Often by the time you get into the house etc you may not want them unpacking everything and dumping it everywhere. Def check re putting furniture in the proper place tho Most should do this as standard.
Ask when they can deliver the boxes for you and do you pay extra for boxes. Get as many boxes as possible and pack everything into boxes that you possibly can.

Thanks tarantula. I have gone for packing and
unpacking myself. I like that bit