Removals - DIY or professionals?

[kerrymucklowe2020]

Where do you look for recommended removal companies ( don't trust trustpilot ). Move could be weeks away so trying to get quotes for ( reputable) removal firms v hiring a van and DIY

In West Yorkshire

Thanks

Btw am not using FB for recommendations again due to the last two ( plasterer doing an appalling job then ditto a 'professional decorator')

[PegasusReturns]

Always always professionals and always with a packing service.

I’ve moved about 15 times in the last 20 years, the last time was a five day move and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

[kerrymucklowe2020]

It shouldn't be this hard

[Potionqueen]

We originally went for a local firm but they were useless, never got back to us to deliver boxes etc.
So then we went for Britannia, who where fantastic. Even moved the hot tub for us.
Have done 19 house moves (husband military). Only ever done 1 diy move - never again.

[Comfyonion]

Professionals every time. Ours quoted an extra £30 to pack the kitchen. £30!!! We bit their hand off. They are absolutely worth the money.

Try a site called referenceline for reviews of local removals companies. It also gives you an idea of costs too.

[Bluesheep8]

B.A.R membership doesn't signify anything. Any 'man with a van' can pay to be a member.

[Bluesheep8]

I'd recommend using a national franchised firm op someone like Brittannia. What distance are you moving?

[kerrymucklowe2020]

Circa 20 miles

[Bluesheep8]

I would definitely recommend having the packing done aswell op, or at least a part/fragile pack.

[LadyPenelope68]

Professionals every time, no doubt about it.
@kerrymucklowe2020 If you’re in West Yorkshire try Walsh Transport & Storage in Halifax, they’re brilliant, would recommend them 100%

[JustFrustrated]

Does it really matter if someone smokes? They won't smoke in the truck or your house.

[mummyh2016]

I don't really get what it matters if someone smokes? The office staff may not even know which crew smokes/doesn't smoke. I've worked in this industry for years and I've never been asked if the crew smoke. And in all honesty if this asked before you'd had a quote it would probably impact the price as we would think you would be difficult to deal with.

[kerrymucklowe2020]

Thanks @LadyPenelope68

[chipsandpeas]

professionals 100% makes life a lot easier and less stressful
i used a local company to move all my heavy stuff and unbuilt stuff as there was no way i could manage it but also moved a lot myself but i had a week in between getting the keys and actually moving in so had the time to do it this way

[Bluesheep8]

I worked in the industry for 15 years and was never asked if crew members smoked.

[kerrymucklowe2020]

Just had a quote for £75 an HOUR!!!!!

[intheningnangnong]

Why are you so bothered about smoking? They won’t have a fag dangling out of their mouth. I think you’ll struggle to find a lager company that can say no one smokes.

Honestly I have a nose like a bloodhound and I couldn’t smell any smoke on our stuff. Ask what rules the smokers must follow.

[Bluesheep8]

Just had a quote for £75 an HOUR!!!!!

Any reputable removal firm shouldn't be quoting by the hour. They should send someone to assess and quote.

[user1493494961]

We did it ourselves, it wasn't a problem.

[TeaAndHobnob]

Yeah you need an all in price and someone should come round and look at the amount of stuff you want to move for an accurate quote.

[Vintagevixen]

Absolutely agree, an hourly rate is not on, get a whole quote and someone round to assess what you have to move etc.

With mine I had an assessor come round, note down all the heavy stuff, furniture etc so they knew exactly what covers etc to bring. He estimated how many boxes they would need, what types of van, and then priced accordingly for the whole job. Looked at the access etc too eg the size/angle of my stairs, the parking for them, side gates and all that type of stuff.

[Davros]

I'm in the middle of moving having lived in this house for 25 years. Definitely get a company to do the packing and ours also send stuff for clearance, rubbish, storage and auction. Despite them being extremely good, it's still been very hard work for me as you can't avoid sorting your own belongings and there's plenty of them!

[Katkincake]

Professionals every time. Just moved from West Yorkshire to the Midlands last week. We’ve had to go into rental between selling & buying, discovered rental too small for all our stuff so had to hire a van and schlepp stuff into storage over the weekend - my god it’s knackering!

Recommend Pickergills, they’re Shipley based but cover most of the area. Moved twice with them and great service. Got a quote from Britannia who were £2k more than them! Also used White & Co in past who were good but don’t think they have a Leeds branch anymore. Good luck with your move

[kerrymucklowe2020]

Had a quote for over £1k and one for £275 then £45 per extra hour we wait for keys!!!!

[Tomfromsurrey]

Hi, I am new to this site.
We are moving home from St Andrews in Scotland to Trowbridge area in Wiltshire, which is 450 miles. It’s a 4 bedroom house with garage tools bothe ends. We have had 3 quotes around £6000 ! Has anyone had experience of moving that distance and the cost and who carried out the removals

[ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax]

Had a quote for over £1k and one for £275 then £45 per extra hour we wait for keys!!!!

Of course you have to pay extra for delays caused by waiting for keys. They have to pay their staff and they could be doing other work.
£1000 sounds absolutely reasonable for a full house move.
I think you may have unrealistic expectations.