Start by working out what kind of move you actually need

Before you pick up the phone, spend ten minutes thinking about the shape of your move. Removal firms price very differently depending on how much you want them to do, and comparing quotes only makes sense once you know what you are asking for.

Broadly, you will be choosing between:

• Self-load, self-drive: you hire a van, pack and load everything yourself. Cheapest, but physically demanding and risky for fragile or heavy items.
• Load and drive only: the firm loads and drives, but you pack. Good value if you are happy with boxes and bubble wrap.
• Part-load or shared load: your belongings travel alongside another household's, so your delivery date is flexible. Cheaper, but slower.
• Full packing and unpacking service: the crew packs, loads, drives and unpacks. The least stressful option, and the most expensive.

Also note your access. A fourth-floor flat with no lift, a narrow lane, or a parking permit requirement all change the job. Mention these facts at quote stage, not on the day, or you may find the price creeping upwards.

Compare quotes on a like-for-like basis

Three quotes is a sensible target. Any fewer and you have no benchmark; any more and you will tie yourself in knots. The trick is to make sure every firm is quoting for the same job.

Give each one the same information: property sizes, floor levels, lift access, parking arrangements, approximate volume, any items needing special care (pianos, fish tanks, antiques, gym equipment), and your preferred dates. If one quote comes back dramatically cheaper, ask why. It is usually because something has been left out.

Watch for the difference between a binding quote (a fixed price, provided your description is accurate) and an estimate (an educated guess that can rise). Ask directly which one you are being given, and get it in writing.

Ask about payment terms too. Some firms want a deposit, some want payment before unloading, and some charge extra for card payments. Knowing this in advance avoids awkwardness on moving day when you are tired and the kettle is already packed.

Check insurance cover — and check it properly

This is the step most people skim, and it is the one that matters most if something goes wrong.

Every reputable removal firm should hold goods in transit and public liability insurance. Beyond that, you need to know what level of cover applies to your belongings. Standard cover is often based on weight rather than value, and that can leave you badly underinsured on a house full of electronics, clothing and furniture.

Ask these questions before you book:

• What is the maximum liability per item, and per total consignment?
• Is there an excess, and how much is it?
• Does the cover include damage caused by packing, or only transit damage?
• Are high-value items such as jewellery, artwork or musical instruments excluded?
• Will I receive a certificate of insurance in writing?

If the cover looks thin, ask about enhanced or extended protection. It usually costs a small percentage of the total move price and is well worth it for peace of mind. Your own home contents policy may also cover items in transit — check the small print rather than assuming.

Ask about hidden charges before you sign

Nobody likes a final invoice that is bigger than the quote. A good firm will be upfront about extras; a poor one will mention them once your sofa is on the lorry. Ask about all of the following:

• Stair and lift charges: some firms charge per flight above the ground floor.
• Long carry fees: if the lorry cannot park close to your door, you may pay for the extra walking distance.
• Waiting time: charged if keys are delayed or access is blocked, often by the hour.
• Packing materials: boxes, tape, wrapping paper and wardrobe cartons, priced individually or as a package.
• Dismantling and reassembly: beds, wardrobes and flat-pack furniture may be charged separately.
• Congestion and parking charges: common in city centres, and often passed on to you.
• Weekend or bank holiday surcharges: moving on a Friday or at month end can cost more.
• Storage: if your new home is not ready, daily or weekly rates apply.

Get the full list in writing, ideally in the quote itself, so there are no surprises later.

Read reviews and check credentials

Online reviews are useful, but read them with a clear head. Look for patterns rather than one-off grumbles: repeated mentions of lateness, damaged items, or unexpected charges are a red flag. Equally, a firm with dozens of detailed five-star reviews mentioning named crew members is usually a good sign.

Check membership of a recognised trade association or an approved code of practice. These schemes typically require insurance, a written complaints procedure and adherence to a set of standards. It does not guarantee perfection, but it gives you somewhere to turn if things go wrong.

Finally, trust your instincts on the site survey. A firm that turns up, walks the property, asks sensible questions and follows up with a detailed written quote is far more likely to look after your belongings than one that quotes a price over the phone in two minutes.

Book early and confirm the details in writing

Fridays and the last week of the month are the busiest days in the removals calendar, so book four to six weeks ahead where you can — longer in summer. Confirm the date, arrival window, crew size, vehicle size and total price in writing, and keep a copy somewhere you can reach it on the day.

Label your boxes clearly, pack a separate bag with essentials for the first night, and keep valuables and documents with you rather than on the lorry. Do that, and the right removal company will simply do the rest.