The cost of a move depends on what you’re moving, how far it needs to go and how much work is involved at both addresses. A short journey can still take several hours if there are multiple flights of stairs or the van has to park far from the door.
Start with the same inventory
Send each mover the same room-by-room list. Include the garage, loft and garden, and identify anything awkward, such as a corner sofa, a large mirror or a wardrobe that needs taking apart. Photos and dimensions can help explain what a list misses.
Describe access at both addresses
Give the floor number, lift dimensions, distance from the entrance to the loading point and any vehicle height limits. For a city-centre flat, find out whether the building has a separate service entrance or a loading bay you need to book.
Compare what the price includes
Ask whether the quote is fixed for the agreed move or charged by the hour. For an hourly quote, check the minimum booking and when the clock starts. For any quote, confirm VAT where applicable, the crew size, dismantling, packing materials and how waiting for keys is charged.
Ask what happens if the date changes
Before paying a deposit, ask what happens if completion slips, the inventory grows or a second trip becomes necessary. Where you might need storage, ask for the storage, handling and redelivery costs separately so the total is clear.