Professional Removal Firms

Many people choose to use a removal service when moving home, either to simply move all the furniture and boxes that they have already packed or to handle the entire job, including all the packing.

Unless you have been given a glowing personal recommendation for a small company, it's usually safer to use a major removal company with a good reputation. In the US, all legitimate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Highway Administration and / or their State Commerce Commission.

Removal firms can offer various levels of packing services, which may include:

• Full packing service (the most expensive option)
• Combination service (pack and unload but not unpack)
• Standard move (load and unload only, and the cheapest option)
• Fragile packing

Make sure that you get at least three written quotes before choosing a company, as costs can vary considerably. Don't forget to include everything that you want moving, as quotations can increase greatly if you add things later. If you're moving a relatively long distance, you should look at firms in both the area that you're moving to and that you're moving from, as they may reveal surprising differences in cost.

Check whether a quote includes packing and packaging, as these are optional extras with some companies and part of the standard service with others. Ask whether the quote includes insurance and tax.

You should always read the small print in removal and insurance contracts, for example, some policies require owners to declare the value of all goods that are fragile or breakable over a certain amount. Removers are responsible for loss or damage caused by their negligence, and without insurance, a removal company's contract will limit their liability to a trivial sum in the event of damage or loss. Check for any other small print, such as extra charges if the van cannot park outside your home.