Comparing Removal Quotes: What Should Be Included?
Quick answer
To compare removal company quotes fairly, line up each quote on the same basis: inventory volume, packing service, insurance cover, access assumptions and any extra charges for stairs, long carries, parking or storage. A complete quote should itemise labour, van time, materials, transit insurance and VAT. Anything left vague is likely to become a surcharge on moving day.
What a complete removal quote should include
A properly written quote is effectively a mini-contract. It should spell out exactly what you are paying for, what the company will and will not do, and the circumstances that could change the final price. When you compare removal company quotes, use the table below as a baseline. If a line is missing, ask for it in writing before you book.
| Item in the quote | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full inventory list | Room-by-room list of items, with bulky or fragile pieces flagged | Drives the van size, crew number and price. A vague "household goods" description is a red flag. |
| Labour and van time | Number of movers, estimated hours or a fixed-day rate | Tells you whether the quote is time-based or fixed. Fixed is safer for your budget. |
| Packing materials and service | Whether boxes, tape, wrapping and labour are included or charged separately | Packing is one of the most common add-ons. Confirm what is included and what costs extra per box. |
| Transit insurance cover | Sum insured, whether items are covered new-for-old or indemnity, and any exclusions | Without adequate cover, a damaged sofa may only be compensated at a fraction of its value. |
| Access assumptions | Notes on stairs, lifts, parking distance from the door, and any shuttle required | If the crew has to carry items further than stated, you may be charged an extra "long carry" fee. |
| Parking and congestion | Who arranges parking suspensions or pays congestion and low-emission charges | Some quotes include this; others pass it to you on the day. |
| Storage options | Whether short-term storage is available and the weekly rate | Useful if your completion date shifts. Check minimum terms and access rules. |
| VAT and payment terms | Whether the figure is gross or net, deposit amount and balance due date | A quote that says "from £400" without VAT can become £480 at the last stage. |
| Cancellation and rearrangement | Fees for changing the date or pulling out | Moving chains slip. Know the cost of a rearrangement before you sign. |
Common extras that catch people out
Even a detailed quote can leave certain scenarios undefined. The following charges are legitimate in the right circumstances, but they should be flagged up front rather than appearing on the final invoice:
- Long carry fees – applied when the van cannot park within a set distance of the door, often 30 metres or less.
- Stair and lift charges – extra labour for walk-up flats, particularly above second or third floor.
- Packing extras – per-box charges for cartons, wardrobes boxes, or specialist crating for artwork and mirrors.
- Waiting charges – hourly fees if the property is not ready on arrival, or if completion delays keep the crew on site.
- Re-delivery or storage fees – if you cannot take ownership on the scheduled day.
- Out-of-hours or weekend premiums – some firms charge more for Sunday or bank holiday moves.
- Fuel surcharges – rare on fixed quotes, but still seen on distance-based estimates.
Ask each company to confirm in writing whether any of these apply to your move. If they are not mentioned, assume they may be added later.
A like-for-like comparison checklist
The cheapest headline figure is rarely the cheapest move once extras are added. Work through this checklist against every quote you receive:
- [ ] Inventory matches what you actually have, including loft, garage and garden items.
- [ ] Packing is either fully included or clearly excluded with unit prices stated.
- [ ] Insurance cover is at least goods-in-transit level, with the sum insured matching your inventory value.
- [ ] Access assumptions reflect your actual property, including any narrow streets or permit zones.
- [ ] Parking suspension or permit costs are allocated to either you or the mover.
- [ ] VAT is included in the headline figure.
- [ ] Cancellation and rearrangement fees are stated, not buried in terms and conditions.
- [ ] The quote is in writing and valid for a stated period, typically 30 to 90 days.
- [ ] The company is a member of a recognised trade body such as the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers and Storers.
- [ ] You have a named contact and a clear complaints procedure.
If two quotes look similar in price but one omits packing, insurance or parking, the higher figure is often the better comparison once those items are added back in.
Insurance, accreditation and the small print
Before you sign, carry out proper removal company insurance checks. At minimum, the firm should hold goods-in-transit insurance and public liability insurance. BAR members offer an optional Advance Payment Guarantee and an independent complaints scheme, which gives you a route to redress if something goes wrong.
Read the terms and conditions, not just the front page. Pay particular attention to:
- Liability limits per item and per cubic foot – these cap what the mover will pay for loss or damage.
- Valuable item exclusions – jewellery, cash, laptops and documents are almost never covered.
- Claims process and time limits – some firms require damage to be reported within 24 or 48 hours of delivery.
- Subcontracting – check whether your move may be handed to another firm on the day.
Red flags and warning signs
Certain patterns in a quote suggest you should walk away. Watch out for:
- A price given over the phone with no survey, inventory or written follow-up.
- A large cash-only deposit, particularly above 25 per cent of the total.
- A company name that does not appear on Companies House or has no verifiable address.
- Quotes dramatically cheaper than two or three competitors without a clear reason.
- Refusal to provide written terms, insurance certificates or trade body membership numbers.
These are the same questions to ask a removal company before you part with any money. A reputable firm will answer them without hesitation.
How to find and compare movers on Gumtree
You can browse local removal services on Gumtree and shortlist two or three firms that cover your route. Ask each one for a written quote based on the same inventory and the same moving date. That is the only way to hire a removal company with confidence that you are comparing the same job at a fair price.
FAQ
Should I get a fixed price or an hourly quote?
A fixed price is safer for your budget, particularly on longer moves where traffic or access delays are likely. Hourly rates can work well for small, local moves where the job is straightforward and the property is easy to access.
Do removal companies usually include packing in the quote?
Packing is normally an optional extra. Some firms offer full packing, part packing (for example, just the kitchen and fragile items) or a supply-only option where they drop off the boxes. Always confirm which level is included in the figure you are comparing.
How much insurance cover should a removal quote include?
At minimum, the company should hold goods-in-transit insurance that covers the total declared value of your belongings. Check whether cover is on a new-for-old or indemnity basis, and whether high-value items such as electronics need to be declared separately.
What counts as a hidden charge on a removal quote?
Typical hidden charges include long carry fees, stair surcharges, waiting time, packing materials charged per box, parking permits, fuel surcharges and rearrangement fees. Any of these is legitimate if agreed in advance, but should not appear as a surprise on moving day.
How long is a removal quote valid for?
Most written quotes are valid for 30 to 90 days. If your move is several months away, ask for a quote validity extension in writing, particularly if fuel prices or your inventory are likely to change.