MOVING home is quite an undertaking, a big and stressful task, riddled with potential disaster after disaster, so it is vital to save yourself heartache by finding the right firm for the job.

The first place many will look is their handy, under the coffee table, repository of local knowledge, the phone book.  It is worth bearing in mind that many firms are also online, so it could be worth letting Google do the walking for a change.

As well as removal firms in your own locality, you might save money by finding a firm in the area you are moving into.
Whether you choose a national or local firm, it is advisable to get a minimum of three quotes before making your final decision.  Other factors to consider include discounts and cheaper insurance coverage.   Bear in mind that just because a particular firm seems more costly by their headline quote figure, their overall services offered could make them the best value choice.

Most reputable firms will send a representative to your home to discuss your moving needs and give you a quote, which will factor in the predicted time to complete the move and any additional services you require. You may wish to hire their crates and containers or have them take up your carpets or do all the packing.  But whatever you need, ask the price first and make sure you have an agreed list of services with them before signing on the dotted line.

There could be extra charges for large, heavy items like a piano.

It is also worth looking into insurance as a safeguard in case anything is damaged or last in transit.

The planned time of your move is also a cost related factor.   You might get a discount for moving outside of peak hours, so itís worth asking.  A move on a Friday will allow you more time over the following weekend to get settle in to your new home, but be expected to pay more.  The same goes for moves during school holidays.

You also need to check if insurance cover is included in case of accidents or injury to removal staff during the move.  You could be liable for any costs otherwise.

Other factors include reliability.  Will the move be delayed if an employee is ill or off work for some other reason at short notice.
Choosing a well established and known removal firm with a good reputation is advisable, as most will have procedures in place to deal with complaints and grievances.  The last thing anyone doing anything as stressful as moving home needs is to find theyíve hired cowboys for the jobs.

Any reputable firm will be probably be member of The British Association of Removers (BAR).  This wonít automatically guarantee all will go well without any problems, but membership does mean the firm concerned meets particular professional standards.
You could also request written references, something which no reputable firm will object to or refuse.

By taking all the all the above steps, you increase your odds of finding a professional removal firm to take care of your property during a move.