Book a moving consultation.

A residential moving consultation in the UK — the pre-move survey by a removal firm to scope your move and provide a quote — is typically free or refunded against the booking. The 30-90 minute visit assesses your contents, access, and special requirements, producing an itemised written quote. For UK households, this is the most important step in choosing a remover.

The economic logic: a free survey from 3 different firms gives you comparable quotes and an honest sense of cost. Quotes given over the phone or online without a survey are notoriously unreliable; surveyed quotes hold up.

What a moving consultation covers

• Volume assessment — measuring contents in cubic feet / metres. Average 3-bed UK house: 700-1,000 cubic feet; 4-bed: 1,000-1,400; 5-bed+: 1,400-2,000+.
• Special items identification — pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, antique furniture, valuable paintings. Each may need specialist handling and additional cost.
• Disassembly requirements — fitted wardrobes, beds, dining tables that won't fit through doors assembled.
• Access constraints — narrow streets, low bridges, restricted parking, stairs, lift availability.
• Destination access — same considerations at the new property.
• Packing service decisions — full packing, partial packing (kitchen and breakables only), or self-pack.
• Storage requirements — for moves where new property isn't ready immediately.
• Insurance options — standard goods-in-transit cover and additional declared-value insurance.
• Date flexibility — peak season (June-September) and end-of-month dates more expensive.

Typical UK move costs (post-consultation)

What to prepare before the consultation

• Walk through every room — including loft, garage, garden — and ensure all contents are visible.
• Identify what you'll take vs what stays / sells / disposed.
• Note any special items (heavy, valuable, fragile, large).
• Have target move dates ready.
• Know your destination property's access (narrow drive, parking restrictions, stairs, lift).
• Identify packing service preference (full / partial / self-pack).
• Prepare any insurance needs for valuable items.

Comparing quotes

Compare like-for-like across 2-3 quotes:

• Same volume / inventory.
• Same packing scope.
• Same date / season.
• Same insurance cover.
• Same special-items handling.
• Same access assumptions.

Cheapest isn't best. BAR membership, age of the firm, online reviews, and the quality of the surveyor's manner all matter. £200 saved on a £1,500 move means little if items arrive damaged or late.

Things people often miss

• BAR membership — British Association of Removers. Vetted, audited, insured, complaints procedure. Worth choosing for any non-trivial move.
• Quote vs estimate — fixed quote is binding (price won't change). Estimate is indicative only. Always insist on quote for residential moves.
• Date premium — last Friday of the month is the most expensive day for UK removals. Avoiding by 1 week saves 15-30%.
• Disposal as part of move — many removers will dispose of unwanted items for a small fee. Saves a separate clearance booking.
• Storage during transit — between completion / exchange of houses; some movers offer free storage for 24-48 hours.
• Valuable item declarations — items individually worth over £2,000-£5,000 may need separate insurance. Declare upfront.
• Insurance excess — most policies have £100-£500 excess per claim. Not always free of charge to claim.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A BAR-member removal firm with experience in your destination area, written quote, and goods-in-transit insurance is the right choice. The free consultation phase is critical — invest the time to compare 2-3 quotes properly.