Scope of Services • Assess the client’s residential moving requirements and property logistics • Review move timelines, regulatory requirements and insurance op...
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)
| Move | Typical price |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat (local, within 30 miles) | £300–£800 |
| 2-bed flat (local) | £500–£1,200 |
| 3-bed house (local) | £800–£1,800 |
| 3-bed house (cross-UK) | £1,000–£3,000 |
| 4-bed+ house (local) | £1,400–£3,500 |
| Storage (per cubic foot per week) | £0.30–£0.80 |
| Full packing service add-on | £250–£900 |
| Specialist piano / safe move | £200–£700 additional |
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
How much does a moving consultation cost?
Free for residential moves with established firms. Some specialist consultancies (corporate relocation, complex international moves) may charge £100-£300 for detailed surveys. Always confirm before booking.
How many quotes should I get?
2-3 typical. Pricing varies considerably for the same scope; comparison shopping saves 20-40% commonly. More than 3 starts to be diminishing returns.
How accurate are online quotes?
For straightforward 1-bed flat moves: reasonably accurate. For larger houses or complex moves: notoriously unreliable. Always insist on home survey for binding quote.
What if my move date changes?
Most established firms allow date changes with reasonable notice (typically 7+ days) without charge. Last-minute changes may attract fees. Confirm policy before booking.
Is the cheapest quote always wrong?
Not always — but unusually low quotes often miss services or use inferior packing. Look for the median of 3 quotes; the lowest may be missing scope, the highest may be charging premium without reason.
Do I need insurance beyond standard cover?
For typical contents of a UK 3-bed home (£20,000-£60,000 total), standard goods-in-transit insurance usually suffices. For higher-value contents or specific valuable items, additional declared-value insurance £100-£500 worth considering.
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.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
