When booking a Man and Van service, I always wonder if I chose the right one. Oftentimes I wonder what to ask Removal companies to make sure I am making the right decision but, when it nears the end of the conversation what questions to ask them to make sure that my move goes smoothly. Now I am sharing all the best questions to ask a removal company make sure that your move goes well, with no unpleasant surprises.
What happens if it rains?
Will you organise parking & permits?
What size van do you have?
What time will you arrive?
Do you supply boxes?
What am I paying for?
Are you insured?
What is your cancellation policy.
Will I be able to ride in the van?
1. What happens if it rains?
Rainy forecast for moving day! Avoid a catastrophe by asking your removal company of choice the simple question, what happens if it starts raining? Do they have plastic covers and moving blankets for your goods or some type of system in place to protect your valuables from the rain?
2. Will you organise parking & permits?
If there are parking restrictions on your street, for your peace of mind, you should find out who would be responsible to organise permits ahead of move day.
To be considerate to your new neighbours, you also might want to tell them that a moving van is going to be there for some time in the day. Speaking of that:
3. What size van(s) do you have?
Bigger vans are oftentimes more economical and all around better for the price you pay, however if there is no parking at any of your locations, you should check for the nearest parking spaces available.
4. What time will you arrive?
This one seems like a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many times that I get stuck in gridlock traffic arriving from a venue while the movers are at my home waiting for me, and when I get there I am charged with an inconvenience fee. This simple question can make sure that the problem is not there in the first place. This will make sure that you end up at your moving location hours before the movers get there.
5. Do you supply boxes?
This might be worth asking weeks in advance so you can allow time for shipping. This could be used to check your house removal companies legitimacy as well as if you generally need boxes. If they give you a link with the company's name at the front then you know the fact that they are the ones supplying the boxes however if they give you an Amazon link or something then you might want to rethink the price tag. Which leads us into number six…
6. What am I paying for?
This one sounds straightforward but this is the best way to avoid unwanted surprises. For example Will you be charged extra if your move takes longer than expected? And on the day will you be charged extra for services like dismantling the kitchen table to get it out of the front door for example? Does it include a packing and unpacking service? Is it a fixed rate with a fixed price? This will give you an idea of
7. Are you insured?
If your insurance doesn't extend to items in transit it's a good idea to ask your removal company you should make sure that they have their own contents cover for your move. This is again preparing for the worst. This nicely fits with number 8...
8. What is your cancellation policy?
Hold-ups and delays in house buying and selling are not the most uncommon in Britain and so asking this question might reveal a lot. If you pay a deposit in advance and upon cancellation the company keeps the deposit, you shouldn't book until you're 100% certain that you are moving on that specific day. Other companies charge a small fee upon cancellation. These companies are a good balance if you want to make sure you are not being overcharged but you also want to be 100% certain that your space is reserved.
9. Will I be able to ride in the van?
Due to the current situation, if a removal company allows you to ride in the van with you, they are less likely to care about the health and safety of you and, furthermore, your valuables. However, in the future (post coronavirus), if a man and van company doesn't allow you to ride in their van, that would be a huge red flag.