Do I Really Need a Professional House Removal Company?
Well, not technically. If you’ve got four strong friends, a day off work, a miracle parking space, and nerves of steel, you might survive the move. However, for the majority, particularly in London, house removals involve more than simply lifting boxes. They’re about timing, logistics, patience, and not scratching the antique bannister at your new rental before you’ve even unpacked.
Professional house removal companies exist for a reason. When you’ve got a midday key exchange, a 3-bedroom terrace, and a sofa that only fits through the window at an angle, you want movers in London who do this kind of puzzle every day. The right team won’t just move your stuff, they’ll move your stress off your shoulders, too.
And if you’re moving in or out of London, where tight access, red routes and Victorian staircases are standard, a pro makes all the difference. We’re not just lifting furniture, we’re protecting your sanity.
What Services Should You Expect From a London Removals Firm?
Spoiler: it should be more than just “two lads and a van.” A proper moving company in London will offer a full menu of services — and no, we’re not just talking about bubble wrap.
Let’s say you need to pack an entire kitchen, dismantle a king-size bed, store a few extra bits for a month, and move into a third-floor flat with no lift. A decent firm can (and should) handle all that — with efficiency, a smile, and maybe even a helpful reminder about your passport.
Here’s what to look for:
- Full or partial packing — for when you can’t face bubble-wrapping 68 wine glasses
- Disassembly and reassembly — because that IKEA wardrobe isn’t going down in one piece
- Insurance — in case something precious gets banged on the stairs
- Removals and Storage Specialists — especially helpful if your completion date moves (again)
- Clear communication — because no one likes mystery pricing or missing movers
And yes, we at RAD Removals do all of the above. Even the tricky bits. Especially the tricky bits.
How Do I Know If I Can Trust a Moving Company?
Good question. You’re handing over every object you own — from your granny’s tea set to your gaming rig — to strangers. So yeah, trust is everything.
Start with the obvious: reviews. Not just the ones pasted on their website (everyone cherry-picks those). Search Google, Checkatrade, and Mumsnet for consistent feedback patterns. Note recurring themes such as reliability, friendliness, and problem-solving approaches.
Next: vibe check. Did they answer your enquiry quickly? Were they helpful on the phone? Did the quote include everything you asked for? If they ghost you for a week or dodge questions, imagine what moving day will be like.
Also worth asking:
- Are they insured?
- Are they part of BAR (British Association of Removers), Checkatrade or similar?
- Do they do a site visit or video survey?
- Do they offer clear terms & cancellation policies?
At RAD, we say: if someone makes you feel weird now, don’t give them your wardrobe later.
What Questions Should I Ask Before Booking My House Move?
Here’s your cheat sheet, because we’ve seen it all (and we mean all — including one bloke who didn’t mention the four flights of stairs until moving day).
- Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
- Are packing materials included?
- What happens if my exchange date changes?
- Will the same team be with me all day?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
- Can I leave things in drawers?
- What if access is tricky?
- Do you disassemble and reassemble furniture?
- What time will you arrive, and do I need to be ready at the crack of dawn?
Asking up front saves stress later. A good company will answer everything without sounding like you’ve offended their ancestors.
Is It Worth Paying for a Packing Service?
Short answer? Absolutely, if you can afford it and especially if your idea of packing is shoving everything into supermarket bags at midnight.
A full packing service means:
- Pros bring the boxes, tape, wrapping, and know-how.
- Everything gets packed safely, labelled by room, and often in a single day.
- Fragile things get the VIP treatment (bubble wrap, paper, quilted covers — the works).
- You don’t end up arguing over who forgot to box the kettle.
Packing services can cost a few hundred pounds more, depending on house size, but they also save hours of your time, prevent breakages, and reduce stress, which, frankly, is priceless on moving week.
RAD’s packing teams are like the Formula 1 pit crew of house moves, in and out before you’ve finished your cuppa.
Can I Just Hire a Man and a Van Instead?
You can, and if you’re moving out of a one-bed flat with no stairs, minimal furniture, and you’re fine doing all the heavy lifting yourself, then it might work.
But if you’re moving a family home, dealing with a completion chain, or have sofas that won’t fit through doors without turning into origami? A man-and-van gig can quickly turn into a disaster comedy.
House removal companies offer:
- Trained movers and estimators
- Full insurance
- Packing, furniture disassembly, and storage
- Experience with tricky logistics (tight stairwells, London parking, that enormous wardrobe you bought on a whim)
So yes, a man-and-van might save you a bit — unless something gets scratched, dropped, or delayed. Then you’ll wish you’d called in the pros.
What Should I Look For in a House Removal Company?
Good question. Because not all moving companies are created equal, some will treat your belongings like a museum exhibit, while others will treat them like a rugby ball.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- ✅ Proper insurance – if they can’t tell you what’s covered, walk away.
- ✅ Clear pricing – no dodgy add-ons for “stairs” or “weather.”
- ✅ Packing options – whether full-service or DIY, choice matters.
- ✅ Furniture disassembly and reassembly – crucial for awkward wardrobes.
- ✅ Real reviews – Google, Trustpilot, not just testimonials on their own site.
- ✅ BAR membership – not the pub (sadly), but the British Association of Removers. It means they’re legit.
And of course, you want someone who’ll actually pick up the phone, turn up on time, and smile while carrying your piano.
RAD Removals? We tick every box — and we don’t charge extra for the good vibes.
How Do I Know If They’re Legit (or Going to Vanish With My Stuff)?
Sadly, cowboy movers exist. They’ll quote you low, turn up late (if at all), and handle your flat-screen like it’s a frisbee.
Here’s how to dodge them:
- Call them. Speak to a real human. If they sound sketchy, they probably are.
- Check the company name. Is it on their vans? Uniforms? Website? Or are they “Dave & Mate Ltd.” with no online presence?
- Look for a landline and a real address. Mobile-only and no office? That’s a red flag.
- Ask about insurance and terms. If they fumble the answer, run.
- Read recent reviews – not just from 2018.
And always trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
What Services Should Be Included in a Proper House Move?
At the bare minimum, you should expect:
- A pre-move survey (in person or virtual)
- A written quote that makes sense
- A team that turns up on time
- Loading, transporting and unloading your stuff with care
But let’s be honest — these days, a good removals company does more than throw things into a van.
Look for extras like:
- Packing services – full or partial, with proper materials
- Furniture dismantling and reassembly
- Special handling for fragile, antique, or pianos
- Storage options, in case your completion date does a last-minute disappearing act
- House clearance, because who really wants to deal with that garden shed?
At RAD, we don’t just tick boxes — we bring tools, blankets, labels, and our A-game. And no, we don’t charge you for asking a few questions or needing a cup of tea mid-move.
Do All Removal Companies Offer Packing and Storage Too?
Short answer: nope.
Some companies only move what you’ve packed. Others charge a small fortune to tape up your toaster.
The best ones (read: RAD) offer:
- Full packing services – we bring the boxes, wrap it all, and even label it so you can find your coffee mugs again
- Partial packing – just the breakables or kitchen, up to you
- Storage – short-term or long-term, whether you’re renovating, stuck between homes, or escaping to Italy for six months
When you’re choosing a removal company in London, pick one that can handle everything, not just the lifting.
Because moving house isn’t just about the move — it’s about keeping your sanity during the chaos.
What Should I Watch Out for When Choosing a Moving Company in London?
Here’s where the spidey senses need to kick in. There are some red flags you really don’t want to ignore:
- No written quote? Walk away.
- Cash only? 🚩
- No address or company registration? Yikes.
- Rude or vague on the phone? Expect worse on moving day.
The removals industry in the UK is full of hardworking pros — but also a few dodgy blokes with a van and a grudge against stairs. Look for companies with:
- Real reviews (Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, not just Karen from Facebook)
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
- Insurance for your belongings and public liability
- A clear cancellation or rescheduling policy
- A decent vibe — if they sound stressed before your move, imagine the energy on moving day
And yes, it’s OK to trust your gut. If they make you feel like a burden before you’ve even booked, they’re probably not the team you want carrying your grandmother’s china.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a Moving Company Shouldn’t Feel Like a Gamble
Whether you’re moving a studio flat or a five-bed townhouse, the right removal company makes all the difference. You want professionals who’ll turn up, handle your things with respect, and know how to navigate London’s parking hell with grace (and permits).
At RAD Removals and Storage, we’re not here to dazzle you with gimmicks — just honest, high-quality house moving services, full packing, storage, and a van load of good energy.
Ready to meet your movers? Get a quote from RAD and let’s make your next house move the smoothest yet.