Choosing a removals company is an act of trust. You are handing strangers the keys to your home, your belongings, and one of the most stressful days in your calendar. Price matters — of course it does — but it is not the only thing that determines whether the day ends well.
I run 6 Days Logistics Group, so I have a stake in this conversation. I will be straight about that. I will also tell you what I would look for if I were hiring a removals company tomorrow, because the principles are the same whether you book with us or someone else.
Start With Communication, Not Price
The first signal is how a company responds to your enquiry. Do they ask about access, inventory, and dates — or jump straight to a number?
A firm that cares about the day itself will want detail. Vague enquiries get vague quotes, and vague quotes cause friction when the van arrives. If nobody asks about stairs, parking, or what you are actually moving, that is worth noticing.
My questions to ask before moving day lists the specifics worth raising early. A company that welcomes those questions is usually planning properly.
Insist on a Written, Itemised Quote
Verbal estimates are where moving day arguments begin. You want crew size, vehicle type, what is included, how waiting time works if completion slips, and what insurance cover applies.
At 6 Days Logistics Group we quote in writing before you book. That is not exceptional in theory — but in practice, plenty of customers come to us after a cheaper quote turned into extras on the day.
Our Midlands removal costs guide explains typical Midlands price bands so you have context. Use it to sense-check quotes, not as a substitute for one built around your actual home.
Look for Planning Before Moving Day
Good companies do work between booking and the move — confirming inventory, flagging access risks, and staying in touch when dates shift. Read what happens after you book for what that should look like in practice.
If a firm treats the booking confirmation as the end of the conversation, you are largely on your own until the lorry appears. That is a gamble on a day when you cannot afford many mistakes.
Check Reviews for Patterns, Not Perfection
Every company has the odd difficult day. What matters is the pattern: do people mention clear communication, careful handling, and turning up when promised? Or do you see repeated complaints about no-shows, damage disputes, and surprise charges?
Google reviews, Trustpilot, and word of mouth from neighbours who have moved recently all help. Ask locally in Birmingham or whichever town you are leaving — removals reputation travels by street, not by advert.
Match the Service to the Job
A company worth trusting will tell you if you do not need a full house removals crew — or if a small van is genuinely not enough. Right-sizing matters more than upselling.
The same applies to office relocations, house clearances, and specialist work. Ask whether they have handled jobs like yours, not just whether they have a van free on your date.
Red Flags Worth Taking Seriously
Quotes dramatically below every other without explanation. Large upfront cash demands with no paperwork. No interest in access or inventory. Pressure to decide immediately. A name that appears online with a different phone number every month.
Moving scams and no-show crews are real. If something feels off, slow down. The cost of rebooking at short notice is often less than the cost of a ruined day.
Trust Is Also How You Are Treated
Price and paperwork are measurable. Respect is harder to quote for, but you feel it — whether belongings are handled carefully, whether someone explains what is happening, whether your home is treated like a home.
I wrote about that overlap between leading people and moving homes in moving house and leadership lessons. The removals version is simpler: customers remember how you made them feel long after they forget how fast the van left.
For a broader picture of what good removals look like in practice, read what nobody tells you about moving house — it covers preparation, pricing honesty, and the emotional side people rarely discuss upfront.
A Practical Way to Decide
Get two or three written quotes from firms that asked proper questions. Compare like for like. Check reviews. Speak to someone on the phone if you can — tone tells you a lot.
Then ask which company you would want in your hallway on a rainy Friday when completion is late and the sofa will not fit. That is the firm to book.
If that is us, we are glad to earn it properly. If you choose elsewhere but use this to ask better questions, the day still improves — and that is worth something too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare removals quotes fairly?
Check that each quote covers the same scope — crew size, vehicle, packing, dismantling, waiting time, and insurance. The lowest price is only meaningful when the services match.
Should I choose the cheapest removals company?
Not automatically. Very low quotes sometimes omit materials, waiting time, or experienced crews. Value is a move that finishes properly, with clear communication and nothing damaged.
What are red flags when choosing a removals company?
Vague quotes, no written confirmation, reluctance to discuss access, pressure to pay large deposits without detail, and reviews that mention no-shows or last-minute price changes.
Does 6 Days Logistics Group provide written quotes?
Yes. We provide clear, itemised written quotes before you confirm. A 20% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due no later than five days before your service date.