The top ten most frequently asked questions about removal companies.
Q: “How far in advance do I need to book my removal”?
A: “We don’t have a specific notice period. Bookings are made on a first come first served basis.” “Make use of our cancellation insurance to book with confidence – ask for more details”.
Q: “What happens if I don’t get the keys to my new property until later in the afternoon, will you still deliver my furniture”?
A: ” Solicitors usually advise keys will be available in the early afternoon of moving day. As long as we are able to start the delivery no later than 2pm on the day, then everything will be delivered and no extra costs. Additional costs could be charged for waiting time which is applied on an hourly basis after 2pm. We do offer an optional waiting time insurance, ask for details”.
Q: “Do I need to empty drawers for moving”?
A:” Some chest of drawers, blanket boxes, plastic toy chests etc, can be left full, as long nothing too heavy or breakable is inside”.
Q:” How much does a local removal in Edinburgh cost”?
A:”All of our removal quotes are specific to each move. The cost is based on many factors, such as the volume to be moved, if you need help with packing, if there are parking or access restrictions and sometimes your moving dates”. We can usually offer an initial estimate, or a “budget” cost for a move, so why not contact us for more details”.
Q:”Do the removal staff expect a “tip”?
A:”Please do not feel obliged to tip the staff unless you feel they have really provided an excellent level of service. Any tip you do decide to give to the removals staff would be very gratefully received regardless of the amount”.
Q:”When do removal companies expect to be paid?”
A: “Typically, most removal companies ask for payment before starting the work. All removers who are members of the British Association of removers (B.A.R.) are able to provide a payment guarantee to their customers.
Q:“Do I need additional insurance for my removal?”
A: “Most reputable removal companies will be able to offer insurance for your goods whilst in transit or in storage. Many companies charge extra for the insurance. Removal Services Scotland will include free insurance for removals for moves with a goods value of up to £50,000.”.
Q:“How do I choose the best removal company?”
A:” First, look at the reviews for any removal company and read the good and the bad, this should help you to decide how trustworthy they are. Removal companies who are members of the British Association of Removers (B.A.R.) have to meet minimum standards in relation to trading terms, staff training, financial standing and lots of other important quality standards. The B.A.R also have an arbitration service available for unhappy customers to make a complaint. Customers should feel more confident booking with a member firm.
Q: “How do I arrange storage for my furniture?”
A: “The best removal companies will be able to offer their own storage and can combine this with the removal itself. Removal Services Scotland offer various types of storage at our base in Broxburn. Home pack container storage is the most efficient and cheapest method. The storage containers are brought to your property on the removal lorry on moving day and your belongings packed directly into them. The goods are not then handled again until they are delivered in the same containers to your new property at the end of the storage period. This minimises handling and risk of damage or loss of any of your belongings. An important consideration when storing your goods is the location and security of the storage facility – always check the physical location of the removal company, if its their home address then they probably don’t have their own storage facilities!”
Q:“Do removal companies offer a packing service?”
A:”Yes, most removal companies can do a full or partial packing service and this can include china, glassware and other fragile items, books, bedding and clothing etc. Specialist items such as clocks and pianos need additional skill to prepare and move properly. Removal Services Scotland can offer a bespoke service for all of these requirements”.
