What questions should you ask your removals company before they arrive?

When planning a house move, it’s easy to focus on the most obvious aspects. Boxes, furniture, and whether it’ll rain! What tends to get passed over in all the chaos is what to ask the removals company before the big day arrives.

Done right, that chat can prevent disasters. Because once things are moving, it’s a lot harder to fix anything that wasn’t covered in advance. So, before the van pulls up and the clock starts ticking, these are a few questions that are worth asking.

Will you handle fragile or unusual items?

If you’ve got something delicate – maybe a large mirror, artwork, a priceless piano, or antique dresser – don’t assume it should just be treated like everything else. Ask how they plan to protect those items during transit. And how well trained their team is at moving these kinds of delicate items. Some teams like those from Bright Movers bring special padding or wrapping; others expect you to sort that yourself. A quick question during the earlier stages could save you a lot of worry later.

What happens if my schedule changes?

This one’s important. Delays can happen. Maybe your keys aren’t ready, or access is held up. What’s their policy if the job can’t start on time? Some companies offer flexibility, while others charge by the hour once a delay kicks in. Knowing that ahead of time helps you plan a backup if needed.

Read more: 5 home improvements that you can do on a budget

How many movers will you get?

The number of people handling the job can affect everything from timing to safety. If it’s just two workers dealing with a big house with multiple floors, it might take a lot longer – and feel more chaotic. Larger crews can often wrap things up faster, but it depends on what you’re moving. It’s worth asking so you know what to expect.

What kind of insurance do you offer?

A lot of removals companies offer some type of insurance as a standard, but the details vary. Ask whether the insurance covers your possessions while they’re in the van, damage to either your new or old home, and what happens if something gets lost. Make sure you check if the insurance still applies if you’re doing your own packing. It’s much better to be clear about the limits now than argue about it all later.

Is there anything I need to prepare before you arrive?

From parking restrictions to furniture disassembly, it can really help if you clarify what’s expected. Will they move old electrical items? Take apart beds? Do they need clear access through all hallways? Asking these kinds of questions well in advance gives you a chance to get ready, and avoid at least some of that last-minute panic.

Moving can be unpredictable, but asking the right questions helps bring some structure to the chaos. A solid removals team will be happy to answer them. Because a smoother move works better for everyone.