The short answer
Plan the route before the equipment
A reliable quote is built from details: inventory, access, distance, timing, packing and insurance. If a mover does not ask about these things, the price is likely to change later.
- Prepare postcodes, inventory, access notes and moving date before asking for quotes.
- Ask what is included, what costs extra and how overtime is handled.
- A company that quotes without questions is not really quoting your move.
- Compare quotes by included services, not only by headline price.
Before You Call for Quotes: Prepare This Information
The quality of your quote depends on the quality of the information you give. A mover cannot price accurately without postcodes, access, inventory and timing.
Before calling, write down your home type, floor levels, lift access, parking situation, moving date and any special services you may need.
Describe Your Home Accurately
Tell movers whether it is a studio, flat, house, office or shared property, and include bedrooms and floor levels.
Know Your Postcodes
Postcodes help estimate distance, route, travel time and parking or red-route risk.
Describe Access Challenges
Mention stairs, long carries, lifts, narrow doors, estates, concierge rules and loading restrictions.
Questions to Ask Every Moving Company
Ask every mover the same questions so you can compare like with like. The key questions are about base rate, included services, extra costs, insurance, cancellation and overtime.
If you have a special item such as a piano, large sofa, antique wardrobe or server equipment, ask specifically whether the company can handle it.
Related reading: How to Choose a Reliable Removal Company in London and How Much Do Removals Cost in London? A Complete 2026 Guide.
Phone vs In-Person vs Online Quotes
A phone quote is a good first step. A WhatsApp photo quote is often better for London moves because stairs, parking and furniture can be seen directly.
In-person assessments are useful for large homes, offices, high-value items or complex access. Online forms are convenient but can be vague if used alone.
Red Flags When Getting Quotes
Be careful if a company gives a quote without asking questions, pressures you to book immediately, avoids insurance questions or refuses to explain what costs extra.
Also be careful when the quote is far lower or far higher than every other quote. The issue may be missing services, padding or a misunderstanding of your move.
How to Compare Moving Quotes Fairly
Compare crew size, van size, minimum booking time, insurance, packing, dismantling, fuel, waiting time, parking and overtime rules.
A slightly higher quote can be better value if it includes the correct team, protection and realistic time estimate.
Decision table
Ways to get a moving quote
| Quote method | Best for | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone quote | First comparison | Fast and easy | Can miss access details |
| WhatsApp photo quote | Most London moves | Shows inventory and access | Needs clear photos |
| In-person assessment | Large or complex moves | Most accurate | Takes more scheduling |
| Online form | Simple enquiries | Convenient | Often too vague alone |
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
Tell movers both postcodes, your moving date, the number of bedrooms, the floor level at each address and whether there is a lift. Add parking notes, a rough inventory of furniture and boxes, and photos of bulky or fragile items. Say whether you need packing, dismantling or storage. The more complete the information, the more accurate the quote, and the less likely the price is to change on moving day because something was missed.
Two or three quotes are usually enough for most London moves, as long as every company is quoting the same job. Give each mover the same inventory, access details and services so the prices can be compared fairly. Collecting many more quotes rarely helps and takes time. What matters more is checking what each quote includes, such as crew size, van size, insurance, the time allowance and any extra charges.
Moving quotes differ because companies are often pricing different services. One may include two movers and a Luton van, another one mover and a smaller van. Some include insurance, fuel, blankets and dismantling, while others add them later. Time estimates, waiting-time charges and minimum booking periods also vary. Line up each quote's crew size, van size, time and inclusions side by side, and the price gap usually starts to make sense.
It can be. A quote far below the others often leaves out things that will still take time on the day, such as stairs, long carries, waiting time, dismantling or a realistic move duration. It may also come with lower insurance cover or a smaller crew. Ask the company to explain exactly what the price includes and what could be added later before you book, and get that answer in writing.
