A removals quote is not just a price. It is a list of what the company will and will not do on move day, and if you compare quotes without checking what is actually included, you will end up comparing very different things. This checklist covers every line item a proper quote should address, so you can ask the right questions before you commit.
A thorough quote from a reputable company will break down the job into its component parts. The items below are the ones that vary most between providers and the ones most likely to generate surprise charges on move day if they were never discussed upfront.
Labour and crew size. The quote should state how many people will be on the job and for how many hours. A two-person crew loading a four-bedroom house is a different proposition from a three-person crew. If the quote just says “from X” with no crew detail, ask.
Vehicle type and number of trips. How large is the van or lorry? Is the job priced as a single load or might a second trip be needed? A company that sends a smaller vehicle and charges for a return journey will cost more than one that quotes a single large vehicle. Get this in writing.
Packing materials and packing labour. Some quotes include boxes, tape, bubble wrap and packing paper. Others price packing materials separately, and owner-packed jobs are often quoted differently from full-pack jobs. If you want the company to pack for you, confirm whether packing labour is included or quoted as an add-on.
Dismantling and reassembly. Beds, wardrobes with interior fittings, flat-pack furniture – these often need to come apart before they move. Not every company includes dismantling in the base quote. Ask specifically whether this is covered or whether it sits outside the standard price.
Insurance and liability. A legitimate quote will confirm what insurance covers your belongings during the move. Goods-in-transit insurance should be standard; the question is what the limits are and whether high-value or fragile items need to be declared separately. If the company cannot tell you what their insurance covers, that is a reason to look elsewhere.
Access and parking. Narrow streets, permit-controlled zones, flights of stairs, no-lift flats, these all affect how long a job takes and therefore what it costs. A quote that does not ask about access at both ends has not been properly scoped. For Portsmouth moves specifically, parking suspension applications and one-way system planning are part of the job; see how Beck’s handles this on the Portsmouth removals page.
Travel time and distance. For longer moves, travel time between your old and new address is a real cost. Some companies charge portal-to-portal (from their depot, not your door). Others price point-to-point. Clarify which method the quote uses so you are not surprised by a surcharge for depot travel.
Storage, if needed. If your completion and move-in dates do not align, a common situation in chain moves, you may need somewhere to hold your belongings between properties. Ask whether the company offers storage as part of the same booking and what the weekly rate is. Beck’s offers containerised storage at its Havant depot and the Store 2 U mobile storage service. Beck’s delivers the container to your address, our team loads it, we store it securely, and re-deliver when you are ready.
Out-of-hours or weekend surcharges. Friday moves and Saturday completions are more expensive with most removal companies because demand is highest. If you are moving on a peak day, the quote should reflect that. If it does not mention a day-of-week surcharge and your move is a Friday, ask.
Once you have three quotes, a table helps. Line up the same items across each company so you are comparing like for like.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew size | |||
| Vehicle size and trips | |||
| Packing materials included | |||
| Packing labour included | |||
| Dismantling included | |||
| Goods-in-transit insurance | |||
| Access survey before move day | |||
| Storage option available | |||
| Out-of-hours surcharge stated | |||
| Price quoted (total) |
The most affordable headline figure often sits alongside the shortest list of inclusions. A quote that includes packing, dismantling and one vehicle-load may cost more than one that includes none of those things, but it is the more complete service.
Not all quotes are equal. These are the warning signs worth watching for:
Beck’s Removals is BAR registered (British Association of Removers) and Trading Standards Approved. Quotes from Beck’s cover:
No hidden fees. That commitment is in writing on every quote issued.
Beck’s covers house removals across Hampshire and the south coast. For office relocations, the same fixed-quote approach applies; find out more on the office relocation page. For smaller loads or single-room moves, the man and van service is a practical alternative to a full removal.
For house and office moves in Havant and across Hampshire, the quote process starts with a call or the online form.
How far in advance should I get a removals quote?
For most moves, getting quotes four to six weeks before your target date gives you enough time to compare properly without rushing. If you are moving in summer or on a Friday or Saturday, book earlier; those slots fill up faster. Beck’s can often accommodate shorter notice for weekday moves, but the earlier you contact us the better the chance of securing your preferred date.
Should I get more than one removals quote?
Yes. Three quotes from BAR-registered or otherwise accredited companies give you a realistic price range and a basis for comparison. Be cautious of quotes that arrive very quickly with no questions asked about access or volume; a quote that has not been properly scoped is likely to change on the day.
What is goods-in-transit insurance and do I need it?
Goods-in-transit insurance covers your belongings while they are being moved, loaded, in the vehicle and unloaded. Most professional removal companies include it as standard, but the limits and conditions vary. Check whether high-value items such as antiques, electronics or artwork need to be declared separately. Your home contents insurance may also extend to cover moves in transit; worth checking your policy before move day.
Can Beck’s store my belongings if completion is delayed?
Yes. If your move-in date shifts or there is a gap between leaving your old property and getting the keys to the new one, Beck’s can hold your belongings at the CCTV-monitored warehouse at Hermitage Park, Havant. The Store 2 U service is also available. Beck’s delivers a mobile container to your address, our team handles the loading, and we re-deliver when you are ready to move in. Both options can be added to your removal booking with a single fixed quote covering everything. Store 2 U service.
Does the type of move affect what the quote covers?
Yes. A man and van booking for a studio flat covers a very different scope to a full crew and lorry for a five-bedroom house. Office relocations have their own considerations around IT equipment, out-of-hours access and furniture disassembly. Always confirm the exact scope of the quote against the type of move you are doing.
Beck’s Removals covers house and office moves across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chichester and beyond. BAR registered, Trading Standards Approved, and quoting with no hidden fees since 2001.
Get a quote: https://becksremovalsandstorage.co.uk/get-a-quote/
Call: 02392 006195
Phone: 02392 006195
Email: moving@becksremovals.co.uk
Address: Hermitage Park, Harts Farm Way, Havant, PO9 1FA
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Planning to move yourself instead?
You can also hire a van quickly and easily from our sister company
Havant Van and Car Hire.
Click here to hire a van:
https://havantvanandcarhire.co.uk/
