A removals company is a business that moves your household goods from one address to another with its own crew and vehicle. Some firms also offer a packing service, or storage in their own warehouse (called removals storage). A man-and-van service is the smaller version: one vehicle and a driver who helps you load.
At Wigwam
We're a self-storage company, so we don't move anything ourselves. We "can recommend local and reliable Removals and Man & Van services" if you want help bringing your things in or unloading: call us on 0800 2545585 and we can put you in touch with our preferred removals.
Someone from your side has to be at the unit while a removals crew or courier is loading or unloading: you, or a friend, relative or colleague you've given their own access. Our sites don't take in deliveries, and our guides are clear that "a removals crew cannot be left to load into the unit without you". Anyone you give access to is your responsibility under our terms (clauses 14 and 16). Under clause 22(f) you must not cause damage to the unit or site, and that "includes by removal, haulage or delivery contractors", so damage the crew does is yours to answer for.
Our terms require your goods to stay insured for their replacement value while they're in storage (clause 31). You can take our contents protection, or "arrange insurance at your own expense". Ask the removals firm what its insurance covers on the journey, and when it stops. Our published wording doesn't spell out cover for the stretch from the van into your unit, so ask us on 0800 2545585 before moving day.
Can't be there when the van arrives? Can a removals firm drop off at my unit without me being there? covers who can meet the crew and how to set up their access before the day.
What to check before you book
GOV.UK's home-buying guide suggests getting more than one quote, and checking:
- whether the firm belongs to a trade association such as the British Association of Removers;
- whether your belongings are "covered throughout the move";
- the small print for extra charges.
GOV.UK also notes that Fridays and the first and last days of the month "are often very busy". Ask, too, what the firm charges if completion is delayed and the van has to wait.
Related terms: Removals storage · Packing service · Bridging storage · Contents protection
Related questions: Can a removals firm drop off at my unit without me being there? · Are my belongings covered while I'm moving them into the unit?