Hiring the wrong moving company can cost you money, precious time and energy. From ensuring the safety of your items to avoiding putting a dent in your budget, make sure you do your research before making any decisions. 

Keep reading for a few tips on what you should check before hiring a moving company. 
 

Do your research 

Research at least five companies. Search through their history and reviews and get quotes from your top three. Be careful of “Rogue Movers”. They typically give a low estimate over the phone or internet without visiting your home or seeing your goods, and you may end up paying more than the original estimate.  

Ask about extra fees 

Moving companies sometimes have extra fees that are only added to the final invoice once the move is complete. Make sure you ask movers about any potential extra costs. This way, you can try to avoid them or at least avoid the fright you’ll get when you receive the final invoice.  

Pro Tip: To ensure an accurate quote from movers, ask if the final rate includes physical assistance with packing up, loading and unloading the van.  

Do they have insurance? 

Insurance is sometimes included if you arrange for movers to pack your belongings. However, if you’re handling the load, it’s unlikely you’ll be insured against breakages caused by improper packing – unless you take out your own insurance. Ask the movers so you know whether you should start arranging or if they have you covered.   

Know when to move 

You should aim to move in the winter months as summer (peak season) is when moving companies are at their busiest. However, if you have no choice but to move during peak season – mid-week or mid-month will be your budget-friendly options. 

Pro Tip: Demand for movers is often highest on weekends, and at the beginning and the end of a month. 


If you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed by the moving process, turn to Wigwam. Offering convenient self van hire, Man & Van services, a fully stocked onsite packaging shop and affordable personal storage units, we have all you need for a stress-free moving experience!  

Ready to move? Give us a call on 0800 254 5585 or request a quick and easy quote online. 

Simon Fothergill
Written by

Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage. He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space. With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.

Customer Reviews

Wigwam Self Storage place picture
4.9
Maxine Message profile picture
Maxine Message
3 days ago
Excellent service. Fast response to email, followed by telephone calls to discuss requirements and finalise paperwork. Prices are competitive, storage spaces are varied in size. The forecourt and the facilities are spotless. Can recommend highly.
Great experience with sorting storage unit to store items thanks
Linda Curtis profile picture
Linda Curtis
5 days ago
Lovely staff (especially Lenny), whole process dealt with efficiently and quickly. Would highly recommend.
Andrew Terry profile picture
Andrew Terry
1 week ago
Easy peasy. Nice people to deal with; all my (probably, very silly) questions were answered quickly and clearly, and the follow up to check that my move went smoothly was a nice finishing touch.
Sandra Mackenzie profile picture
Sandra Mackenzie
2 weeks ago
Best storage unit we’ve ever had. The easy way to get in and out, trolleys to use to load unload, toilet on site, really clean and modern.
Sue Laker profile picture
Sue Laker
3 weeks ago
Very helpful and keep in contact to ensure everything is ok. Will use again if required.
Anthony Jennings profile picture
Anthony Jennings
4 weeks ago
Really seamless experience from start to finish. App was incredibly easy to use and convenient 24/7 access allowed me to move all my house stuff over in less than a week. The unit I booked was the perfect size to fit all my furniture in from a large 2 bed house. Would definitley recommend anybody looking for storage to use Wigwam
Brad Axe profile picture
Brad Axe
4 weeks ago
Absolutely incredible service. At a very stressful time for my family and I, Lenny made organising storage an easy simple process! A warm welcome when we arrived, a lovely clean storage facility and endless effort from the team! I would highly recommend anyone to use these dudes!
The paperwork was quick and efficient and the customer service was top notch. The security is very thorough as well and the opening times are very user friendly. Highly recommended!
Ryley B profile picture
Ryley B
4 weeks ago
Just easy and simple really
Mandy Stow profile picture
Mandy Stow
4 weeks ago
Very good. I was a bit worried because it is app based but even for a technophob like me it was very easy.
Joseph Rooke profile picture
Joseph Rooke
1 month ago
Team were outstanding and super helpful I highly recommend