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
Andrew Neal profile picture
Andrew Neal
5 days ago
Great online experience with very friendly and helpful staff. I used the storage facility in Bromsgrove, which is very clean and tidy with very useful trolleys readily available and great access.
Honestly was stressing about the whole access on your phone but was stressing over nothing , it is so easy to access, the staff have been absolutely amazing throughout it all, anything isn't too much for them . So thankyou, highly recommend this company
Henry Scriven profile picture
Henry Scriven
7 days ago
Very helpful and friendly. Good choice of space
Peter Cox profile picture
Peter Cox
2 weeks ago
I've used this company a couple of times now - always impressed with their customer service, the facility is excellent and very secure, and really great prices. I will continue to use them in the future, happily.
Paul Kirk profile picture
Paul Kirk
3 weeks ago
Really easy to deal with as a company and the site is also easy to navigate and use.
Beth Gresswell profile picture
Beth Gresswell
3 weeks ago
Highly recommend this company! I recently moved and needed to store some items and was unsure where to store as I wanted to make sure it was close by but also very secure. I contacted this company and to spoke to Holly who was so welcoming and helped me decide what size would be better for me by allowing me access to see the units. The level of security in the premises is fantastic with cameras at every corner! I decided in the end to go with a 50ft storage and then dealt with both Helen and Jeremy who explain each step what happens moving forward and made sure that I would get access on the date that suited me. The process I thought was going to be long and added stress for me, however all 3 took that stress away! Thank you again!
Callum Shaw profile picture
Callum Shaw
3 weeks ago
The team of wigwam were incredible supporting. They are one of those companies who genuinely care and look after you. During hard times they were patient and considerate - no shady or distaste practices here.
Maxine Message profile picture
Maxine Message
4 weeks 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.
annmarie Raymond profile picture
annmarie Raymond
4 weeks ago
Great experience with sorting storage unit to store items thanks
Linda Curtis profile picture
Linda Curtis
4 weeks ago
Lovely staff (especially Lenny), whole process dealt with efficiently and quickly. Would highly recommend.
Andrew Terry profile picture
Andrew Terry
4 weeks 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
1 month 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.