Exeter and Torbay Removal Van Parking Guide

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Parking a removal van in Exeter city centre or on Torbay's seafront streets is rarely simple. Controlled parking zones, double yellow lines and narrow terraces can all cost you time on the day. This removal van parking guide for Exeter and Torbay explains the rules, who to apply to, and how to arrange a legal loading space, with links to the official council pages so you can check the current fees and notice for yourself.

Removal Van Parking in Exeter and Torbay: Why It Matters Before Move Day

A van that cannot park close to your door has to load from further away, which adds time and effort, and can add cost if the job overruns. Exeter and Torbay also work differently: Exeter's on-street parking is managed by Devon County Council, while Torbay is a unitary authority and runs its own. Sorting a legal space in advance costs far less than a penalty notice or a delayed move.

What Is a Parking Dispensation?

A parking dispensation, sometimes called a waiver, trade permit or bay suspension, is temporary permission from the council to park a works vehicle where restrictions would normally stop you, such as on a yellow line or in a residents' bay, so it can load and unload close to the property. You apply to the relevant council, pay a fee and give notice. The fee and the minimum notice are set by each council and change from time to time, so always check the current details on the council page linked below before you book.

Exeter: Parking for Removal Vans

On-street parking in Exeter is managed by Devon County Council, not the city council. For a removal, you apply to Devon County Council for a trade parking permit or a parking dispensation. Much of Exeter city centre and the inner suburbs sits within a controlled parking zone, so if your street has residents' bays or yellow lines you will usually need one.

Practical points for an Exeter move:

•     Residents' bays: a removal van cannot use these without a dispensation from Devon County Council.

•     Yellow lines: loading may be allowed briefly on some yellow lines, but not where kerb markings prohibit it (see the double yellows section below). Check the sign or kerb plate for the controlled hours.

•     Check your zone first: streets just outside the controlled parking zone are often unrestricted, and no dispensation is needed. Confirm your street on the Devon County Council parking pages before you apply.

•     Fee and notice: both are set by Devon County Council and change, so check the current figures on their page rather than assuming.

Some Exeter streets are simply awkward for a large van because they are steep or narrow, so flag the address early. For how we cover the city, see our Exeter removals page.

Torbay: Parking for Removal Vans

Torbay Council covers Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, and runs its own parking. Apply to Torbay Council for a dispensation or waiver for a removal.

Practical points for a Torbay move:

•     Torquay seafront and town centre: restrictions are tighter in the busy spring and summer months, so arrange any dispensation early if you are moving then. See our Torquay removals page.

•     Paignton: the town centre has pay-and-display and residents' bays, so check what applies to your street. See our Paignton removals page.

•     Brixham: the hillside streets above the harbour are narrow and steep, and a full-size lorry may not reach some addresses, so tell your removals company the postcode before booking.

•     Fee and notice: set by Torbay Council and subject to change, so check the current details on their page.

Can a Removal Van Park on Double Yellow Lines?

Sometimes, briefly, for loading. Under the Highway Code, you may load or unload on double yellow lines unless there are kerb markings (short yellow lines painted on the kerb) that ban loading, and the vehicle must be actively loading, not parked and left. For a full house move, relying on double yellows is risky: the loading window is limited, enforcement is regular in both areas, and a penalty notice adds cost and hassle. A dispensation removes that risk.

Before Your Move Day: A Parking Checklist

Work through this two to three weeks before moving:

1.   Check whether your street is in a controlled parking zone, using the Devon County Council (Exeter) or Torbay Council pages.

2.   Take photos of the street outside, noting bay markings, kerb markings and any signs.

3.   Share the street name and photos with your removals company when you book.

4.   Apply to the relevant council for a dispensation, allowing for their required notice period.

5.   Confirm a couple of days before that the dispensation is in place, and pass the reference to your removals team.

Empire Removals does this routinely across Newton Abbot and South Devon, and can flag likely parking issues at your free survey. See our Newton Abbot base for coverage.

FAQs

  • Often yes, particularly on a street with residents' bays or yellow lines inside the controlled parking zone. Apply to Devon County Council. If there is genuinely unrestricted parking directly outside and room for a van, you may not need one. If in doubt, apply, as it costs far less than a penalty notice.

  • Both are set by the council and change, so check the current figures on the Devon County Council page for Exeter or the Torbay Council page for Torbay. Apply early, especially around bank holidays and the Torbay summer season.

  • The crew works from the nearest legal stopping point, which adds time and effort, and on a large job a smaller vehicle may be needed for the first leg. Flagging the parking situation at the survey lets us plan for it rather than adapt on the day.

Plan Your Exeter or Torbay Move

Parking sorted, dates confirmed, survey booked, that is the right order. Get a free, no-obligation quote and we will work through the logistics with you, including any parking challenges at your address. This removal van parking guide for Exeter and Torbay is updated if the council rules change.

What Happens if Completion Is Delayed on Moving Day?

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Completion delayed on moving day is one of the most common last-minute shocks in a property chain: the van is loaded, the crew is outside, and the keys are still not with the agent. It is rarely anyone's fault in your part of the transaction, and it is manageable with a plan. This guide covers why it happens, who to call first, and what the options are for your belongings if the keys do not arrive in time.

Why Completion Gets Delayed on the Day

Delays on the day nearly always come from somewhere in the chain rather than your own conveyancer. The most common causes:

•     Funds held up in transit. Money from a lender or a buyer higher in the chain arrives late. Banks have cut-off times, so a transfer that misses the window can push completion to the next morning.

•     Lender conditions not cleared. A last-minute query from a mortgage lender can pause the release of funds.

•     A broken chain. If any property in the chain hits a problem on the day, everyone below it waits.

•     Missing paperwork. A missing signature or a late Land Registry step can hold up the handover.

•     Fixtures and fittings disputes. Disagreements about what stays can surface on the morning and delay the keys.

Because banks work to daily cut-off times, a completion set for later in the day simply leaves less room to fix a problem before the window closes.

What Happens to Your Removal Crew

Your removals company has committed its van, crew and schedule to your date. If the keys are late, the crew will wait, up to a point. How long a crew waits, and when a waiting charge starts, varies from firm to firm, so agree it in writing before the day rather than on the day. If your move includes a full house removal with a long chain, that conversation matters even more.

At Empire Removals, James and the team plan for this at the survey stage. If your chain is long, or your solicitor has flagged any risk of a late completion, raise it early and we will talk through the contingencies, including where your belongings can go if the day runs into the evening. The earlier you call when a delay looks likely, the more options stay open.

Your Options When Completion Is Delayed

A short delay of an hour or two

The crew can usually wait. Agree beforehand what waiting time is included and when any charge starts, so there are no surprises.

Running late but still expected today

The van can stay loaded and secure until the keys are released, then unload, possibly into the evening. Plan for a late unload and let the crew know as early as you can.

Completion slips to another day

Your belongings need somewhere secure overnight. Leaving a loaded van on a public road is a security risk, and unloading back into your old property may not be possible if you no longer have access. Short-term storage is usually the cleanest option.

The chain stalls and the date is unknown

Short-term storage while a new date is set. Agree the storage and redelivery arrangement before anything is unloaded.

What to Do, Step by Step

1.   Call your solicitor first for an honest estimate of the delay, and whether completion is still expected today.

2.   Call your removals company straight after. Tell them what you know rather than waiting for certainty, so they can plan.

3.   Do not hand back the keys to your old property until your solicitor confirms completion, or you may lose access to it.

4.   Keep a note of all calls and times, in case it is needed later.

5.   Agree a waiting or storage plan with your removals firm if completion may not happen today.

6.   Let the estate agent know, as they can often chase the chain and coordinate key handover.

7.   Stay in contact with your solicitor through the afternoon, as many same-day delays resolve by late afternoon.

Can You Recover Any Costs?

Whether you can recover costs from a delay depends on its cause and the terms in your contract, so this is a question for your solicitor rather than your removals company. Keep a clear record of times and calls in case they need it. Removal waiting-time charges are usually a practical cost of the day rather than something you can reclaim, so it is sensible to keep a small contingency in your moving budget.

Keep an Essentials Bag With You

If the day drags on, you do not want your must-haves locked in the back of the van. Keep a bag with you in the car rather than in the load: keys, any medication, phone chargers, important documents, some food and water, and a change of clothes. It means a delay is an inconvenience rather than a crisis. There are more move-day tips in our moving advice.

How Storage Can Solve a Same-Day Delay

If completion does not happen on the day, short-term storage is often the simplest answer. Empire Removals runs a secure facility in Newton Abbot with gated access and CCTV, dry container storage and storage insurance included. If the day runs into trouble, we can hold your belongings and redeliver to your new address once completion goes through. It is worth discussing this when you book, not when you are standing in an empty hallway at 5pm. Raise any chain risk at your free, no-obligation survey and we will put a plan in writing. See how it works on our storage services page.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

A few questions at the survey stage give you a backup plan before the day:

•     How long will the crew wait if completion is delayed, and when does a waiting charge start?

•     Can you store our belongings overnight, or longer, if completion slips?

•     How quickly can you redeliver once we have the keys?

•     Who do we call on the day if there is a problem?

For more common questions about moving, see our FAQs.

FAQs

  • Tell them as early as you can, ideally when you book. If your chain has several properties in it, flag it at your free survey so waiting time, contingency storage and a late-running day can be discussed in advance. The earlier the conversation, the more options stay open.

  • It varies by firm, so agree it in writing before moving day. At Empire Removals we cover waiting time and contingencies at the survey stage so you know where you stand before the day.

  • Yes. Our Newton Abbot facility serves customers across South Devon, Teignbridge and Exeter on a collect-and-redeliver basis: we pick up from your old address, hold your belongings securely, and redeliver once you have access to the new one. Discuss it at your free survey if there is any risk of a gap. More on our storage services page.

  • This is a difficult position, and it is why solicitors generally advise against handing back keys until completion on your purchase is confirmed. If it happens, call your solicitor and your removals company straight away, and short-term storage usually becomes the most practical option while the chain resolves.

Plan Ahead for a Delayed Completion

A delayed completion is rarely anyone's fault, but it is always easier to handle with a plan in place. Empire Removals is a family-run firm based in Newton Abbot, covering South Devon and Exeter, and James surveys every job in person, including the what-ifs around chain risk, waiting time and storage. Get a free, no-obligation survey and quote before your moving day, or call to talk through your chain and what we can put in place.

Exeter vs Torbay: House Prices, Rents and Moving Trends

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Exeter and Torbay sit about 25 miles apart in Devon, yet they draw different buyers, renters and movers. This Exeter vs Torbay comparison sets the two side by side on house prices, rents and recent trends, using the latest ONS figures with a date and source beside each number. The short version: Torbay is the lower-cost area on average, Exeter the higher, and both saw prices ease slightly over the past year while rents rose.

The Numbers: Exeter vs Torbay

The latest ONS figures. House prices are May 2026 (provisional); private rents are June 2026. Each area links to its ONS source.

Average house price

•     Exeter: £281,000 (down 2.2% on the year)

•     Torbay: £222,000 (down 2.3% on the year)

Average price paid by first-time buyers

•     Exeter: £242,000

•     Torbay: £192,000

Average price paid by home movers (existing owners)

•     Exeter: £339,000

•     Torbay: £262,000

Average monthly private rent

•     Exeter: £1,317 (up 1.5% on the year)

•     Torbay: £913 (up 4.3% on the year)

What the Data Does and Does Not Tell You

A few things worth knowing before you read too much into the averages:

•     The ONS reports Torbay as a single area covering Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, so it does not break those towns out. For a specific street, check recent sold prices on the Land Registry.

•     Averages do not reflect property type, size or condition, so a city-centre flat and a family house are blended into the same figure.

•     These are the newest figures at the time of writing and the ONS updates them monthly, so treat provisional numbers as a snapshot, not a fixed value.

Moving and Access Points That Matter

The data sets the budget, but access is what shapes moving day, and the two areas differ.

Exeter

•     City-centre flats and period terraces in areas like St Thomas and Heavitree can be tight for a large van. Some streets sit in controlled parking zones, so a removal van may need a bay suspension or dispensation arranged with the council in advance, which takes several working days. See our Exeter removals page for how we handle this.

Torbay

•     Steep drives, narrow Victorian and Edwardian terraces and seafront flats are common across Torquay and Paignton. Holiday lets also tighten the rental market in spring and summer, so autumn and winter can offer renters more choice.

Whichever way you are moving, flag the postcode and any access constraints when you book so the right van size and crew are planned. If your completion and move-in dates do not line up, storage bridges the gap: our Newton Abbot facility is roughly 15 miles from Exeter and a short run from Torbay, and we collect and redeliver when you have the keys. If you are moving into Devon from further afield, see our removals to Devon page.

Method and Sources

•     House prices and buyer-type figures: ONS House Price Index via the Exeter and Torbay ONS local pages, May 2026 (provisional).

•     Private rents: ONS private rent figures on the same pages, June 2026.

•     Underlying dataset: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index.

•     Figures are quoted as published, with the date beside each, and are not combined or averaged across areas.

FAQs

  • On average, Torbay. The latest ONS figures (May 2026, provisional) put the average house price at about £222,000 in Torbay against £281,000 in Exeter. First-time buyers pay around £192,000 in Torbay and £242,000 in Exeter.

  • Exeter is the more expensive of the two to rent. The average monthly private rent in June 2026 was about £1,317 in Exeter and £913 in Torbay, according to the ONS.

  • The drive is roughly 25 to 30 miles via the A380, usually 40 to 55 minutes depending on traffic. A standard two or three bedroom move can normally be loaded, driven and unloaded within a working day if access is straightforward at both ends.

  • Possibly. Some Exeter streets are in controlled parking zones, where a removal van needs a bay suspension or dispensation arranged in advance with the council. Check your street, or tell us the postcode when you book and we will look into what is needed.

  • No. The cost depends on the volume of your belongings, access at both addresses and whether you need packing or storage, not on which way you are travelling. We give a clear price after a free, no-obligation survey.

Ready to Move Between Exeter and Torbay?

Whether you are heading for the coast or back towards the city, Empire Removals covers both from our Newton Abbot base. Get a free quote for your Exeter or Torbay move, or read more on our Exeter and Torquay pages. This Exeter vs Torbay comparison is updated as new ONS figures are released.

Moving from London to Devon: Costs, Planning and What to Expect

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Moving from London to Devon is a big change, and the distance makes the logistics different from a local move. Empire Removals is a family-run removal company based in Newton Abbot that carries out long-distance moves from London regularly. A London to Devon move is around 200 miles and takes the best part of a day with a loaded van, whether you are heading for Newton Abbot, Exeter, Torquay, or the South Devon coast. This guide covers the planning, the costs, and what tends to catch people out.

What Does Moving from London to Devon Cost?

There is no single figure, and any firm that quotes one without seeing your home first is guessing. The price depends on a few things:

•     Property size and volume: more rooms means a larger van and a bigger crew.

•     Packing needs: a full pack, fragile-only, or materials-only all differ in time and labour.

•     Access at collection: parking suspensions, narrow streets, lifts or stairs.

•     Access at delivery: steep lanes, low hedges, or a long carry at the Devon property.

•     Storage: a storage leg between completion and move-in adds to the overall quote.

At Empire Removals every job is surveyed individually before we quote. James assesses your home, your route and any access at both ends, then comes back with a clear price covering the whole house move. Book a free, no-obligation survey for an honest quote based on your actual job.

Planning a Long-Distance Move from London to Devon

Book your removal early

Devon-bound moves cluster around school holidays, bank holidays and end-of-month completions. If your date falls near any of those, book as soon as your completion date is confirmed, ideally six to eight weeks out. Leaving it to the last fortnight in a busy month means less choice and less flexibility if your date moves.

Sort parking and access before the day

Parking in London is the most common cause of delays on collection day. If your property has no driveway, check whether you need a parking suspension or dispensation for a removal van. Many inner London boroughs (such as Camden, Islington and Southwark) require one, and applications usually need several working days' notice, so apply early. At the Devon end, mention any narrow lane, low hedge or steep driveway when you book so the crew comes prepared.

Decide what is making the journey

A long-distance move is a good prompt to declutter, since anything you are unsure about costs money to move and then to dispose of. If you have items to keep but cannot take immediately, ask about storage as part of the move. Empire Removals runs a secure facility in Newton Abbot where belongings can be held short or long-term, collected from London and redelivered to your Devon address when you are ready.

What to Expect on Move Day

A typical London to Devon move runs over one or two days depending on volume and access.

1.   Collection morning (London). The crew works through each room. If you have booked packing, this may start the day before. Boxes are labelled by room and loaded in reverse order of unpacking.

2.   Travel. The drive from central London to most of Devon takes roughly three to four hours without heavy traffic.

3.   Arrival and unloading (Devon). The crew offloads directly into each room, following the labelling. Furniture is placed where you want it, and dismantling and reassembly is included as standard.

4.   Check and sign off. You walk through to confirm everything has arrived and is in the right place before the crew leaves.

Choosing Your Devon Area

Where you land in Devon affects both lifestyle and access on the day. A few of the areas people commonly move to from London:

•     Exeter: the county's main city, with the University, the M5 and mainline rail to London.

•     Torquay and Paignton: the Torbay coast, popular with families and downsizers.

•     Newton Abbot: our home town, well placed for the A380 Exeter corridor without Exeter's prices.

Whichever you choose, we cover it. See our removals to Devon page for how the long-distance service works.

Children, Pets and the First Night

Long journeys are harder on children and pets than on boxes. Plan for someone to look after them on the day if you can, keep a small bag of their essentials with you rather than in the van, and set up one room first at the Devon end so there is a calm space to retreat to. Pack a first-night box for yourselves too: kettle, mugs, chargers, medication, toiletries, bedding and a change of clothes, and keep it in the car, not the load.

A Simple London to Devon Timeline

5.   Six to eight weeks before: book your survey and confirm your removal date.

6.   Four weeks before: start decluttering and, if you need it, arrange packing and storage.

7.   Two weeks before: apply for any London parking suspension, and confirm access details at both ends.

8.   The week before: pack non-essentials, label boxes by room, and set aside a first-night box.

9.   Moving day: the crew loads in London, travels, and unloads and reassembles at your Devon home.

What People Get Wrong

•     Underestimating volume. Most people moving out of London have more than they think. A survey gives an accurate van size and crew number.

•     Assuming it runs like a local move. A London to Devon move is a full working day each way. Build buffer into your day in case completion is delayed.

•     Skipping the survey. A proper survey catches anything unusual, such as narrow access or a piano on the third floor, before the day rather than during it.

•     Leaving storage too late. If your completion and move-in dates might not align, ask about storage early.

•     Not notifying enough people. Royal Mail redirection, DVLA, HMRC, your GP, dentist and bank all need updating, along with council tax at both ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For most 2 to 3 bedroom homes, the collection and drive take the best part of a day. Larger or harder-access jobs may spread over two days, packing on day one and travel and delivery on day two. Your surveyor gives you a realistic timeline for your job.

  • Yes. We cover the London area for Devon-bound moves, whether you are in central London or the suburbs. If your street has parking restrictions, let us know early and we will advise on the permit you need.

  • Yes. Our Newton Abbot facility offers short and long-term storage. We collect from your London address, hold your belongings securely, and redeliver to Devon when you have the keys. Storage is quoted as part of the overall job.

  • Yes. You can choose full packing, partial packing, or materials only. Free boxes and packing tape come with every removal, and wardrobe cartons, bubble wrap and mattress covers are available. Tell us what you need at the survey and we price it in. See our packing service.

  • Cancel your London borough council tax from your completion date and register with your new Devon district council (for example Teignbridge, Exeter City or South Hams). Each council has its own online process, so check their website directly. If you move mid-year you may be due a partial refund from your London borough.

Ready to Plan Your Move from London to Devon?

If you are moving from London to Devon and want an honest quote based on your actual job, get in touch for a free, no-obligation survey. For how we handle long-distance moves into the county, see our removals to Devon page.

Devon Moving House Statistics: Prices, Rents and Migration

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These Devon moving house statistics bring the newest official figures into one place. As of the latest ONS release, average house prices across the county range from about £222,000 in Torbay to £364,000 in South Hams (May 2026, provisional), while average private rents run from roughly £913 to £1,317 a month (June 2026). Every figure below shows its date, and each area name links to the original ONS source, so journalists, agents and anyone researching a move can cite it directly. It is compiled by Empire Removals, a Newton Abbot removals firm that works across Devon.

Devon House Prices by Area

Average house prices from the ONS House Price Index, May 2026 (provisional), highest to lowest. Each area name links to its ONS source.

•     South Hams: £364,000

•     East Devon: £344,000

•     Teignbridge (includes Newton Abbot): £302,000

•     Exeter: £281,000

•     Torbay: £222,000

Are Devon House Prices Rising or Falling?

The latest ONS figures show prices easing slightly year on year across the areas covered here: Exeter down 2.2%, Teignbridge down 1.3%, Torbay down 2.3%, and South Hams down 6.5% on May 2025. Rents, by contrast, are still climbing. All price changes are from the ONS House Price Index, May 2026.

What First-Time Buyers and Home Movers Pay

The ONS also splits prices by buyer type (May 2026, provisional). First-time buyers consistently pay less than existing homeowners moving house.

•     Exeter: first-time buyers £242,000, home movers £339,000

•     Teignbridge: first-time buyers £244,000, home movers £355,000

•     Torbay: first-time buyers £192,000, home movers £262,000

•     East Devon: first-time buyers £275,000

•     South Hams: first-time buyers £286,000

Devon Private Rents by Area

Average monthly private rents from the ONS, June 2026. Unlike house prices, rents rose in every area over the year.

•     Exeter: £1,317 a month, up 1.5% on the year

•     South Hams: £1,005, up 2.9%

•     East Devon: £970

•     Teignbridge: £954, up 3.5%

•     Torbay: £913, up 4.3%

Method and Sources

•     House prices and buyer-type figures: ONS House Price Index, via the ONS local housing pages linked above, May 2026 (provisional).

•     Private rents: ONS private rent figures on the same pages, June 2026.

•     Underlying dataset: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index.

•     Figures are quoted as published and are not combined or averaged across areas. Provisional figures may be revised in later ONS releases.

FAQs

  • It depends on the area. The latest ONS figures (May 2026, provisional) range from about £222,000 in Torbay to £364,000 in South Hams, with Teignbridge (which includes Newton Abbot) at about £302,000.

  • In the latest ONS data, prices are slightly down year on year across most districts here (for example Exeter down 2.2% and South Hams down 6.5% on May 2025), while private rents are still rising.

  • Average monthly private rents in June 2026 ranged from about £913 in Torbay to £1,317 in Exeter, according to the ONS.

  • Of the areas covered here, Torbay has the lowest average house price at about £222,000 (May 2026, provisional).

  • These are the newest ONS figures at the time of writing: May 2026 for house prices and June 2026 for rents. The ONS updates them monthly, and provisional figures can be revised.

Planning a Move in Devon?

If you are moving within or into the county, Empire Removals covers Devon from its Newton Abbot base, including Exeter, Torquay and Paignton. For clear pricing based on your exact job, contact us for a free, no-obligation survey. These Devon moving house statistics are updated as new ONS figures are released.

How to Compare Removal Quotes Like for Like

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James at Empire Removals has spent years in the removals trade, and one pattern he sees repeatedly is customers picking the lowest number from three quotes without checking what each one actually covers. Two quotes at the same total can represent very different services, and the gap usually only becomes clear on moving day. This guide explains how to compare removal quotes so you are weighing the full scope of each job, not just the headline figure.

Why a lower price does not automatically mean better value

A removal quote is not a fixed product. One company's quote might include a two-person crew, a full-size van, goods-in-transit insurance and boxes. Another company's quote at the same price might mean one driver, a smaller van, no insurance, and you supplying your own materials.

The price is the same. The service is not.

This gap is where most moving-day problems start. A crew that arrives understaffed, a van that needs two trips, or belongings damaged with no insurance route to recover costs are all outcomes of a comparison that only looked at the number. The fix is straightforward: compare what is in the quote, not just the total. If you want the full service handled end to end, that is what a proper house removals job should cover.

What a complete removal quote should include

Before you request quotes, know what a full-service removal looks like. Here are the items to check each quote against:

If you would rather the crew boxed everything up for you, check whether a packing service is included or priced separately, as this is one of the biggest variables between quotes.

How to compare removal quotes on a like-for-like basis

A reliable way to get comparable quotes is to send every company the same written brief in the same format.

  1. Write a short move brief: property size (number of bedrooms), number of floors, approximate volume of belongings, access notes (parking, stairs, floor level for flats), move date, and both addresses.

  2. Send the same brief to each company, so you are not comparing three different interpretations of the job.

  3. Ask for a written breakdown, not just a total. A number on a page is not a quote. A quote lists what is included.

  4. Ask whether it is a fixed price or an estimate. Fixed-price quotes protect you if the move takes longer than planned. Estimates can grow.

  5. Ask what happens if the move runs over time, as hourly overtime rates vary significantly between companies.

  6. Check whether a survey is offered. An in-person or video survey before quoting is a sign the company is pricing the actual job.

If your completion and move-in dates might not line up, ask each company whether storage can be built into the move, and whether it is quoted as part of the same job.

The questions to ask each removal company

Once you have written quotes in front of you, these questions help you compare what is not written down. When James surveys a property in Newton Abbot or across South Devon, these are the areas he checks before Empire Removals commits to a price:

  • Are your crew employed directly, or do you use agency labour?

  • What size vans do you use, and will the job need one trip or two?

  • Do you carry goods-in-transit insurance, and what is the cover limit?

  • How long have you been operating, and can I verify the company on Companies House?

  • Can you provide references for similar-sized moves?

Empire Removals South West Ltd is a registered limited company (company number 14017458, verifiable on Companies House), and its crews are employed directly, with no agency staff or subcontractors. James and the team are happy to answer all of the questions above before you commit. Get a free, no-obligation quote and we will come back with a clear written breakdown.

Red flags to watch for in removal quotes

  • A quote given without seeing the property or a detailed inventory. If the company has not assessed the volume, they are guessing.

  • No goods-in-transit insurance mentioned. Ask directly rather than assuming it is included.

  • Payment required in full before the move. A deposit is normal; full payment upfront is a risk.

  • No written confirmation of what is included. Verbal assurances do not help you on the day.

  • A price significantly lower than all the others. It usually means something is missing from the service.

  • No fixed address or landline. Check the company number on Companies House if you are unsure.

Common mistakes people make when comparing quotes

  • Comparing a fixed price to an estimate as if they are the same thing

  • Forgetting to factor in packing material costs when one company charges and another includes them

  • Not asking whether VAT is included in the total

  • Assuming all companies carry the same level of insurance

  • Booking the first company that responds rather than the one that gave the clearest, most complete quote

FAQs

For more general questions about moving, you can also read our frequently asked questions.

  • Three is the standard. It gives you enough spread to spot outliers without spending a week on admin. If two of the three are close and one is much lower, the low one warrants closer scrutiny before you proceed.

  • Not automatically. The middle price is only meaningful if all three cover the same scope. A mid-price quote that excludes insurance and dismantling is worse value than a higher one that includes both. Compare the contents, not the position in a list.

  • For most house moves, yes. A fixed price means the cost does not change if the move takes longer than planned. Estimates protect the company, not you. Always ask which type you are receiving.

  • When James or a member of the team visits your property, or runs a video call if that is easier, they assess the volume of belongings, access at both properties, any items needing special handling, and how long the job is likely to take. The survey is free and carries no obligation, and the quote afterwards is based on the actual job. Book your free survey to get started.

Ready to compare a quote from Empire Removals?

If you are planning a move in Devon, whether that is Newton Abbot, Exeter, Torquay, Teignmouth or further afield, get a free, no-obligation quote from James and the team. We will send you a written breakdown covering everything that is included, so you can compare it fairly against any other quotes you are collecting.