How to Compare Removal Quotes Like for Like

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.

• How many removal quotes should I get?

  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.

• Should I always choose the middle quote?

  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.

• Is a fixed-price quote always better than an estimate?

  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.

• What is included in a free survey from Empire Removals?

  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.