Giga
The short answer
A good quote comes from good details
A reliable price is built from details: what you're moving, access, distance, timing, packing and insurance. If a mover doesn't ask about these, expect the price to change later.
- Have your postcodes, item list, access notes and moving date ready first.
- Ask what is included, what costs extra and how overruns are charged.
- A price given without any questions isn't a price for your move.
- Compare what each quote includes, not just the headline price.
Before You Call for Quotes: Prepare This Information
A quote is only as good as the information behind it. No mover can price accurately without postcodes, access, an item list and timing.
Before you get in touch, note your home type, floor levels, lift, parking, moving date and any extra services you need.
Describe Your Home Accurately
Say whether it is a studio, flat, house, office or shared property, with bedrooms and floor levels.
Know Your Postcodes
Postcodes show the distance, route, travel time and any parking or red-route problems.
Describe Access Challenges
Mention stairs, long carries, lifts, narrow doors, estates, concierge rules and loading limits.
Questions to Ask Every Moving Company
Ask every mover the same questions so you compare like with like: the base rate, what's included, extra costs, insurance, cancellation and overruns.
If you have a special item, such as a piano, large sofa, antique wardrobe or server equipment, ask directly whether they can handle it.
Related reading: How to Choose a Reliable Removal Company in London and How Much Do Removals Cost in London? A Complete 2026 Guide.
Phone vs In-Person vs Online Quotes
A quick conversation is a fine first step. A photo quote is often better, because the stairs, parking and furniture can be seen.
A visit in person helps with large homes, offices, high-value items or tricky access. Online forms are quick but can be vague on their own; add photos and notes.
Red Flags When Getting Quotes
Be wary of a mover who prices without asking questions, pushes you to book at once, dodges insurance questions or won't explain what costs extra.
Be wary too of a quote far below or far above the rest. It may leave things out, add padding or misunderstand your move.
How to Compare Moving Quotes Fairly
Compare crew size, van size, minimum booking, insurance, packing, dismantling, mileage, waiting time, parking and how overruns are charged.
A slightly higher quote can be better value if it has the right crew, proper protection and a realistic time estimate. Giga publishes its rates: from £55/hr with a 2-hour minimum, booked in whole hours, with overruns charged in 30-minute steps.
Decision table
Ways to get a moving quote
| Quote method | Best for | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone quote | First comparison | Fast and easy | Can miss access details |
| Photo quote | Most moves | Shows inventory and access | Needs clear photos |
| In-person assessment | Large or complex moves | Most accurate | Takes more scheduling |
| Online form | Simple enquiries | Convenient | Often too vague alone |
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
Tell movers both postcodes, your moving date, the number of bedrooms, the floor level at each address and whether there is a lift. Add parking notes, a rough inventory of furniture and boxes, and photos of bulky or fragile items. Say whether you need packing, dismantling or storage. The more complete the information, the more accurate the quote, and the less likely the price is to change on moving day because something was missed.
Two or three quotes are usually enough, as long as every mover is pricing the same job. Give each mover the same inventory, access details and services so the prices can be compared fairly. Collecting many more quotes rarely helps and takes time. What matters more is checking what each quote includes, such as crew size, van size, insurance, the time allowance and any extra charges.
Moving quotes differ because companies are often pricing different services. One may include two movers and a Luton van, another one mover and a smaller van. Some include insurance, fuel, blankets and dismantling, while others add them later. Time estimates, waiting-time charges and minimum booking periods also vary. Line up each quote's crew size, van size, time and inclusions side by side, and the price gap usually starts to make sense.
It can be. A quote far below the others often leaves out things that will still take time on the day, such as stairs, long carries, waiting time, dismantling or a realistic move duration. It may also come with lower insurance cover or a smaller crew. Ask the company to explain exactly what the price includes and what could be added later before you book, and get that answer in writing.
