1. Volume, not bedrooms
Removals are priced on how much there is to move, not on the estate agent's bedroom count. A minimalist four-bed can be less than a two-bed with a loft, a garage and a shed. It is why we ask about the loft, the garage, the garden and the outbuildings, and why a photo of each room on WhatsApp helps. Overestimating means you pay for a van you did not fill; underestimating means a second trip nobody planned for. Our terms also allow an extra charge for goods that were not mentioned when we quoted, so the loft is worth a mention.
2. Distance and the day's shape
A move within Chester is a single day with the van travelling a few miles. Chester to Manchester or Liverpool is still a day. Chester to the south coast or Scotland is a two-day job with an overnight, either for the crew or for the load in our storage, and the price reflects the extra day and the fuel. Where the two addresses are in different parts of our area (Chester and Mid Wales, say), we use the base nearest each end to keep the travel out of the bill.
3. Access at both ends
The single biggest thing people forget. Our quote assumes the van can load within about 10 metres of the door and that the goods are on the ground and first floors. A terrace in Hoole with residents' parking needs a suspended bay from the council; a flat on the Rows means a long carry through a pedestrian zone; a new-build at Kings Moat might mean a smaller vehicle because a big one cannot turn in. A third floor with no lift adds hours. Tell us before the day and it is in the price rather than on top of it.
4. Packing
A full pack takes the most hours and uses the most materials, so it is the cost most people weigh up. A part pack (kitchen and breakables only) takes fewer hours. Packing yourself with our boxes is the cheapest option, and the one where breakages inside boxes are hardest to claim for. Our packing services page sets out the three.
5. The date
Fridays and the last few working days of any month are the busiest, because that is when completions fall. A mid-week, mid-month move is easier to book. Our normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm; a move you ask for on a Saturday, a Sunday or a bank holiday can cost more, and the quote says so.
6. Special items
Pianos, American fridges, marble tops and other heavy or fragile pieces need extra people or care, and sometimes export wrapping. They are quoted as separate lines so you can see what each one adds.
What is in a Duffield quote
- Crew and vehicles for the days agreed, with the hours stated
- Furniture blankets, stretch wrap, floor and door protection
- Dismantling and reassembly, when you ask for it and it is written into the quote
- Goods in transit insurance to £120,000, with the liability per item in our terms and higher limits for valuable pieces agreed as a line
- Packing and materials if you have chosen them, as a separate line
- Storage per month if the dates do not meet, as a separate line
- Named extras: bay suspension fees, waiting time if keys are late, an overnight if needed
Removals insurance: what is covered?
While your things are on our vans they are covered by our goods in transit insurance, up to £120,000. What we pay if something is lost or damaged through our fault is a fixed amount per item, set out in clause 11 of our terms: the standard figure is up to £40 an item, and it applies where we were contracted to pack the goods. If you want a higher limit for a valuable piece, it is agreed in the quote for a higher price.
Our terms also ask you to arrange your own insurance for the goods, because our liability is limited and only you know what your things are worth. Some home contents policies cover a move, or can be extended to, so ring your insurer before the day. Once goods are in our storage you insure them yourself at full replacement value.
- Goods in transit: insured to £120,000 while on our vans
- Our liability: a fixed amount per item, up to £40 as standard under clause 11.2, higher by agreement in the quote
- A claim: in writing, by email or post, within 7 days of delivery
- Damage to the house itself: note it on the worksheet or delivery receipt by 6 pm the same day
- Storage: you insure the goods at full replacement value
Questions to ask any removal company before you accept a quote
- Is the price fixed for the move as described, or an hourly estimate that can grow on the day?
- What is the goods in transit cover, and is it in writing?
- What is your liability per item, and what does a higher limit cost?
- What happens if my keys are late: what does an hour of waiting cost, and what if it becomes tomorrow?
- What does it cost to postpone or cancel, and from when?
- Can I read your reviews on Google, not just on your own site?
Price bands
We are putting together typical bands by property size for Chester moves from our own job records. Until they are on this page, the quickest honest answer is a quote: two addresses, the size of the home, whether you want packing, and a photo or two of anything unusual. A written quote is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.