1. Volume of belongings, not bedrooms
Removal costs are based on the volume of belongings being moved, rather than simply the number of bedrooms. A minimally furnished four-bedroom home may have fewer belongings than a two-bedroom property with a fully stocked loft, garage and shed.
That's why we ask about all areas of your property, including gardens and outbuildings. Providing a detailed inventory, photographs or videos helps us accurately estimate the space, vehicles and team required.
An accurate assessment helps avoid unnecessary costs from overestimating, or unexpected additional charges if the volume exceeds the original quote. Any items not declared during the quotation process may incur additional charges, so it's important to include everything you intend to move.
2. Distance and time required
The distance between properties plays a part in removal costs, but so does the volume of belongings being moved and any additional services required, such as packing, dismantling and reassembly.
Whether you're moving locally within Chester, relocating to Manchester or Liverpool, or moving further afield to the south coast or Scotland, the time required will depend on the size and complexity of your move.
Long-distance removals may require additional travelling time, overnight accommodation or storage arrangements, all of which are factored into your quote.
With bases in both Chester and Mid Wales, we can plan your move efficiently, using the most suitable location to help minimise unnecessary travel time and costs.
3. Access at both properties
Access can significantly affect removal costs. Parking availability, distance from the property, stairs, lifts and vehicle restrictions all influence the time and resources needed.
For example, terraced streets in Hoole, Chester may have limited parking requiring a temporary parking suspension, while properties along The Rows in Chester city centre can involve restricted vehicle access and longer carrying distances. Newer developments such as Kings Moat may have narrow roads or limited turning space, while upper-floor flats without lifts can require additional time and labour.
By providing accurate access information before your move, we can plan ahead and include any additional requirements in your quote, helping to avoid unexpected charges on moving day.
4. Packing services
The level of packing assistance you choose will affect your removal costs. Our full packing service covers your belongings throughout the property and requires more time and materials, while a part packing service focuses on selected items, such as kitchenware and fragile belongings.
Alternatively, you can pack everything yourself using our packing materials to help keep costs down.
Visit our packing services page to explore the options and find the right level of assistance for your move.
5. Your moving date
Your chosen moving date can affect availability and removal costs. Fridays and the end of each month are particularly popular due to property completions, while midweek and mid-month moves often offer greater flexibility.
Our standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Weekend and bank holiday removals can also be arranged, although additional charges may apply. Any applicable costs will be clearly set out in your quote.
6. Specialist and fragile items
Items such as pianos, American-style fridge freezers, marble furniture and large or delicate pieces may require additional manpower, specialist handling equipment or protective wrapping.
These items can affect the time, resources and overall cost of your move. By identifying them in advance, we can plan for their safe handling and clearly set out any additional costs in your removal quote.
What's included in a Duffield Removals quote?
We believe in clear, transparent pricing, so you know exactly what's included in your move and which additional services or charges may apply.
- Professional removal team and vehicles: based on the estimated time, volume and requirements of your move
- Furniture protection: as standard, furniture is protected using specialist removal blankets and protective covers for items such as mattresses and sofas. Additional wrapping and specialist protection services are available on request
- Dismantling and reassembly: included where requested and specified in your quote
- Goods in transit insurance: cover up to £120,000, subject to our terms and conditions
- Packing services and materials: full or part packing, with costs clearly itemised where selected
- Storage solutions: short or long-term storage, quoted separately where required
- Additional costs: any parking suspensions, waiting time, overnight arrangements or other specific requirements, clearly identified
Our quotes are tailored to your individual move, so you understand the expected costs before moving day.
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 happens if my keys are late: what does an hour of waiting cost, and what if it becomes tomorrow?
- Can I read your reviews on Google, not just on your own site?