How We Price Our Removals

An Introduction from the Director

I'm Chris, and I run ProMove Removals, an independent removals company based in Liverpool. I've been in the removals industry for around four years. Before that, I spent 12 years as a qualified precision engineer, and I bring that same attention to detail to planning every move.

Too many people get quotes that jump on the day or come with surprise fees. I'd rather show you exactly how we price things, so you can work out a fair cost before you even get in touch.

Why our prices are what they are

When we were starting out, we priced jobs low to win work and build up experience. Since then we've grown, learned a lot about the industry, and invested in doing the job properly: the right team, the right kit, and full insurance. Our rates now reflect that. They're fair for the level of service we provide, and we'd rather charge an honest price and do a quality job than be the cheapest and cut corners. Equally, nobody should pay top-end prices without getting top-end service.

Running a removals company properly isn't cheap. Vans need the right business insurance (not just standard cover), regular servicing and upkeep to stay safe on the road, and proper systems to keep every customer's job details safe, accurate and organised. Quality blankets, wrapping and packing materials all add up too. Some firms cut corners on these to keep prices down, and that's often where problems start.

Insurance is a good example. We used to be insured to disconnect and reconnect washing machines and other water appliances, but this year the premium for that cover alone would have doubled the cost of our whole policy. Rather than pass that on to every customer, we've paused the service for now, so please have appliances disconnected by a qualified plumber or engineer before moving day.

The work behind every move

Removals is physically demanding work. In summer, carrying furniture up and down stairs all day in the heat is exhausting. In winter, it's more dangerous, with icy paths, wet steps, dark mornings and tricky roads. After a big move, it can take a full weekend to recover. Through all of that, the team still has to stay calm, careful and professional, because for you it's often one of the most stressful days of the year.

Our team, and how we pay them

Because the workload goes up and down, like most removal companies we work with local subcontractors alongside our core team. The difference is who we choose and how we treat them. Some companies in this industry pay labourers as little as £80 for a full day's work, and we're completely against that. Our subcontracted labourers earn a minimum of £15 an hour, or £18 an hour if they can drive our vans.

If customers pay our team directly, labourers can expect £20 to £25 an hour and labourer drivers £25 to £30 an hour. Anyone who provides their own van is always paid directly by the customer, at £30 to £60 an hour per man and van, depending on the size of their van and on their own skills and equipment.

We only bring in trusted, experienced people we've worked with before, because a well-paid team that takes pride in the job gives you a far better service for your money. We're also working towards making a DBS check compulsory for everyone who works on our jobs, so you can feel completely comfortable having our team in your home. Our name is on every job, so we're very picky about who we work with.

Getting the number of vans right

We always do our best to work out the right number of vans for your move. Booking too few can look cheaper on paper, but the vans can end up overweight or simply not fit everything, which means extra trips and more hours. More vans at a higher hourly rate are often quicker and better value overall. For long-distance moves and mortgage chains, getting this right is essential, because everything usually needs to move in one go.

Clearances and long-distance moves

These are the only jobs we can't price quite so simply. Clearances depend on waste disposal costs, and long-distance jobs can involve accommodation and longer travel, so I quote them individually after looking at the job. I'm always happy to explain how I got to the number.

Regular work for local businesses

We also support local businesses with office and workshop moves, regular collections and deliveries, and stock transport. If your business needs a reliable, fully insured team on a regular basis, the same transparent pricing applies. Get in touch and I'll talk it through with you directly.

Honest about who we're for

Our prices aren't for everybody, and we don't negotiate on our rates. We do sometimes offer a discount once a job is complete, but the rate is the rate. There will always be a market for cheaper moves from firms with lower overheads, and that's fine. In my experience, though, a lower price usually means a compromise somewhere, whether that's insurance, equipment or the team, and that tends to show in the quality of the move.

Keeping your costs down

Whatever company you use, pack and label before the team arrives, declutter first, and sort out parking close to the door. It all saves time, and time is money on an hourly rate.

Every enquiry comes to me directly. If you have any questions about how we price, just ask.

Chris, ProMove Removals