Put every quote against the same inventory, access conditions and service list.
In this guide
Put every quote against the same inventory, access conditions and service list. A lower total can reflect fewer items, hourly billing or missing work rather than better value.
The quick method: send every firm the same room-by-room inventory and the same access details for both addresses, then line the quotes up item by item. Anything a quote does not mention is unclear, not free. Ask the firm to confirm it in writing before you compare totals. The grid below is a starting point; copy it into a note or spreadsheet and fill in one column per firm.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory/volume | |||
| Crew and vehicle | |||
| Packing/materials | |||
| Dismantling/reassembly | |||
| Stairs/lift/walking distance | |||
| Parking/permits | |||
| Travel/tolls/fuel | |||
| Waiting time | |||
| Additional stops | |||
| Storage/redelivery | |||
| Liability/insurance | |||
| VAT | |||
| Deposit and payment stages | |||
| Quote valid until | |||
| Total |
Fixed price, estimate or hourly rate
Ask whether the figure is fixed for the stated scope, estimated from time, or subject to weight/volume. For hourly work, record minimum charge, travel clock, crew size, overtime increments and factors outside your control.
| Pricing basis | What it usually means | What to get in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed price | One price for the work described in the quote | Exactly what the price covers, and which changes would allow the firm to revise it |
| Estimate | The firm’s best guess; the final bill can differ | How the final figure is worked out, and whether there is a ceiling |
| Hourly rate | You pay for time used by a set crew and vehicle | Minimum hours, when the clock starts and stops, travel time, crew size and overtime steps |
The labels are not used consistently, so read the terms rather than relying on the word “quote”. A document called a quote can still be an estimate if it says the price may change.
Two hypothetical quotes, annotated
This is a hypothetical example. The figures are round illustrations chosen to show the method, not market prices. Both firms were sent the same inventory for a two-bedroom flat on the second floor with no lift, moving to a house nearby.
Quote A says £1,000 including VAT. Quote B says £800 plus VAT. At first glance B looks £200 cheaper.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | Fragile items packed by crew | Not mentioned | B: ask whether any packing is included, and the price if not |
| Materials | Boxes and wrap included | “Available on request” | B: ask for a price per box or a bundle price |
| Dismantling | Two beds and one wardrobe | Not mentioned | B: list the items and ask who takes them apart and puts them back |
| Stairs | Second floor noted | Not mentioned | B: confirm the price allows for two flights with no lift |
| Long carry | Up to 20 metres included | Not mentioned | Both: say where the van can park at each end |
| Waiting | First hour free, then hourly | Hourly, rate not stated | B: ask for the waiting rate if keys are late |
| Additional stops | Not included | Not included | Both: price any stop you might need, such as a storage unit |
| Redelivery | Not applicable | Not applicable | Only relevant if goods go into storage first |
| VAT | Included | Added on top (20%) | B becomes £960 once VAT is added |
| Deposit | £100, balance after delivery | £300, balance before unloading | Both: who the money is paid to, and when it is refundable |
| Valid until | 30 days | Not stated | B: ask how long the price holds and whether the date is reserved |
Once VAT is added, the gap shrinks from £200 to £40. Quote B also leaves packing, materials, dismantling and stairs unclear. If those are charged as extras, B could end up costing more than A. The right next step is not to pick A, but to send B the same list and ask for a revised written quote that answers each line. The standard UK VAT rate is 20% (GOV.UK, “VAT rates”); our guide to checking VAT on removal quotes explains why some smaller operators do not charge it.
Access assumptions
Give the same information about floors, lifts, parking, doorway restrictions and walking distance at both properties. Ask who obtains permits and what happens if a lift or loading bay is unavailable.
Inventory changes and how to record them
Agree a cut-off and variation process. Adding a loft, shed or large item can change vehicle, crew and schedule. A mover should explain price and timing before accepting the change.
A useful change record, whether it is an email or a revised quote, shows:
- what was added or removed, item by item;
- the price change, and whether VAT is included;
- any change to crew, vehicle, start time or duration;
- who agreed it and when.
Agree changes before moving day where you can. If something new comes up on the day, ask for the extra charge and the reason in writing before work carries on; our guide to movers asking for more money on moving day covers what to do then. The removal survey guide explains how to build an inventory that reduces surprises in the first place.
Compare House Movers is building Move Planner, an app that keeps one room-by-room inventory you can send to several firms so their quotes start from the same list; contact us for pricing and availability.
FAQs
Is the quote fixed or based on time used?
The document should say. If it is unclear, treat the amount as unconfirmed and ask how waiting, travel and overtime are charged.
What happens if the inventory changes?
Notify the mover promptly and obtain a written revision. Do not assume spare vehicle space or the original price.
Should I always choose the cheapest total?
Only once the quotes cover the same work. Compare like with like first, including VAT and the deposit terms; see removal deposits and final payments.
Compare your own quotes
Enter the totals from two quotes below and tick only the details each quote confirms in writing. An unticked box means not confirmed, not excluded. Nothing is prefilled with market averages, and the tool does not save or send what you enter.
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