If you are gathering prices for a move, the first thing to understand is what is included in a house removal quote, because no two quotes cover exactly the same things. A quote tells you what a company will do, how many people will turn up, what vehicle they will use, and what it will cost. Read it carefully before you sign, and compare like for like. This guide walks through each line item so you know what to ask about and what to watch for.
What Is Usually Included in a House Removal Quote
Most quotes cover the core of the move: the crew, the vehicle, and the travel between addresses. Beyond that, things like packing, dismantling, storage, and insurance cover vary from company to company. The sections below explain each part so you can see what is in a quote and what has been left out.
Labour and Number of Movers
Most quotes state how many crew members are included. A one-bedroom flat may need two people; a four-bedroom house often needs three or four. The labour cost covers loading, transport, and unloading at the new address.
Check whether the quote is a fixed-price job or a day rate. A fixed price is easier to plan around. A day rate can vary if the move runs longer than expected.
Vehicle Size
The size of the lorry or van affects how many trips are needed. A small Luton van is fine for a studio or one-bedroom flat. A larger 7.5-tonne lorry covers most family homes in a single load. Some companies use two vehicles for large or complex moves.
If the quote does not name the vehicle size, ask. One trip versus two changes the price significantly.
Travel and Access
Most quotes include travel time from the depot to your property and on to the new address. Longer distances, such as cross-county or national moves, usually attract a fuel or mileage charge on top of the base rate.
Access affects cost too. Narrow streets, no parking near the front door, a fourth-floor flat with no lift, or a long carry from the van to the property all add time. Give the company a clear picture of both addresses when you request a quote.
Packing and Materials
Packing is not always included as standard. Some companies quote for the physical move only, with packing as a separate line item.
If packing is included, check what materials are covered. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and wardrobe boxes are the common ones. A full packing service usually takes place the day before the move so everything is ready to load on moving day.
Move In Matters offers packing that can be added to any house move in Bicester and the surrounding area. The team supplies boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and wardrobe boxes, and packs to a labelled, room-by-room plan so unpacking at the new address is straightforward.
Furniture Dismantling and Reassembly
Beds, wardrobes, large desk units, and flat-pack furniture often need to come apart before they can be moved safely. Check this on your quote, because some companies include basic dismantling and others charge it separately.
Tell the removals company at the quoting stage which items need taking apart. If you are not sure, ask for a survey visit so they can see the property and plan accordingly.
Storage
If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, whether from a chain delay, a completion date that shifts, or a renovation at the new property, you may need storage.
Not all removal companies offer storage, and those that do run different models. Move In Matters operates a containerised storage facility in Bicester with units from 50 sq ft up to 150-200 sq ft, and the team can move items directly from your home into storage and re-deliver when you are ready. If you think you might need storage, mention it when requesting a quote so it can be costed at the same time.
Insurance
Most professional removal companies carry goods-in-transit insurance that covers your belongings while they are being moved. Check what the policy covers and what the excess is before you book.
Questions worth asking:
- Does the insurance cover all item types, including fragile or high-value pieces?
- Is there a per-item limit or a total claim cap?
- What is the process if something is damaged?
- Does cover extend to items you pack yourself?
If you have valuable or irreplaceable items, ask how the company handles fragile items and whether additional cover is recommended.
Possible Extra Charges
A quote can change between the estimate and the invoice if the job turns out different from what was described. Common extras to check for:
| Potential extra | What it covers | How to avoid a surprise |
| Long carry | Walk from van to property exceeds a set distance | Give both addresses in full, including how far the parking is from the door |
| Stairs and lifts | Carrying items up multiple flights or using a goods lift | Mention floor number and lift availability at quote stage |
| Parking permits | Suspending a parking bay outside the property | Check with your local council; some companies arrange this, others leave it to you |
| Date change fee | Rescheduling after a completion delay | Ask what the rescheduling policy is before you book |
| Extra packing time | Job takes longer than the estimate | Give an accurate item count, including garage, loft, and outbuildings |
| Specialist items | Pianos, hot tubs, large safes | Name these specifically when requesting a quote |
What Information to Give When Requesting a Quote
The more detail you give at the quoting stage, the more accurate the price. A good company will ask for most of this, but it helps to have it ready:
- Full addresses for both properties, including postcode and floor level.
- Parking at each address, including how close a lorry can get to the door.
- A rough room count and an honest description of how full each room is.
- Any large, heavy, or specialist items, such as a piano, gym equipment, large artwork, or antiques.
- Items that need dismantling before the move.
- Packing, storage, or re-delivery requirements, flagged so they can be costed in.
- Your preferred moving date and whether there is any flexibility.
- Whether you are part of a chain, since completion timelines matter.
A Short Checklist for Reading a Quote
Use this when comparing quotes from different companies:
- Labour included, with the number of crew confirmed?
- Vehicle size stated, and large enough for your volume?
- Travel and any mileage charge included?
- Access costs (stairs, long carry, permits) addressed?
- Packing included or priced separately?
- Materials (boxes, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes) listed?
- Dismantling and reassembly included or separate?
- Storage option available if completion is delayed?
- Goods-in-transit insurance confirmed, with excess and limits noted?
- Rescheduling policy explained?
- VAT shown separately so you can compare like for like?
- Payment terms and deposit amount stated?
If a quote is missing any of these, ask before you commit. A company that answers clearly and in writing is a good sign.
FAQs
Not always. Packing is a separate service on most removals quotes. Some companies offer a combined move-and-pack package; others price it as an add-on. Ask specifically whether packing and materials are included, or whether the quote covers the move only.
Goods-in-transit insurance covers your belongings for damage or loss while they are being transported. Most professional removal companies carry it as standard, but the level of cover varies. Ask what the policy covers, what the excess is, and whether high-value items need to be declared separately.
A quote based on a phone call or online form is an estimate. It can change if the volume of items is higher than described, if access is harder than stated, or if extra services are needed on the day. A survey visit, where a member of the team sees the property first, produces a more accurate figure and reduces day-of surprises.
Completion delays are common in chains. Ask about the rescheduling policy before you book. A flexible company will work with your solicitor’s timeline and update your booking if given reasonable notice. With Move In Matters, nothing is too much trouble, so call the team as soon as you know your dates are shifting.
Ready to Get a Clear Quote for Your House Move?
Request a free, itemised quote from Move In Matters. Our depot is at 2 and 4 Wedgwood Road, Bicester, OX26 4UL, and we cover house moves across Bicester, Banbury, Brackley, Buckingham, Oxford, and the wider Oxfordshire area. Fill in the quote form or call the team and we will come back with clear pricing based on your actual move.