A first-time mover's checklist: what to do and when
Everything to sort in the weeks before you move — from booking a mover to updating your address.
Three moving quotes for the same move can look very different — not just on price, but in what they actually cover. The lowest number on the page is only the best deal if it includes everything you need. Here's how to compare removal quotes like for like, and the questions worth asking before you book.
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the best
A lower price often means something has been left out: fewer people on the crew, no packing, no dismantling, or lower insurance cover. None of that is wrong — you may not need those things — but you should know what you're choosing. The aim is to compare like for like, then decide which extras are worth paying for.
Start with an accurate request
Quotes are only as good as the information behind them. Movers price a job on the volume of belongings, distance, access and services. If they don't know about a third-floor flat with no lift, or a van that can't park outside, the price can change on the day. Include:
- the size of your home and anything unusually large or heavy
- which floor you're on, and whether there's a lift
- where the van can park at both ends
- any services you want: packing, dismantling, reassembly, storage
AnQ asks for these details up front — floor, lift and parking included — so every Moving Partner quotes on the same information.
What's actually included
Put the quotes side by side and check each of these:
- Crew size. Two movers or three makes a real difference to how long the day takes.
- Vehicle. Is one van enough for everything, or will it need two trips?
- Packing. Is it included, and are packing materials supplied?
- Dismantling and reassembly of beds, wardrobes and tables.
- Availability. Can they do your date — and what if it moves?
Fixed price or estimate?
Check whether the figure is a fixed price for the job described or an estimate that could change, for example on hourly rates. A fixed price gives you certainty — as long as the job you described is the job on the day. Quotes on AnQ are shown as a total price, alongside what's included.
Goods-in-transit cover
Goods-in-transit insurance covers your belongings while they're being moved. Cover levels vary between movers, so check:
- the maximum amount covered, compared with the rough value of your belongings
- whether items you pack yourself are covered in the same way
- whether you can increase the cover for high-value items
On AnQ, each quote shows the Moving Partner's goods-in-transit cover, so you can weigh it up alongside price.
Tip
A slightly more expensive quote with higher cover and dismantling included can work out better value than the cheapest quote plus the cost and hassle of doing those things yourself.
Watch for extras
Ask whether any of these could add to the price: long carries from the van to the door, stairs, parking permits or suspensions, very heavy items like pianos or safes, waiting time if keys are released late, and storage. A good mover will be upfront about them.
Who you're booking
Price matters, but so does who turns up. Look at reviews and ratings, how long the business has been operating, and whether it's been verified. Every AnQ Moving Partner goes through onboarding — see what we check — and quotes show the Partner's rating and verification status.
Deposits and cancellation terms
Before you pay anything, read how the deposit works and what happens if your plans change. Check when the balance is due and how it's paid. With AnQ, you normally pay a 25% deposit when you book and the balance directly to your Moving Partner. If you cancel more than 48 hours before your move, the deposit is ordinarily refunded less a small processing deduction — and if your Moving Partner cancels, you get all of it back. The full details are in our customer terms.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is this a fixed price for the move I described?
- How many people will be on the crew, and how big is the vehicle?
- Is packing, dismantling or reassembly included?
- What is your goods-in-transit cover, and can it be increased?
- Is there anything that could make the price change on the day?
- How does the deposit work, and what happens if I need to cancel?
On AnQ you can message each Moving Partner from their quote and ask these before you decide.
The short version
Describe your move accurately, compare what's included rather than the headline number, check the insurance cover and cancellation terms, and ask questions before you pay. If you want to do all of that in one place, see how AnQ works.