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Frequently Asked Questions 

Removals FAQs

Planning a house move? Our removals FAQs answer some of the most common questions about moving home, from removal costs and packing services to storage, insurance and preparing for moving day.

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1. How much does a house removal cost?

The cost of a house removal depends on several factors, including:

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  • The amount, size and weight of furniture and belongings being moved

  • The distance between your current and new property

  • Access and parking at both addresses

  • Additional services such as packing, furniture dismantling and reassembly, or temporary storage

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To provide an accurate removal quote, we will usually arrange a survey to assess what needs to be moved and understand your requirements. Where an in-person survey isn’t practical, we can also offer video surveys or an online survey form.

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2. How far in advance should I book a removal company?

We recommend booking your house removal as early as possible, particularly during busy periods when removal companies can become booked up quickly.

We understand that the conveyancing process can make it difficult to confirm a moving date far in advance. If you accept our quote, keep us updated as your move progresses and we can advise you on our availability. We may also be able to accommodate last-minute or short-notice removals, subject to availability.

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3. Do you provide removals across the UK?

Yes. We provide local and long-distance removals throughout mainland Great Britain. We do not currently provide removals to or from Northern Ireland due to the additional requirements involved.

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4. Can you move belongings to or from multiple locations?

Yes. We regularly carry out removals involving more than one collection or delivery address. This is particularly useful when downsizing, combining two households, clearing a property or moving some belongings into storage while taking others to your new home.

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5. Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture?

Yes. Furniture dismantling and reassembly can be included as part of your removal service. This may be necessary for larger pieces of furniture that cannot be safely moved through doorways, staircases or narrow spaces while fully assembled.

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6. Do you provide packing and unpacking services?

Yes. We offer professional packing services as an optional addition to your house removal. Depending on the level of support you need, our team can pack some or all of your household belongings before carefully transporting them to your new property. Packing services are clearly shown as a separate item on your removal quote.

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7. Can you supply moving boxes and packing materials?

Yes. We can supply professional moving boxes and packing materials, with further information provided alongside your removal quote. You are welcome to source your own packing materials, but we recommend using strong, suitable moving boxes wherever possible. Consistent, good-quality boxes make loading and stacking easier and help reduce the risk of damage during your move.

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8. Will my furniture and belongings be protected during the move?

Yes. We use a range of professional protective covers and materials to help keep your belongings and property safe throughout the removal process.

 

Depending on the items being moved, these can include:

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  • Sofa, armchair and mattress covers

  • Padded TV and computer screen covers

  • Sectioned padded covers for pictures and mirrors

  • Hanging wardrobe boxes

  • Removal blankets and securing straps

  • Piano covers

  • Floor protection and shoe covers

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Our team will assess the items being moved and use appropriate protection throughout your removal.

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9. What happens if it rains on moving day?

Rain is part of life in the UK, so our removals team is experienced in working safely in changing weather conditions.

We use appropriate protective covers and adapt the moving process where necessary to help protect your furniture, belongings and property from wet weather.

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10. What happens if my new home isn’t ready when I arrive?

When buying and selling a property on the same day, there can sometimes be a delay between leaving your existing home and receiving the keys to your new property.

We understand that the exact time keys will be released is often outside your control. We offer a Key Wait Waiver, which covers delays in receiving keys between 2pm and 4pm. We can explain how this works when preparing your removal quote.

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11. Can you move my belongings into storage?

Yes. We offer removal and storage services, making it easy to move your belongings into storage when there is a gap between properties or you simply need additional space. We have our own storage facilities at our depot and can arrange both the move into storage and delivery to your new property when you are ready. We can explain the different storage options available during your removal survey.

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12. Can you move heavy or bulky items?

Yes. We can move many heavy, large and awkward items once we have assessed the item and access at both properties.

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Our trained team regularly moves items including:

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  • Upright pianos

  • Baby grand and grand pianos

  • Large garden pots and statues

  • Heavy furniture

  • DIY and workshop machinery

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Please let us know about any particularly heavy or unusual items during your removal survey so that we can plan the move safely.

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13. Do you offer office and commercial removals?

Yes. We provide commercial removal services for offices, shops, landlords and other businesses. We can manage full business relocations between premises as well as internal moves within the same building. Depending on your requirements, we can move office furniture, equipment, stock, documents and other business belongings.

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14. Do I need to arrange parking for the removal van?

In most cases where a formal parking suspension is required, we can arrange this on your behalf.

Parking authorities often require information such as vehicle sizes, registration details and the number of parking bays required, so it is usually easier for us to handle the process.

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If a formal suspension isn't required but on-street parking is limited, we may ask you to help ensure suitable access outside the property, for example by positioning your own vehicles appropriately or speaking to neighbours in advance.

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15. Can you carry out removals from flats and apartments?

Yes. We regularly carry out removals from flats and apartments. Flats can present additional considerations, including stairs, narrow hallways, restricted parking, shared entrances and other residents using communal areas. Many residential lifts are also intended for passengers rather than furniture or appliances, so we will assess access when planning your move.

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16. What items can’t a removal company transport?

There are certain items that we cannot transport safely or legally as part of a standard removal.

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These generally include:

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  • Hazardous materials

  • Flammable substances

  • Certain chemicals

  • Gas cylinders

  • Other dangerous goods

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Full details of excluded items are provided with your removal quote. Please tell us about any unusual items during your survey so that we can advise you before moving day.

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17. Do you provide removal insurance?

Yes. Our removals include cover of up to £25,000 as standard, with the option to increase this where required. Terms and conditions apply, so full information about the cover is included with your removal quote. We are also happy to discuss any specific or higher-value items with you before your move.

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18. How long does a house removal take?

The time required for a house move depends on several factors, including:

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  • The size of the property and volume of belongings

  • Access at both addresses

  • The distance between properties

  • Packing requirements

  • Furniture dismantling and reassembly

  • Any particularly large or specialist items

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For completion-day house moves, we plan the removal around the timings associated with your property sale and purchase. Larger or more complex removals may begin a day or more before completion. We will discuss your individual move with you and recommend the most practical approach.

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19. Can you move me at the weekend?

We do not currently carry out removals on weekends or Bank Holidays. As a family-run removal company, we believe it is important that our team has time away from work to spend with their families and enjoy their free time. However, we can often arrange removal surveys at weekends, as well as surveys for property clearances.

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20. What should I do to prepare for removal day?

Unless you have booked our packing service, your belongings should be packed into suitable boxes and ready to move before our team arrives.

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We recommend:

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  • Clearly labelling boxes with their destination room

  • Adding a brief description of the contents to each box

  • Defrosting and emptying freezers where necessary

  • Keeping important documents, medication, valuables and essentials with you

  • Ensuring there is clear access throughout the property

  • Separating anything you plan to transport yourself

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When our team arrives, we will complete a walkaround with you to confirm what is being moved and identify anything that needs to remain at the property.

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21. What should I prepare before arriving at my new home?

It helps to have a rough plan for where your furniture and belongings will go before moving day.

If you have packed your own boxes, clearly label each one with the room it needs to go into. This allows our removal team to place boxes in the correct areas as they unload.

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We also recommend checking that larger pieces of furniture will fit into your new property, particularly if you are downsizing or moving into a home with narrower doors, hallways or staircases.

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22. Can you move garden furniture, plants and outdoor equipment?

Yes. We regularly move garden furniture, plants, pots, tools and other outdoor belongings as part of house removals. In some cases, customers have almost as much to move from their garden, garage or shed as they do from inside their home. Large structures, fuel-powered equipment and certain hazardous materials may require additional planning, so please mention these during your removal survey and we can advise you on the best approach.

House Clearance FAQs

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1. What is a house clearance?

A house clearance involves removing unwanted furniture, household belongings and other items from a property. While we say ‘house clearance’ of course it can also be a bungalow, flat, park home or any other type of home! It can involve clearing an entire property or just selected rooms, garages, lofts, sheds or gardens.

 

2. How much does a house clearance cost?

The price depends mainly on the volume and type of items to be removed, property access, disposal requirements and the amount of labour involved. The best way to obtain a quote is for us to visit you to have a look at what is required, and then we will provide you with a formal quote after.

 

3. How quickly can you arrange a house clearance?

Availability varies, but clearances can often be arranged at short notice. If the property needs to be cleared by a particular date or there are specific timing requirements, it’s best to book as early as possible.

 

4. Do you clear the whole property?

Yes. A full house clearance can include bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, lofts, garages, sheds and other areas. Alternatively, you can request a partial clearance of specific rooms or items.

 

Often, if a property is being put up for sale, we part clear a property initially, leaving some furniture etc to ‘stage’ it for marketing purposes. Returning then later to clear the final items before the property sale completes.

 

5. Do you provide bereavement/probate house clearance?

Yes, probate clearances can be arranged following a bereavement. A professional service can help executors and families clear the property respectfully and efficiently, often without requiring them to be present during the process.

 

We can also transport any items that have been left to beneficiaries as part of our Probate service, and we work with a local Auction House and can put you in contact with them regarding any items that may be suitable for Auction. 

 

6. Can you clear a property before it is put on the market?

Yes. Clearing unwanted furniture and belongings can help make a property easier to present, photograph and prepare for sale. Sometimes we are asked to leave some items within the property to help ‘stage’ it for marketing purposes, which we then go back to pick up prior to Completion of the sale in due course.

 

7. Do you remove unwanted furniture and appliances?

Yes. Standard household furniture and many appliances can be cleared by us and disposed of correctly and responsibly.

 

8. Can you remove carpets and curtains?

Yes, we can clear carpets, underlay, curtains and other unwanted fixtures. Unless specifically requested, if we are clearing a whole property, we advise that curtains/blinds stay in place for security purposes. 

 

9. Can you clear a very cluttered property?

Yes, we can and do frequently clear heavily cluttered properties. 

 

10. Do I need to be at the property during the clearance?

If suitable access arrangements can be made, a clearance can often be completed without you being present. Experience says that often, particularly for bereavement clearances, families find it difficult to be present during a clearance and so are more than happy to just leave us to it.

 

11. What happens to the items removed during a house clearance?

At Back2Market we separate items for reuse, donation, recycling or responsible disposal depending on their condition and type. As a professional, responsible clearance company our ethos is to divert as much as possible away from landfill.

 

12. Can you sell items on my behalf?

At the quote stage, if we feel an item (or items) is particularly suitable for Auction, we will talk to you about referring you to our local Auction partner. We can then transport items to the Auction for you. Due to the complexity of calculating onward sales costs (storage, handling, commission fees, VAT etc) we do not sell items on your behalf. 

 

13. Can you dispose of electrical appliances responsibly?

Yes, we separate out electrical items so that they are handled and disposed of appropriately rather than simply being placed with general waste. 

 

14. Are you licenced for clearances?

Yes, we hold an Environment Agency Upper Tier Waste Carriers Licence, as well as all of the appropriate insurances.

 

15. Can you clear a property before or after a removal?

Yes, and we frequently do. Unwanted items can be removed before the move, during the move process or even when you get to the new property, or after. We have separate vehicles for clearances and removals. 

 

16. Do you clean the property after a house clearance?

At Back2Market if we are clearing a property, we always have a vacuum-round and wipe over the surfaces after we have finished. This is at no additional cost.  If required, we can provide a deeper level of cleaning and can quote for this.

 

17. Can you clear commercial properties and offices?

Yes, we can. Commercial clearance services can include offices, shops, rental properties, storage areas and other business premises. This can be the whole of the property, or just certain rooms/areas or items.

 

18. What items can’t you clear?

We are unable to clear asbestos as we are not licenced for this. If we spot asbestos, we will advise you of this and what can be done. There are certain other hazardous items we are unable to clear including certain chemicals and large quantities of paint, for example. If this applies we will give you further information about this.

 

19. How long does a house clearance take?

The time depends on a variety of factors including size and access. With a large team, we complete the vast majority of clearances within a day. Some clearances take longer, but we will always discuss the estimated timescale with you in advance.

Storage FAQs

 

Need secure storage for furniture, household belongings or business items? Our storage FAQs cover everything from short and long-term storage to costs, access, insurance and what you can store with Back2Market.

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1. Do you offer storage?

Yes, we do. At Back2Market we have our own storage facility. This can be for anything from a few days or weeks to several months or even years! It’s particularly useful when moving house, renovating, downsizing or dealing with a delayed property completion.

 

2. How much does storage cost?

Our storage prices vary depending on the amount of space required, and we will give you full details of the cost at the quote stage.

 

3. Do you offer self-storage?

Unfortunately, no we do not. As with most removal companies’ storage, our storage is not self-storage. Generally, once we have moved it into our storage it is there until you are ready for us to move it out again.

 

We understand that there are unforeseen occasions when access may be required while your items are stored with us, and if this is required we will discuss the requirements with you at the time. Our quote and storage information that we provide you with in advance gives further information about this as well.

 

4. Can I store my furniture between moving house?

Yes. Short-term storage is a common solution when there is a gap between moving out of one property and moving into another for whatever reason. This can be for as little as a couple of days, or a few weeks or even months.

 

5. Are my belongings protected while in storage?

Yes, of course. We use a range of protective materials and padding to ensure your possessions are protected, as well as ensuring our Depot is safe and secure.

 

6. Are your storage facilities secure?

Yes, we have various security measures such as controlled access, alarms and CCTV. Access to our Depot is for authorised people only.

 

7. Is my storage unit insured?

Insurance liability for storage differs from that for the removal itself. In our quote and accompanying information we give you full information about the included levels of cover and charges if you wish to increase the cover.

 

8. Can I access my belongings while they are in storage?

Our storage is not self-storage and so works on the basis of once we put it into our storage, it is there until we move it out. Therefore, it is key that you keep anything you may require with you. You will not have ready access to our Depot and your stored items.  We recognise that there are certain situations and circumstances that mean you may need to access your stored items and we can arrange this for you, a cost does apply to facilitate this and full details are given to you at the quote stage.

 

If you know you will need/want access to your stored items, self-storage may be a better solution for you. We can discuss this with you when we visit and also provide you with a quote to move your items to your chosen self-storage provider.

 

9. Can you store the contents of an entire house?

Yes, we can. Storage can be arranged for anything from a few boxes to the contents of a large property. The amount of space required will depend on how much furniture and other belongings you have.

 

10. Do you offer business/commercial storage?

Yes, we can store items for your business. This can be furniture, boxes etc. We can also store certain machines, as long as they do not contain items that we are unable to store, such as fuels or hazardous materials. Again, this can be for any period from a couple of days to months or even longer. As with domestic storage, you just need to ensure that you do not include any items that you will want access to while your items are stored with us.

 

11. Are there items I cannot put into storage?

Yes. Restrictions apply to dangerous, flammable, illegal, perishable or otherwise unsuitable goods. At the quote stage, we will provide you with a list of prohibited items.

 

12. Can I or someone else drop items off to your Storage facility?

Unfortunately, not. This is because we do not offer self-storage facilities and therefore require that we move items into our storage and then we move them out again. For security reasons we do not allow other contractors on site.

 

13. Can you pack my belongings before putting them into storage?

Yes. Packing services can often be combined with our removal and then storage services. This can be particularly useful if you want your belongings protected and don’t have the time or equipment to pack everything yourself.

 

14. Is there a minimum storage period?

We often have people whose items are only stored with us for a couple of days between moves, and others we have had stored for months and some even for years! Everyone’s circumstances are different and we can deal with it all. Generally we quote on a per week or part thereof basis, which if the storage is going to be long-term we will convert to a monthly Standing Order amount. 

 

At the quote stage we will discuss your individual circumstances and requirements with you and agree what is best for you. Plus, if a change happens last minute and you suddenly need storage, of course we will respond to this and deal with it at the time.

 

15. How do I end my storage agreement?

As we will be moving you out of storage when the time requires, generally you will have been keeping us updated with regards to your onward move and potential timings. Generally we require a minimum of ten working days’ notice, but if we can move your possessions for you sooner, of course we will!

General FAQs

Have a question about our removals, clearances or storage services? Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below, including quotations, insurance, areas covered, bookings and payments.

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1. Do you offer free quotes for removals and clearances?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for our removal, clearance and storage services. Where possible, we prefer to visit the property so that we can accurately assess what needs to be moved or cleared, along with access and any other requirements.

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If an in-person visit isn't practical due to distance or timings, we can offer alternative options including:

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  • Video surveys

  • Photos and videos of the property and items

  • Our online removal survey

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This helps us gather the information we need to provide an accurate quote.

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2. Do you offer fixed-price removal and clearance quotes?

When we survey a removal or clearance, we provide a quote based on the information available at the time, including the items being moved or cleared, property addresses, access and any additional services required. Provided these details remain the same, your quoted price will remain the same for the period specified in our Terms and Conditions.

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Additional charges may apply if circumstances change, for example if:

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  • Additional items need to be moved or cleared

  • Extra services or work are required

  • Delays occur that are outside our control

  • The destination property changes for a removal

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Full details are included with your quote, so you know what to expect before booking.

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3. Can you provide a video survey for a removal or clearance quote?

Yes. Although we prefer to visit the property wherever possible, we can arrange a video survey when an in-person visit isn't practical. A video survey allows us to assess the items being moved or cleared, access to the property and any other requirements so that we can prepare an accurate quote.

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4. What areas do you cover for removals and clearances?

Back2Market is based in Somerset and Dorset, and we regularly provide removals, clearances and storage services throughout both counties and surrounding areas.

For removals in particular, we can also travel throughout England, Wales and Scotland. We may also be able to undertake property clearances further afield depending on the requirements. Travel time and distance will be taken into account when preparing your quote.

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5. Are you fully insured for removals, clearances and storage?

Yes. Back2Market is fully insured for the removal, clearance and storage services we provide.

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Our insurance includes:

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  • Public Liability Insurance

  • Employers' Liability Insurance

  • Goods in Transit Insurance

  • Hire and Reward Insurance

  • Storage Insurance

  • Cyber Security Insurance

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If you have any questions about insurance or cover for particular items, please speak to our team before booking.

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6. Is Back2Market accredited?

Yes. We're proud to hold a number of recognised accreditations and memberships. Back2Market has been a Which? Trusted Trader for over 10 years, with our insurance checked annually as part of the scheme.

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We are also:

  • Trading Standards Buy With Confidence approved

  • Move Assured members

  • Trusted and recommended by more than 50 estate agents and solicitors across Somerset and Dorset

 

These relationships have been built through years of providing professional removal, clearance and storage services to homeowners, families and businesses.

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7. What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation and amendment terms vary depending on whether you have booked a removal, clearance or another service. Full details are included with your quote and we are always happy to discuss them with you.

 

We understand that house moving dates can change during the conveyancing process. For this reason, we don't take provisional removal bookings. Instead, we ask you to keep in regular contact with us as you approach exchange of contracts and confirmation of your completion date.

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8. Do you offer short-notice removals and clearances?

Yes, subject to availability. We will always do our best to accommodate short-notice removals, urgent clearances and other time-sensitive requirements where we have the vehicles and team available.

 

We recommend contacting us for a quote as early as possible, even if your exact date hasn't been confirmed.

Once you have received and accepted your quote, keep us updated as your plans progress and we can advise you on availability.

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9. Do you work with solicitors and estate agents?

Yes. We regularly work with estate agents, solicitors and other property professionals across Somerset and Dorset. More than 50 local estate agents and solicitors trust Back2Market to support their clients with removals, property clearances and storage requirements. We can work directly with the relevant parties where required to help make the process as straightforward as possible.

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10. Can you handle sensitive or confidential property clearances?

Yes. We understand that some property clearances require additional sensitivity, discretion and care. Our experienced team regularly undertakes probate clearances, bereavement clearances and other sensitive property clearances, treating properties and belongings respectfully and professionally throughout the process.

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11. How do I book a removal, house clearance or storage service?

We recommend contacting us as early as possible, even if you don't yet have a confirmed date. You can get in touch by phone, text, email or through our website contact form. We'll then discuss what you need and, where appropriate, arrange a survey so that we can provide a quote.

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If you're happy to proceed, let us know and we'll explain the next steps. For removals where dates have not yet been confirmed, we'll ask you to keep us updated as your move progresses so we can advise you on availability.

12. How can I pay for my removal, clearance or storage service?

We accept payment by:

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  • Bank transfer

  • Debit card

  • Credit card

  • American Express

  • Cheque

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We will send your invoice by email, or by post if required, with full payment details included. Payment terms vary depending on whether you are booking a removal, clearance or storage service. The relevant payment information will be provided with your quote, and we're happy to discuss any specific requirements with you.

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