5 Reasons to Choose a Reputable Removal Company (and Dodge the Cowboys)

Help & Advice

Jenny Bloom

Upset family seeing their possessions damaged by a cowboy removal company
3 min read

Let’s face it, moving house is stressful enough without worrying whether your removal team is more cowboy than professional. At Man With Van Can... we believe knowledge is power, so we’ve rounded up five key things to look for when choosing a removal company. Whether you go with us or someone else (no hard feelings!), use this guide to steer clear of the sharks and hire with confidence.

1. 📞 Clear Contact Information

If a company doesn’t proudly display a phone number, email, and (bonus points) a real address—🚩 red flag alert! You’re trusting this team with everything from your nan’s china to your prized vinyl collection. You should be able to contact them easily, before and during your move. If their contact info is buried, missing, or dodgy... walk away.

2. 🌐 Professional Website & Email

Looks aren’t everything—but they do count. A professional-looking website and a business email address show that the company takes its image seriously. It suggests they also take your move seriously. If someone’s emailing you from a @hotmail.com account and their site looks like it was built in 2004, think twice. The devil’s in the digital details.

3. 📋 Proof of Insurance

This one’s a biggie. Ask for proof of insurance—don’t be shy! A legit company will happily share it. Without insurance, your possessions are at risk. If something breaks or goes missing, you could be left footing the bill. Legal action is costly and time-consuming, with no guarantee you’ll win. Better safe than sorry—get the paperwork.

4. ♻️ Waste Carrier’s Licence

This might sound random, but it’s crucial. If you’re disposing of old furniture or unwanted bits during your move, your removal company must have a valid Waste Carrier’s Licence. Without it, improperly disposed waste could lead to fines for you and the company. In today’s climate-conscious world, being responsible isn’t just smart—it’s non-negotiable.

5. 🌟 Reviews, Reviews, Reviews

Don't just skim the stars—dig a little deeper. Good companies will have plenty of happy customers singing their praises. But pay attention to the bad reviews too. Is there a pattern? Are the same issues popping up again and again? A single bad review is normal—nobody’s perfect. But if the rating dips below 4 stars overall, we’d recommend moving on (pun absolutely intended).


Final Thoughts 💡

We hope this guide helps you make a smart, informed choice. Whether you book with Man With Van Can... or another company, remember—it’s your move, your money, and your memories on the line.

✅ Do your homework.
✅ Ask the right questions.
✅ Avoid the cowboys.

And if you do fancy a 5⭐ experience with a team that ticks all the boxes (and then some), you know where to find us 😉

3x SME Award Winners

More than just a removals company...