When the time comes to move house or move an office, one of the first important decisions is to engage a removal service. But do we really know what this type of service includes? Misunderstandings or gaps in information can often lead to frustration, delays or unexpected costs.
This article is designed to help you understand what a professional removal company should offer, how to compare different options and what to consider before signing the contract. A good decision starts with being well informed.
Why is it important to know what is included in a removal service?
Moving is not just about transporting things from one place to another. It involves organisation, set times, physical effort, safety and, above all, planning. Understanding what exactly is included in a professional removal service is essential to avoid surprises, make the right choice and ensure that all your belongings are in safe hands.
In addition, many companies offer different levels of service, and knowing in detail what is included in each will allow you to make the right decision for your needs and budget. The aim of this article is to clarify what you should expect, what you can ask for and how to identify a complete and transparent service.
What exactly is a removal service?
A removal service is a set of logistical and operational tasks that allow a person’s or company’s belongings to be moved from a point of origin to a new destination. Although it may seem simple, this process often requires careful coordination, the right materials and professional expertise.
It is important to distinguish between a professional service and an informal solution, such as hiring private individuals without a licence or insurance. Professional movers guarantee a standard of quality, legal liability, and trained staff. Informal options, in contrast, can end up being more expensive if something goes wrong.
In addition, there are different types of removals depending on the scope of the move:
- Local removals: within the same city or area.
- National removals: between cities or regions within Spain.
- International removals: between countries, which involve much more complex logistics.
Basic services that a professional removal company includes
A professional removal company should offer, at a minimum, a number of standard services to ensure the integrity of your property and an efficient execution of the move. These are the core elements of any basic service:
Transport of belongings
The move is carried out in specific vehicles for removals, equipped with fastening systems, ramps and adapted spaces. Safe routes are planned and estimated time is calculated to minimise risks.
Loading and unloading of items
The workers are responsible for loading all items at the point of origin and unloading them at the destination and taking care of their integrity and avoiding knocks or damage during handling.
Skilled labour
You will have a trained team to move, pack and protect your belongings, especially fragile or large items. The team’s experience is key to avoiding common mistakes.
Basic insurance included
Every professional move should include at least basic insurance to cover loss or damage in transit. Although additional coverage may be available, this minimum protection is essential.
Basic packing or minimum materials
Some companies include in their standard service basic materials such as protective blankets, plastic film or standard boxes for common objects.
Other services that can make a difference
A comfortable and stress-free move often requires more than the basics. This is where additional moving services come in, adding value and convenience to the process:
Full packing and unpacking service
This is ideal if you are short on time or want to make sure everything is perfectly protected. The workers are responsible for packing each item and unpacking it in its proper place.
Supply of boxes and specialised materials
From reinforced boxes to bubble wrap, mattress covers to shrink wrap, professional materials make a big difference in protecting your belongings.
Disassembly and assembly of furniture
Many pieces of furniture have to be disassembled in order to be transported. Professional companies offer this service to ensure safe transport and proper assembly at the destination.
Special lifts or platforms
If you live on a high floor or in a building with narrow stairs, it may be necessary to use platform lifts to ensure fast and safe removal of furniture and bulky objects. Although this service is often considered additional, in many cases it is essential. At Metrecubic, we have a professional lift service capable of reaching up to the eighth floor. This ensures comfort, efficiency and extra protection for your belongings, even in the most complex situations.
Custody and temporary storage
Your new house isn’t ready yet? Some companies offer temporary storage in secure furniture repositories, for days or weeks, until you can complete the move. At Metrecubic, we also offer you 15 days of free storage in our storage units with your removal contract. This gives you the added peace of mind of knowing that your belongings will be safe and cared for while you finish preparing your new home.
Arranging of permits or access
In urban areas, it may be necessary to arrange parking permits or access in restricted areas. A professional company can manage all this paperwork for you.
What factors influence the price of removal services?
The final cost of a removal service can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Knowing them will help you understand the estimates you receive and adjust them to your needs:
- The distance of the move: the greater the distance, the higher the cost.
- The volume and weight of the load: more items means more time, materials and personnel.
- Any difficulties of access: buildings without lifts, narrow streets, limited opening hours and so on.
- Additional contracted services: packing, disassembly, storage, lifting platforms or the like.
- Season or date: weekends, summer or the end of the month are usually more expensive due to high demand.
What should a transparent removal estimate include?
Getting a clear budget is essential to preventing misunderstandings. This document should reflect precisely what you are contracting and under what conditions. Make sure it includes the following:
- The details of services offered: what is included and what is not.
- Individual and total costs: no hidden charges.
- Insurance conditions: type of cover and possible extensions.
- Deadlines: dates of collection, delivery and estimated duration.
- The cancellation or contingency policy: conditions in the event of changes or problems.
At Metrecubic, we deliver detailed estimates, with no surprises, with all the information you need to make a safe decision.
Tips for choosing the ideal removal service
Taking the time to compare and evaluate before contracting can make all the difference to your moving experience. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Compare several estimates and scrutinise what is included in each one.
- Read real reviews and opinions from other customers on reliable platforms.
- Verify that the company is registered and has mandatory insurance.
- Ask for a written, detailed and signed contract backing up all agreements.
A good move starts with clear information
As we have seen, a professional removal service goes far beyond just transporting goods. It must offer certainty, organisation, attention to detail and, most of all, clarity from the outset.
Planning ahead, comparing options and knowing exactly what you are contracting are key steps to preventing problems and ensuring a smooth move. At Metrecubic, we offer comprehensive, transparent removal services that are tailored to your needs, giving you the peace of mind of working with a professional team.
