Removal companies - estimated cubic meters drastically different between them!

GentleGiant01

Hi all, 

I’m really sorry for asking such a silly question - but I just don’t really know what to do! 

I’m in the process of getting quotes for removals on my 3 bed semi (with a large garden room) and I’ve done physical / video walkarounds with a few companies now. 

The three that have added space measurements on their quotes have all added completely different estimates for space needed, from 900 cubic feet to 1500 cubic feet. By far the Cheapest quote we have is the one estimating 900 cubic feet. 

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand? It was a video walk around, each room, including garage and loft. 

Thanks for your input! 

TripleH

How far are you moving? How long between exiting your old house and moving in the new one?

I would err on the side of caution if you're moving far and / or have a short overlap on properties.

It's surprising how much room the last small nic nacs take up.

Slithery

GentleGiant01 said:

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand?

Not in the lorry as there won't be any room...

Sandtree

GentleGiant01 said:

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand? It was a video walk around, each room, including garage and loft. 

Ask them? Point out that others have estimated a larger volume maybe, depending on how the first part of the conversation goes. Do you have to move out on that day? ie if the move ended up going over the next day too would that be a problem?

Most companies we've used have given the choice where we stay the stuff and they quote but if its more than that we have to pay or they do a survey and if they get it wrong its their problem. 

900 cubic foot is too big for a luton and so presumably they are intending to bring a 7.5t truck at least anyway which normally has a capacity between 1,200 to 1,400 and so can probably fit almost the top end of the estimates in anyway but again confirm what vehicle they are basing it on.

eddddy

GentleGiant01 said:

The three that have added space measurements on their quotes have all added completely different estimates for space needed, from 900 cubic feet to 1500 cubic feet. By far the Cheapest quote we have is the one estimating 900 cubic feet. 

Just to be clear - are they estimating the volume of stuff you have, or specifying the size of truck they would use?

For example, they might all think that you have about 800 cubic feet of stuff - one firm has a 900 cu ft truck available, so they'll use that, another firm only has a 1500 cu ft truck available, so they'll use that.

GentleGiant01 said:

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand? 

Ask them and/or read their t&cs. (It's much safer than asking people here.)


Out of interest, was it people from the actual removal firm that watched the 'video walk-around'?  There are also 3rd party firms who act as 'middlemen' who assess what they think you need, then sub-contract the work to real removal companies (or to dodgy 'man and van' people).

Since those 'middlemen' aren't real removal people (they're sometimes more like the people who work in the call centre), I've heard stories of them getting estimates badly wrong.

hazyjo

I've always had to fill out a form saying how many of each thing I have. Have you had to do that?

GentleGiant01

Slithery said:

GentleGiant01 said:

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand?

Not in the lorry as there won't be any room...

LOL!

this made me laugh, a lot! 

Sandtree

hazyjo said:

I've always had to fill out a form saying how many of each thing I have. Have you had to do that?

That's normally the alternative option to a survey... with that approach you are liable for any differences.

Some ask you to do the form before the survey but others will go straight to survey at which point they are making their own notes/decisions on what you have and the space it'll take. Its a pain having to have someone come around but I've no idea how many pairs of high heeled shoes you can fit in one box etc so much rather them decide and its then on their head if they are wrong.

hazyjo

There was a recent thread on here about a removal company who sent a van which was too small. Can't remember the outcome though, think the T&Cs meant the seller was blamed rather than the company 🤔 Read them carefully.

BlobCore

exactly why exactly why I insisted on a survey and quote in person. Too many movers just asked me ‘how many cubic feet mate?’
the movers we chose visited in person and the contract stipulates that if they’ve estimated wrong it’s their problem not mine!
likewise the parking at delivery address, they’ve seen dimensions of driveway and photos, the skills of their drivers will be severely tested, but their problem not mine!

it’s not an extra piece of stress you need when moving!

saajan_12

GentleGiant01 said:

Hi all, 

I’m really sorry for asking such a silly question - but I just don’t really know what to do! 

I’m in the process of getting quotes for removals on my 3 bed semi (with a large garden room) and I’ve done physical / video walkarounds with a few companies now. 

The three that have added space measurements on their quotes have all added completely different estimates for space needed, from 900 cubic feet to 1500 cubic feet. By far the Cheapest quote we have is the one estimating 900 cubic feet. 

My biggest worry is, if we go for the cheeper quote and they’ve underestimated and send a lorry that is too small, where do we stand? It was a video walk around, each room, including garage and loft. 

Thanks for your input! 

Only the T&Cs can answer that, if not then ask them what happens in that scenario (in writing / email). 
However also remember that'll be the legal contractual position. You also have the hassle of physically having to deal with a second trip / getting another van and chasing them to reimburse you for any costs you incur, even if they are liable. They'll likely try to argue you must have added stuff or didn't show everything.