Moving Faqs Surrey

F.A.Q.

Moving FAQs | Your Complete Guide to Removals in Surrey

Everything You Need to Know About Professional Removal Services

Planning a house move in Surrey, Hampshire, or West Sussex? You've got questions—we've got answers. After 12+ years and hundreds of successful moves across Cranleigh, Guildford, Godalming, Horsham, and beyond, we know exactly what families need to know before moving day.

This comprehensive FAQ covers everything from removal costs and booking timelines to insurance coverage, packing services, and what to expect on moving day. Whether you're moving a 1-bedroom flat locally or relocating a 5-bedroom house nationally, you'll find clear, honest answers here.

Why Trust Ashley Removals?

  • 12+ years of local expertise serving Surrey and surrounding areas

  • 60% repeat customer rate—families come back because we deliver

  • 1 complaint in 10 years—exceptional service record

  • Fully insured up to £25,000 (goods in transit + public liability)

  • Director-led service—Tom Ashley personally oversees every move

  • Transparent, all-inclusive pricing—no hidden costs, ever

What You'll Find in This FAQ

We've organized 42+ frequently asked questions into easy-to-navigate sections covering:

Pricing & Quotes – How much removals cost, what's included, payment terms, and hidden cost transparency

Booking & Scheduling – How far in advance to book, availability for weekends/bank holidays, and last-minute moves

Insurance & Protection – Coverage details, claims process, and how we protect your belongings

Moving Day Process – Timeline, what to expect, preparation checklist, and essentials box guide

Specialized Services – Pianos, antiques, packing services, storage solutions, and national moves

Service Areas – Where we operate, from local Surrey moves to nationwide relocations

About Us – Our story, credentials, reviews, and what makes us different

Can't Find Your Answer?

If your question isn't covered here, we're just a phone call away:

📞 Call: 01483 323534 (office) or 07553 551233 (Tom's mobile)📧 Email: sales@ashleyremovals.co.uk🕒 Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–6:30pm

Ready for a free, no-obligation quote? Tom provides free on-site surveys across Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex. Request your free quote here or call 07553 551233 today.


Scroll down to explore our complete FAQ guide and get all your removal questions answered.

Local removal costs in Surrey typically range from £800-£5000 depending on the size of your property and specific requirements. At Ashley Removals, most local moves within Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex average start from £650 depending on the volume, size of property, vehicles needed and the amount of staff needed while national moves across the UK start from £1,500.
Several factors influence your final quote:
  • Property size – A 1-bed flat takes half a day, while a large house may require 1-2 days
  • Volume of belongings – We calculate cubic footage during your free on-site survey
  • Distance and access – Parking restrictions or multiple flights of stairs affect timing
  • Additional services – Packing, storage, or specialized items like pianos
We provide transparent, fixed-price quotes with no hidden extras. After your free survey, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before booking. We require a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due 7 days before your move.
Get your personalised quote HERE
A removal survey is a free, no-obligation visit where we assess exactly what needs moving to provide an accurate quote. Tom Ashley personally conducts every survey at Ashley Removals, bringing over 12 years of experience to ensure nothing is overlooked.
During your survey, we’ll:
  • Walk through every room, including loft, garage, garden, and outbuildings
  • Calculate the cubic footage of your belongings
  • Note any items requiring special handling (pianos, antiques, fragile items)
  • Discuss parking access at both properties
  • Answer all your questions about the moving process
  • Provide a detailed, fixed-price quote on the spot or within 24 hours
The most commonly forgotten items during moves are boxes, loft contents, and garden equipment – which is exactly why we conduct thorough surveys. This ensures we bring the right vehicles and team size, preventing delays or unexpected costs on moving day.
Our surveys typically take 30-60 minutes and can be scheduled at a time convenient for you. There’s no pressure to book – we simply want to give you an accurate picture of what your move will involve.
 
Free Survey booking HERE
 
More about moving HERE
 
  • “12 years serving Surrey families”
  • “Fully insured up to £25,000”
  • “Only 1 complaint in 12 years”
  • “60% of our customers use us again”
  • “Free on-site surveys with no pressure to book”
Yes, Ashley Removals is fully insured, and all moves are covered up to £25,000. We offer two levels of protection to suit your needs:
Standard Cover: Included in every move at no extra cost. If an item is damaged, you’ll receive compensation per item. This suits most customers moving standard household furniture and belongings.
Full Replacement Cover (up to £25,000): For high-value items or complete peace of mind, we can arrange comprehensive insurance that covers the full replacement value of your belongings. This requires a detailed inventory, which we’ll help you prepare.
How we protect your belongings:
  • Pre-move inspection with room-by-room condition documentation
  • Professional packing with quilted covers for furniture, TVs, and delicate items
  • Secure loading using padded blankets and rail ties
  • Careful placement at your new property with final checks
In 12 years of operation, we’ve had just one complaint – a record we’re incredibly proud of. Our team treats every item as if it were our own, and our comprehensive inspection system means both you and we know the condition of everything before, during, and after the move.
If you have particularly valuable items, let us know during your survey so we can discuss the best protection options.
 
More info HERE

 A 1-bedroom flat typically takes half a day (4-5 hours), while a 3-bedroom house takes 1-2 full days depending on volume and distance. Larger properties or moves requiring pre-loading may take an additional day.

Ready to get a free, no-obligation quote? Call Tom directly on 07553 551233 or email tom@ashleyremovals.co.uk to arrange your survey.

For safety and legal reasons, we cannot move:
  • Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, gas bottles)
  • Perishable food
  • Plants (these often don’t survive van transport, if taken, no guarantee is given.)
  • Personal documents (we recommend you transport these yourself)
  • Pets, we are not insured to take live animals of any discription.
  • Passengers (Insurance will not cover us.
  • “12 years serving Surrey families”
  • “Fully insured up to £25,000”
  • “Only 1 complaint in 12 years”
  • “60% of our customers use us again”
  • “Free on-site surveys with no pressure to book”
Lightweight items can stay in drawers, but we recommend emptying:
  • Heavy items (books, tools) that add weight
  • Fragile items (cosmetics, ornaments)
  • Valuable items (jewelry, documents)
This protects both the furniture and contents during transport.
 
Ready to get a free, no-obligation quote? Call Tom directly on 07553 551233 or email tom@ashleyremovals.co.uk to arrange your survey.

“We provide removal services across Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex, including Cranleigh, Godalming, Guildford, Horsham, Pulborough, Billingshurst, and surrounding areas. We handle both local and national moves. Call 01483 323534 for a free quote.”

Here’s a quick list of some area’s we cover

  • Cranleigh
  • Godalming
  • Horsham
  • Billingshurst
  • All of Surrey
  • West Sussex
  • Basingstoke
  • Hook
  • Aldershot
  • Farnham
  • Reigate
  • Redhill
  • Woking
  • Bisley

If your area is not listed, please get in touch 01483 323534 as I’m sure we can also cover your area or kno someone that does.

Ready to get a free, no-obligation quote? Call Tom directly on 07553 551233 or email tom@ashleyremovals.co.uk to arrange your survey.

Yes, we can sometimes arrange for a last-minute move if it’s urgent. We understand that in certain situations, you may not receive much warning between the time of exchange and completion. This can create a significant amount of stress and uncertainty, and we aim to alleviate that burden by offering our assistance even at short notice. Our team is committed to providing reliable support during these critical times, ensuring that your move goes smoothly despite the tight timeframe.

Ready to get a free, no-obligation quote? Call Tom directly on 07553 551233 or email tom@ashleyremovals.co.uk to arrange your survey.

“Yes! We offer full packing services including all materials, or we can supply boxes and materials for self-packing. Our team uses professional-grade blankets, bubble wrap, and protective covers for all items.”

“Absolutely. We carry full public liability and goods-in-transit insurance. We offer basic coverage and full coverage up to £25,000 with detailed inventory. All quotes sent out are acompanied with our terms and insurance policies.”

“No extra charges for stairs or narrow doorways in normal houses. Additional charges only apply for blocks of flats with difficult access. We assess this during your free on-site survey and will be included in your tailored quote.”

Ready to get a free, no-obligation quote? Call Tom directly on 07553 551233 or email tom@ashleyremovals.co.uk to arrange your survey.

  • Peak season (April-September): 2-4 weeks’ notice recommended

  • Off-peak (October-March): 1-2 weeks’ notice usually sufficient

  • Same-week bookings: Often available during quieter months

Tip: Book as early as possible to secure your preferred date, especially for Friday/Saturday moves.

Yes. We provide free on-site surveys where Tom Ashley visits your property to assess the job accurately. We walk through every room, garden, shed, and garage to calculate cubic footage and discuss any special requirements.

Video surveys are also available for straightforward moves. You’ll receive a detailed written quote within 24 hours outlining exactly what’s included.

Our all-inclusive quotes include:

  • All labour (2-3 or more porters depending on size)

  • Transportation (Luton van or larger vehicle)

  • Protective materials (quilted covers, blankets, straps, boxes)

  • Insurance (goods in transit up to £25,000) this can be extended.

  • Fuel and mileage

  • Furniture dismantling and reassembly

  • Pre-move inspection and documentation

Not included: Packing service (optional extra, from £200), storage (quoted separately), specialist equipment for unusual items.

No. What we quote is what you pay. The only additional costs would be:

  • Packing service (if you add it after the quote)

  • Additional items discovered on moving day that weren’t in the survey

  • Access issues not disclosed during survey (e.g., no parking permit arranged)

  • Cancellation fees (if cancelled within policy timeframe)

We’re transparent about all costs upfront.

  1. Deposit taken when you book (secures your date)

  2. Balance due 7 days before move (by bank transfer)

  3. Receipt provided once monies have been received

Same-day/emergency moves require full payment upfront.

  • Saturday moves: Available by arrangement

  • Sunday moves: Rarely available (contact us to discuss)

  • Bank holidays: Available with 20% surcharge if staff required on their day off

Most moves take place Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.

Contact us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate date changes subject to availability.

Cancellation policy:

  • More than 10 working days’ notice: No charge

  • 5-10 working days’ notice: Up to 30% charge

  • Less than 5 working days’ notice: Up to 60% charge

  • Deposits: Non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days of move

Yes, subject to availability. Emergency moves require:

  • Full payment upfront

  • Immediate availability of our team and vehicles

  • May incur higher fees due to short notice

Call 01483 323534 or 07553 551233 to check availability.

Office hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm

Move times: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

Saturday moves: By arrangement

Evening moves: Occasionally available for commercial relocations

Morning (8am-9am):

  1. Team arrives at agreed time

  2. 5-step pre-loading verification:

    • Walk through property together

    • Photograph high-value items

    • Note any pre-existing damage

    • Sign off on inventory if needed

    • Answer last-minute questions

Loading (2-4 hours for average house):

  • All furniture wrapped in quilted covers

  • Boxes stacked securely

  • Heavy items loaded first

  • Vehicle secured with ties

Transportation:

  • Direct route to new property

  • Regular updates if long-distance (if requested)

Unloading:

  • Items placed in correct rooms as directed

  • Furniture reassembled if required

  • Protective materials removed

  • Final walkthrough

Ashley Removals, home moving company

These are rough esimates, is all depends on access and the volume being loaded, all properties are different so some may take longer that others.

  • Studio/1-bedroom flat: 2-4 hours total

  • 2-bedroom house: 4-6 hours

  • 3-bedroom house: 6-8 hours

  • 4-5 bedroom house: 8-12 hours 

Don’t forget, if you are selling/buying, it could take longer as we normally have to wait for the keys of the new property to be released.

Factors affecting time:

  • Distance between properties

  • Access (stairs, parking distance, narrow lanes)

  • Amount of furniture and boxes

  • Dismantling/reassembly requirements

  • Key release times
 

A few extra boxes: We’ll usually load them at no extra charge.

Significantly more items: If they don’t fit in the vehicle, we may:

  • Make a second trip (additional charge)

  • Refuse additional items if over safe capacity

  • Arrange storage for excess items

This will only happen if more items appear after we survey the property and we are not notified about the change or added items. We always make sure we slightly over estimate the volume in case there are a few extra bits or boxes not accounted for.

Yes, or a trusted representative. Someone must be present at both properties to:

  • Sign the pre-move inspection checklist

  • Direct where items should be placed

  • Sign off on completion

  • Handle any unexpected issues

  1. Inform us immediately on moving day or within 7 days

  2. We document the damage with photos and notes

  3. Insurance claim processed (covered up to £25,000)

  4. Basic coverage: £40 per item unless higher value declared pre-move

Our track record: 1 complaint in 10 years. We take extreme care to prevent damage.

Protective materials:

  • Quilted furniture covers for all large items

  • Blankets and padding

  • Professional-grade boxes

  • Bubble wrap for fragile items

  • Secure straps and tie-downs

Pre-move inspection:

  • Document condition of high-value items

  • Photograph items with pre-existing damage

  • Note fragile or valuable items for extra care

Professional handling:

  • Trained porters with 50+ years combined experience

  • Proper lifting techniques

  • Secure loading to prevent shifting during transport

Full Packing Service (From £200):

  • We pack everything room by room

  • Professional-grade materials supplied

  • Fragile items wrapped individually

  • Clear labeling for easy unpacking

  • Typically completed 1-2 days before move

Partial Packing:

  • We pack fragile/valuable items only

  • You pack clothing and everyday items

  • Cost-effective option

Self-Pack:

  • We can supply boxes and materials (or you source your own)

  • You pack at your own pace

  • We provide packing guidance

  • Professional-grade boxes (various sizes)

  • Bubble wrap

  • Packing paper

  • Tape and markers

  • Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

We have an online shop coming soon where you can order top quality materials delivered straight to your door.

Follow our 4-week preparation timeline:

4 Weeks Before:

  • Book removal date

  • Notify utilities and arrange mail redirection

  • Start decluttering

2 Weeks Before:

  • Begin packing non-essentials

  • Arrange parking permits if needed

  • Confirm move details with us

1 Week Before:

  • Pack most items (leave essentials only)

  • Defrost freezer

  • Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day

  • Prepare payment (balance due)

Day Before:

  • Pack essentials box (kettle, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks)

  • Empty and clean appliances

Moving Day:

  • Be present from 8am

  • Keep essentials box with you

  • Do final walkthrough of old property

[Email us for a Full Moving Checklist →]


 

Items you’ll need immediately at your new home:

  • Kettle, tea/coffee, mugs, snacks

  • Toiletries and medications

  • Phone chargers and important documents

  • Change of clothes

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Toilet paper and hand soap

  • Pet food and supplies

  • Children’s comfort items

  • Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, tape)

Keep this box with you (don’t load it on the van).

Yes. We handle:

  • Upright pianos with specialist trolleys

  • Baby grand pianos with proper lifting equipment

  • Digital pianos with protective wrapping

Cost: Typically adds £100-£300 to quote depending on size, weight, and access.

Process: Pre-move inspection, custom covers, specialist equipment, extra care during loading/unloading.

Yes. We specialize in careful handling of:

  • Antique furniture

  • Artwork and mirrors

  • China and glassware

  • Collectibles and heirlooms

Protection: Custom covers, bubble wrap, individual wrapping, detailed pre-move documentation, photographs of condition.

Insurance: Declare high-value items during survey for correct coverage.

  • We regularly move:

    • Large wardrobes and armoires (dismantled if needed)

    • Corner sofas and sectionals

    • Dining tables (dismantled if needed)

    • Garden furniture and equipment

    • Gym equipment

    • Safes (within weight limits)

    Access challenges: We have experience with narrow staircases, tight corners, and difficult access. Mention any concerns during the survey.

Yes, and if we are at capacity we partner our local Storage in Cranleigh and Billingshurst.

Features:

  • 20-foot secure containers

  • CCTV monitored facilities

  • Coded gate access

  • Short-term and long-term options

Packages:

  • Move + Store + Redeliver: Monthly storage rates

  • Temporary storage:  monthly rates

  • Long-term storage: Competitive monthly rates

[Learn More About Storage →]

  1. We collect your belongings from your old property

  2. Transport to storage facility  Cranleigh or Billingshurst)

  3. Load into secure container (CCTV monitored, coded access)

  4. Store for agreed period (Monthly, or long-term)

  5. Redeliver to new property when you’re ready

Primary areas (Surrey & West Sussex):

  • Cranleigh (our base – same-day moves often available)

  • Guildford, Godalming, Horsham

  • Billingshurst, Pulborough, Alfold, Loxwood

Extended areas:

  • All of Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex

National:

  • Anywhere in the UK (no distance restrictions)

  • National moves from £1500

  1. Yes. We provide removals anywhere in the UK including:

    • London

    • Midlands

    • North England 

    • Scotland

    • Wales

    What’s included: Same comprehensive service as local moves – full insurance, protective materials, director-led service.

  • Not directly at present, but we can recommend specialist international removal companies we trust. Our services are UK-only at the moment.

Yes. Ashley Removals was founded by Tom Ashley in 2013 and remains family-run. Tom personally oversees every move, conducts surveys, and ensures the same high standard of care that built our reputation.

Why it matters: You’re dealing directly with the business owner, not a call center. Personal accountability and genuine care for your belongings.

Hundreds of successful moves over 12 years, including:

  • 60% repeat customer rate (most customers return or refer us)

  • 1 complaint in 10 years (exceptional service record)

  • 5-star Google rating from satisfied customers

  1. Director-led service – Tom Ashley personally oversees operations and will try to be on-site at most major moves

  2. Transparent pricing – No hidden costs, all-inclusive quotes

  3. Exceptional track record – 60% repeat rate, 1 complaint in 10 years

  4. Fully insured – £25,000 coverage included, more if requested

  5. Local expertise – 12 years serving Surrey, we know the area intimately

  6. Personal care – Family-based approach, we treat your belongings like our own

We’re currently working towards Move Assured certification (target: within 6 months), the industry’s recognized quality standard.

Current credentials:

  • Fully insured (goods in transit + public liability)

  • 12+ years in business

  • Excellent customer satisfaction record

  • Professional equipment and trained team

Yes! We have:

  • 5-star Google rating with dozens of reviews

  • 60% repeat customer rate (our best reference)

  • Written testimonials on our website

[Read All Reviews on our site and Google →]

Ashley Removals using multiple vans to move a large 5 bedroom house due to no lorry access

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help!

Call: 01483 323534 (office) or 07553 551233 (mobile)

Email: sales@ashleyremovals.co.uk

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm

Drop us a message

What Customers Say

Read testimonials from our valued clients

Rated 5 out of 5
Ashley Removals made our move seamless and stress-free! Their team was punctual, professional, and truly cared about our belongings.
John Overton
Homeowner

“Don’t just take our word for it – read what our customers say about Ashley Removals on Google Reviews.”

Ashley Removals at the start of a trip up to Scotland in convoy. professional movers
Furniture wrapped for transport by Ashley Removals

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