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.
01. How much do removal services cost in Surrey?
- 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
02. What happens during a removal survey?
- 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
- “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”
03. Are my belongings insured during the move?
- 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
04. How long does a house move take?
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.
05. What can't removal companies 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”
06. Do I need to empty drawers before moving?
- Heavy items (books, tools) that add weight
- Fragile items (cosmetics, ornaments)
- Valuable items (jewelry, documents)
07. What area's do we cover?
“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.
08. Can you accomodate last minute moves?
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.
09. Do you provide packing materials?
“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.”
10. Are you fully insured?
“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.”
11. Do you charge extra for stairs or narrow access?
“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.
12. How far in advance should I book?
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.
13: Do you offer free quotes?
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.
14: What's included in your quote?
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.
15: Are there any hidden costs?
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.
16: How do I pay for my removal?
Deposit taken when you book (secures your date)
Balance due 7 days before move (by bank transfer)
Receipt provided once monies have been received
Same-day/emergency moves require full payment upfront.
17: Can you move me on a Saturday or Sunday?
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.
18: What if I need to change my moving date?
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
19: Can you do same-day or emergency moves?
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.
20: What are your operating hours?
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
21: What happens on moving day?
Morning (8am-9am):
Team arrives at agreed time
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
21: How long does a typical move take?
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
22. What if I have more items than expected?
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.
23. Do I need to be present during the move?
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
24. What if something gets damaged?
Inform us immediately on moving day or within 7 days
We document the damage with photos and notes
Insurance claim processed (covered up to £25,000)
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.
25. How do you protect my belongings?
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
26. Do you offer packing services?
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
27. Can I buy packing materials from you?
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.
28. How should I prepare for moving day?
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 →]
29. What should I pack in my essentials box?
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).
30. Do you move pianos?
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.
31. Can you move antiques and valuable items?
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.
32. What about large or awkward items?
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.
33: Do you offer storage?
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
34: How does the move + storage process work?
We collect your belongings from your old property
Transport to storage facility Cranleigh or Billingshurst)
Load into secure container (CCTV monitored, coded access)
Store for agreed period (Monthly, or long-term)
Redeliver to new property when you’re ready
35: Where do you operate?
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
36: Do you do national moves?
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.
37: Can you help with international moves?
Not directly at present, but we can recommend specialist international removal companies we trust. Our services are UK-only at the moment.
38: Are you a family-run business?
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.
39: How many people have you moved?
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
40: What makes you different from other removal companies?
Director-led service – Tom Ashley personally oversees operations and will try to be on-site at most major moves
Transparent pricing – No hidden costs, all-inclusive quotes
Exceptional track record – 60% repeat rate, 1 complaint in 10 years
Fully insured – £25,000 coverage included, more if requested
Local expertise – 12 years serving Surrey, we know the area intimately
Personal care – Family-based approach, we treat your belongings like our own
41: Do you have any certifications?
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
42: Can I get references or reviews?
Yes! We have:
5-star Google rating with dozens of reviews
60% repeat customer rate (our best reference)
Written testimonials on our website
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
“Don’t just take our word for it – read what our customers say about Ashley Removals on Google Reviews.”