FAQs
Questions, answered straight.
The things people ask us most, answered the way we'd answer them on the phone — plainly, and without the sales gloss. If yours isn't here, get in touch and we'll tell you how it really is.
The basics
About us and how we work
Are you a genuinely family-run removals firm?
Yes. Eckersley Removals is family-run, and it shows in how we work — the same people quote your move, plan it, and are accountable for it on the day. We would rather turn a job down than over-promise on one, and we treat your home the way we would treat our own.
Do you handle both home and business moves?
We do. Home removals and business or office moves are both core to what we do. Household moves are planned room by room; office moves are planned around your working day so you can get back up and running with the least disruption we can manage.
How do I get a quote, and does it cost anything?
Send us your pickup and drop-off addresses and a few details about the move through the quote form, or give us a call. Quoting is free and without obligation. For larger or more complex moves we will arrange a survey — in person or by video — so the written quote reflects the real job rather than a guess.
Can you pack for us as well as move us?
Yes. You can have us pack everything, pack only the fragile and awkward items, or pack yourself and leave the heavy lifting to us. Antiques, artwork, mirrors and glass get proper protection, and we can dismantle and reassemble beds and flat-pack furniture.
Do you offer storage if my move-in date slips?
We do. If there is a gap between moving out and moving in, we can store your belongings in clean, secure storage for as long as you need and deliver when you are ready. It is a common part of a chain move, so just tell us if the dates are uncertain.
Do you move to Europe as well as within the UK?
Yes. Alongside our UK work we run a European removals arm, most often to France, Spain, Germany and Italy. We handle the route planning, the customs paperwork that came with Brexit, and the same careful packing and handling you would get on a domestic move.
Are my belongings insured while you move them?
Your move is covered by goods-in-transit and liability cover, and we will talk you through exactly what that means for your things before you book. For high-value or specialist items we can advise on additional cover so nothing important is left to chance.
What areas of the UK do you cover?
We move households and businesses across England, Scotland and Wales — from London and the South East through the Midlands and the North to Scotland — and we depart from all the major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Going further
Europe, customs, storage and cover
How do European moves work now, after Brexit?
A move into France, Spain, Germany or Italy now needs customs paperwork on top of the usual planning — an inventory of what you're taking and, for most household moves, evidence that the goods are your used personal effects. We prepare and lodge that paperwork for you and guide you through anything you need to sign, so the move clears the border without your belongings sitting in limbo. We'll set out clearly what's needed for your particular route before you commit to anything.
Will I have to pay customs duty on my own belongings?
For a genuine change of residence, used household goods you already own can usually move without duty, provided the paperwork is in order and lodged correctly — which is exactly what we handle. New or high-value items, and goods that don't qualify as personal effects, can be treated differently. We'll flag anything on your inventory that might be questioned so there are no surprises at the border, and we never guess where a customs answer matters.
How does storage work if my dates don't line up?
It's one of the most common parts of a move, so it's built into how we work. If there's a gap between moving out and moving in, we can hold your belongings in clean, secure storage and deliver them when you're ready — short term for a chain that slips, or longer term if you're between homes or moving abroad in stages. Everything is inventoried in and out, so nothing goes missing in the meantime.
What happens if something is damaged in the move?
We pack and handle carefully precisely so it doesn't happen, but your move is covered by goods-in-transit and liability cover, and we'll explain exactly what that means for your things before you book. If something does go wrong, tell us promptly and we'll put it right through a clear, documented claims process rather than leaving you chasing. For high-value or specialist pieces we can advise on additional cover ahead of the move.
Do you take everything, or are there things you can't move?
We move the overwhelming majority of a normal household or office without any fuss. There are a few things we can't legally carry — hazardous or flammable goods, gas bottles, certain chemicals, and perishable food that won't survive the journey — and live plants or pets need their own arrangements, especially on European moves. If you're unsure about a particular item, just ask us when you get your quote and we'll tell you honestly whether it can travel with the load.
Ready when you are
Still have a question?
If we haven't covered it, send us the move and ask away — someone from the family team will come back to you with a straight answer and an honest, no-obligation quote.