Pros and Cons of Using a Removals Comparison Site or Service

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Should You Use a Comparison Site to Book Your Move?

If you’re planning a house or business move in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ve already typed something like “compare removal companies” into Google. And in 2025, you’re met with dozens of comparison sites promising instant quotes, verified movers, and the “best deals” in seconds.

At first glance, it sounds ideal — less hassle, less searching, and more savings. But is it really that simple?

In this article, we’ll explore the real pros and cons of using removal comparison sites, especially when you’re deciding between local specialists like Moving Circle Removals & Storage and listings from national platforms.

Useful Information

An overview of our Business

Moving Circle Removals: A Trusted UK Moving Company Offering Comprehensive and Affordable Services

Moving Circle Removals is a leading UK removals company providing a complete range of services designed to support individuals, businesses, students, and families with their local, national, and international moving needs. Whether you’re relocating a house, office, or simply moving a few pieces of furniture, We deliver professional, friendly, and cost-effective solutions tailored to each client’s requirements.

Comprehensive Moving and Removal Services

With years of experience in the removals industry, Moving Circle has become one of the most reliable companies in the UK. The company offers a full suite of moving services, including:

House removals: Safe and secure moves for families relocating within the UK or abroad.
Office removals: Flexible scheduling to minimize downtime for businesses, complete with checklist planning support.
Man and van services: Ideal for small moves or for students who need affordable, flexible removal options.
Packing and unpacking: Expert packing services using high-quality materials to protect your belongings.
Furniture disassembly and reassembly: Ensuring large or delicate items are transported safely.
Secure storage: Short- and long-term storage solutions for excess items or during transitional periods.

Excellent Value and Transparent Pricing

One of the main reasons customers choose Moving Circle is the company’s commitment to offering good value, competitive prices without compromising on quality. If you’re wondering how to find the best deal, Moving Circle provides free quotes and detailed breakdowns of costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

We also partner with platforms like Compare My Move to provide honest comparison tools and access to reviews, making it easier to choose the right service. Transparent pricing and no hidden fees mean clients get the best value for money.

Trusted by Customers Nationwide

Moving Circle’s reputation is built on a foundation of trust and reliability. Countless positive testimonials and reviews highlight the company’s professionalism, punctuality, and care. Many customers praise the movers for going above and beyond — whether it’s helping set up a new office, assisting with students’ term-time relocations, or navigating complex international moves.

Moving Tips and Tools for a Stress-Free Experience

Understanding what goes into a successful move is key, which is why Moving Circle provides expert tips, articles, and checklists to help you prepare. From packing fragile items to planning a timeline, they guide you through every step of the process, ensuring nothing is forgotten.

Whether you’re relocating your business to another city, moving your house to a new local neighborhood, or downsizing with the help of a man and van team, they make it simple and stress-free.

Why Choose Moving Circle?

Trusted name in the UK removals industry
Full-service removal packages tailored to your needs
Affordable pricing and transparent quotes
Experienced and friendly movers
Flexible scheduling and 24/7 customer support
Positive customer reviews and detailed testimonials

Final Thoughts

Finding the right removal company can be daunting, but Moving Circle Removals simplifies the process with affordable prices, expert services, and a customer-first attitude. Whether you’re moving across Staffordshire, the West Midlands or beyond, we have the tools and expertise to handle it all.

From helping students settle into new flats to supporting growing businesses with large-scale office moves, Moving Circle Removals is committed to excellence from start to end. Check our reviews, request quotes, and use their moving checklist to get started today — because moving is more than just transport; it’s about beginning a new chapter with confidence.

Services We Provide

Moving Circle offers a comprehensive range of services, from everyday house removals to specialised fine art transportation and house clearances.

Residential Removal Services

Home removals (flats, houses, bungalows)
Single-item moves
Part-load removals
Long-distance removals (UK-wide)
Local removals (within town or county)

Commercial & Office Removals

Office relocations
Business and commercial moves
IT equipment and server relocation
Furniture dismantling and reassembly
Out-of-hours or weekend moves for minimal disruption

Packing Services

Full packing service
Fragile-only packing
Self-packing supply kits (boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap)
Unpacking service at the destination
Crate hire for secure or high-value items

Storage Solutions

Short-term storage
Long-term storage
Containerised storage
Self-storage units
Student storage packages

European Removals

European removals (eg Spain, France, Germany)
Overseas shipping (container or air freight)
Customs paperwork assistance
Export packing
International insurance cover

Move-out / End-of-Tenancy Services

Property clearance
Furniture disposal or recycling
Donation drop-off (charity shops, etc.)

Specialist Removal Services

Piano removals
Antique and fine art removals
Safe and heavy item removals
Appliance disconnection and reconnection
Flat-pack furniture dismantling and reassembly

Additional Services

Free home survey or virtual quote
Insurance (standard and enhanced options)
Inventory checklists
Dedicated move coordinator
Out-of-hours service (evenings/weekends)
Pet transport coordination
Vehicle transport (car, motorcycle)

Areas We Serve

Staffordshire

Stoke-on-Trent (City)
Stafford (County town)
Lichfield
Tamworth
Burton upon Trent
Cannock
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Leek
Rugeley
Stone
Uttoxeter
Burntwood

Derbyshire

Derby (City)
Chesterfield
Buxton
Matlock
Ilkeston
Ripley
Heanor
Swadlincote
Glossop
Alfreton
Bakewell
Ashbourne

West Midlands

Birmingham (City)
Coventry (City)
Wolverhampton (City)
Solihull
Walsall
Dudley
West Bromwich
Sutton Coldfield
Smethwick
Halesowen
Stourbridge
Tipton

Shropshire

Shrewsbury (County town)
Telford
Oswestry
Bridgnorth
Ludlow
Whitchurch
Market Drayton
Wellington
Church Stretton
Newport
Ellesmere

Nottinghamshire

Nottingham (City)
Mansfield
Newark-on-Trent
Worksop
Retford
Arnold
Beeston
Carlton
Hucknall
West Bridgford
Bingham
Stapleford

Worcestershire

Worcester (City & county town)
Kidderminster
Redditch
Bromsgrove
Malvern
Evesham
Droitwich Spa
Pershore
Bewdley
Stourport-on-Severn
Tenbury Wells

Warwickshire

Warwick (County town)
Leamington Spa
Stratford-upon-Avon
Nuneaton
Rugby
Bedworth
Kenilworth
Atherstone
Coleshill
Southam
Alcester

Our Locations

Lichfield

The Yard, Thatchmor Farm, Huddlesford, Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 8QH

Willenhall

Unit J, Fernside Road, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, WV13 3YA

Contact Us

Telephone

(0800) 0472607

Mobile

(07415) 839222

Email

sales@northernirelandremovalscompany.com

Our Promotions

Dates get booked up fast in the removals business. We incentivise you to move on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday by applying a 15% discount on your move day cost; we also offer a Blue Light card discount applicable on any day.

15% Mid Week Move Discount

10% Blue Light Card Discount

Book an online video survey

Book a video call consultation with us, so we can assess the volume of what you would like to be moved and gather information needed in order to provide an accurate price. Alternatively, call us on 0800 0472607 to book a home visit.

However you book your removals survey, we can help tailor our service to your needs.

Book an online video survey here

Moving circle removals and storage vide survey

The Rise of Comparison Sites in the Moving Industry

Comparison platforms have grown rapidly in the removals industry — much like they did for insurance and flights. Sites like Compare My Move, reallymoving, and GetAMover allow users to:

Submit their moving details once
Get multiple quotes from different companies
Compare services, prices, and availability
Book through the platform directly

But while these tools are helpful on the surface, they don’t always tell the full story — and sometimes, the cheapest deal ends up being the most expensive mistake.

Why People Use Them (The Pros)

There’s no doubt that using a comparison site can save time when you’re first looking around. Here are the main benefits:

Quick Results: You’ll often get multiple responses within minutes of submitting a form.
Easy to Use: Most platforms ask for basic details (move date, size, addresses) and do the rest.
Initial Price Visibility: You can see a rough idea of what your move might cost across different providers.
Some Pre-Vetting: Many platforms check for insurance and basic credentials before listing movers.

If you’re on a tight schedule or just want to get a general sense of the market, comparison tools can be a great starting point.

What They Don’t Tell You

However, these platforms also come with drawbacks that can affect your move more than you might expect. The biggest one? You’re not always getting the full picture.

The Risks of Relying on Removal Comparison Sites

While comparison sites might seem like a smart shortcut when trying to compare removal companies, there are some hidden drawbacks that many users only discover after they’ve committed to a booking. Let’s break them down in detail.

You Get Bombarded with Calls

Once you fill in your details on most comparison platforms, they share your information with multiple movers at once — sometimes as many as 5 to 8 companies. The result?

You might find yourself answering call after call from companies trying to undercut one another, even if you’re not ready to make a decision. Some customers report receiving follow-ups for days or even weeks after submitting their info.

It can feel less like comparing… and more like being chased.

Quality Isn’t Always Guaranteed

Many platforms don’t vet companies beyond surface-level checks. They might confirm basic insurance or registration, but that doesn’t guarantee experience, professionalism, or customer service.

Some companies listed are:

Very new to the industry
Understaffed and overbooked
Lacking the right vehicles or equipment for large jobs
Poorly rated — but still on the list because they pay to be there

So while you might be hoping to compare removal companies based on performance, you’re really just comparing whoever paid for a spot in the system.

The Initial Quote Might Not Be Accurate

This is a major complaint across many review platforms.

Most movers on comparison sites offer a “ballpark” quote based on limited info — like number of rooms or postcode. But once they arrive on-site or ask more detailed questions, the price can change drastically.

Common causes of last-minute price hikes:

Stairs or long walking distances
Heavy or specialist items (pianos, safes, gym gear)
Difficult parking
Last-minute scheduling
No mention of packing services, materials, or dismantling

So what looked like a great deal on the site may end up costing far more than a transparent quote from a direct company like Moving Circle Removals & Storage.

Good to Know….

Book Early

Ideally, book your removal company 4-6 weeks before your move date to allow time for a pre-move survey and compare quotes.

Packing and Unpacking:

Packing and unpacking services add to the overall cost, with comprehensive packing typically adding £400-£500 for a 3-bedroom house and unpacking costing around £200.

Book Storage Here

Easily book storage with no minimum term or unnecessary contract, so we can assess the volume of what you would like to be moved and gather information needed in order to provide an accurate price. Alternatively, call us on 0800 0472607 to book a home visit.

However you book your storage requirements, we can help tailor our service to your needs.

Book storage here

Lack of Personalisation

If you’re a business, or even a homeowner with special requirements (fragile items, specific move times, storage needs), most comparison site movers won’t tailor a plan for you. You’re just another slot on their schedule.

In contrast, direct communication with a professional moving company lets you:

Ask questions before committing
Get a proper in-person or video survey
Confirm exactly what’s included
Receive a personalised plan that suits your situation

Who Do You Call if Things Go Wrong?

Perhaps one of the most overlooked downsides: when something goes wrong, who’s responsible?

Some comparison platforms act only as lead providers — they’re not involved once the booking is made. Others say they offer support, but can’t help much beyond sending an email to the mover.

If you book directly with a trusted mover like Moving Circle, you know exactly who to contact — and that they’re accountable from start to finish.

The Smart Way to Compare Removal Companies in 2025

So, should you avoid removal comparison sites completely? Not necessarily. These platforms can be a useful tool — but only if you use them wisely and understand their limitations.

The key is to balance convenience with due diligence. Below are a few tips to help you compare removal companies confidently and avoid the common traps that catch many movers off guard.

Use Comparison Sites for Research — Not the Final Booking

Comparison sites are great for getting a ballpark idea of pricing and seeing what types of services are available. But don’t just book the first quote that pops up.

Instead:

Use the site to create a shortlist
Visit each company’s website directly
Read real reviews from Google, Trustpilot, or social media
Contact the movers personally for a tailored quote

By doing this, you can still save time — but you’re also ensuring that your final choice is based on quality, not just speed.

Ask the Right Questions Before Committing

Whether you’re booking directly or through a platform, always ask:

Do you offer packing and unpacking?
What insurance is included?
Are there any extra charges (stairs, heavy items, delays)?
Can I choose a specific time slot?
Will you conduct a pre-move survey?

The best commercial or domestic removal companies will happily provide answers — and often in writing.

Consider the Benefits of Local, Direct Movers

National chains and comparison platforms often struggle to offer flexibility or personal service. That’s where local, independent movers like Moving Circle Removals & Storage excel.

Working directly with a local provider means:

You’ll deal with the same team throughout the process
Services can be adapted to your unique needs
You avoid middleman fees
You’re more likely to receive support before, during, and after the move

Whether you’re moving house or relocating an entire office, building a relationship with your mover makes a huge difference when the pressure is on.

Final Thoughts: Compare — But Do It Right

In 2025, the urge to compare removal companies instantly is understandable. Time is tight, options are many, and prices are rising. But don’t let speed replace smart decision-making.

Comparison sites are just one tool — not the whole toolbox. For a successful move, you need transparency, communication, and a team that takes your relocation as seriously as you do.

At Moving Circle Removals & Storage, we encourage our clients to compare. We know that when they look at our service, experience, and pricing side by side with others — they see why we stand out.

Planning a move soon? Reach out today for a free, tailored quote from a trusted name in the industry — and skip the guesswork.

FAQ’s!

Do I need a Survey?

A reputable removals company will offer a free pre-move survey. This will consist of sending a member of staff to your home to analyse your moving needs. Sometimes, this survey can also be done via video call if you prefer, for ease and convenience.

The pre-move survey should allow your removals company to establish how big the move will be, so they can plan and prepare what they’ll need to provide in terms of staffing and equipment. It’s also a chance for you to discuss if you need any additional services, such as storage or packing.

After the survey, you should ask for a full written quote for what has been discussed.

Do they Supply Packaging Materials?

Most removal companies should be able to provide you with packing material. Of course, you’re welcome to get your packing materials elsewhere, but getting them from your professional removal company should help to keep your belongings safe and protected while they’re being moved.

Many removal companies will be able to provide boxes, as well as packing paper or bubble wrap, and padded bags for fragile items, if required. Speak to your removal company about exactly what they can provide, how much it will cost and when they will be able to deliver the material to you so you can start packing.

Are there any items they can’t move?

If you have dangerous goods that need moving, you should check whether your insurance company is able to move them. Often, due to health and safety requirements, removal companies might not be able to move certain goods, and you will have to move them yourself. This could include flammables, corrosives and firearms.

If you have any items that you think might cause a problem, be sure to bring it up with your removal company so they can confirm. Or, check the terms and conditions that your removal company will provide you with, here items not to be included for carriage should be listed.

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