When it comes to hiring a removal company, you’re going to want to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. This is especially true if you own items of particular worth, size or even fragility. Accidents do happen, even if you’ve hired the most experienced removal company around, but there are many ways you can minimise the risk of damage happening to your belongings. 1)    Research into as many removal companies as you can. This will not only help you get the best value for money, but it will also give you the chance to find someone you can trust. Look into their customer feedback as well as their previous experience – all this information should be available online, but if it’s not then don’t be afraid to ask! A good removal service won’t mind providing proof of their reliability. 2)    Don’t be lured in by the promise of cheap prices. You want to make sure your items are going to be safe in transit with whichever company you choose. If it sounds too cheap to be true then it could well be! Watch out if you’re choosing your removal service online, this is where the majority of scams and schemes take place. Try to work off the recommendations of friends or family. Even your estate agent might be able to recommend a trustworthy company, so don’t be shy about asking.3)    If you own fragile items make sure you ask your potential removal company how they’d deal with transferring them from one property to another. Some services will provide you with specialist packaging (often at an increased cost, so make sure you factor this in to your over-all expenditure) that will minimise the chances of your items breaking. There are many removal companies that have specific supplies or equipment to deal with fragile items – especially big ones – so make sure to ask.4)    As with fragile items, heavy items such as pianos can be a big risk when it comes to moving them. Ask your removal company how they’d move such items and what extra steps they’d take to ensure the safety of your belongings. 5)    For those extra-special items you may want to source a specifically experienced removal company. Some services specialise in moving antiques, paintings, glassware and other valuables. If you’re a collector or you own many such items then it’s probably worth the time and effort it will take to find the right company for the job. Be aware that movers that specialise in certain items are usually more expensive, so consider all your options carefully before making any decisions.6)    Find out about the level of insurance cover that your removal service provides. If you own many items of value then it may be worth paying a little more to have a reliable insurance policy in place.7)    Does your removal company sell packaging for specific items? Wardrobe boxes and boxes made specifically to protect your televisions and PC monitors can be bought online, but some removal companies also sell them. See if it’s possible to negotiate a deal if you buy both materials and services from your company so as to save a bit of money.