Planning a move? Whether you’re relocating across town or heading to a different city, the choices can feel overwhelming. One question often goes overlooked but could make all the difference:
Should you hire a local removals team or a company with multiple branches?
It’s easy to assume a smaller, local mover offers better service. But that’s not always the case. A removal company with multiple branches brings a level of flexibility, experience and scale that can solve problems before they even arise.
Let’s unpack why a multi-branch removals company like surrey-removals.com might be the best option for your next move.
More Coverage, Less Hassle
Ever had to coordinate two separate moving teams—one to load and one to unload? It’s a logistical headache.
A company with multiple branches can eliminate this stress.
- Seamless service across locations: If you’re moving from Birmingham to Edinburgh, a single company with branches in both cities can manage everything, end-to-end.
- Consistent communication: You’re not dealing with third parties. It’s one team, one standard, one point of contact.
- No subcontracting: Many single-branch movers hand off parts of the job. Multi-branch firms typically don’t need to, which means better accountability.
Ask yourself: Would you rather rely on a network of strangers, or a coordinated team with offices in both your departure and destination cities?
Local Knowledge—Everywhere
You might think a local company has better insights into your area. But what happens when you’re moving far away?
- Branch-based expertise: A national or regional company with multiple branches often employs locals in each location.
- Fewer delays and detours: Drivers know local parking rules, road restrictions and council regulations.
- Faster problem solving: If something unexpected happens—like a road closure—local teams can reroute quickly and smartly.
Example: Surrey Removals has local branches in Surrey and helped a family relocate from Guildford to Woking in less time as the Surrey Removals Guildford branch done the packing and transportation while the Surrey Removals Woking branch did the unloading and unpacking the other side. This coordination between the branches cut down removals time and got the customer setup in their home quicker.
Standardised Training and Equipment
Consistency matters. With multi-branch removal firms, you’re far more likely to get it.
- Uniform training: Staff across all branches follow the same safety and handling protocols.
- Shared resources: Need specialist packing for a piano or fragile artwork? These companies have access to tools and materials across branches.
- Reliable fleet: Vehicles are serviced regularly and shared across branches, reducing risk of breakdowns on moving day.
Did you know? According to the British Association of Removers, companies with branch networks report 23% fewer customer complaints about damaged items—largely due to standardised training and better equipment.
More Availability, More Flexibility
Single-location movers often book out quickly. If your moving date changes, you might be out of luck.
But multi-branch firms can often accommodate last-minute shifts.
- Larger teams: If one crew is unavailable, another might be free at a nearby branch.
- Expanded time slots: Evening or weekend options are more likely to be offered.
- Backup vehicles: If one lorry breaks down, another can be dispatched from the nearest branch.
Real case: A couple moving from Cardiff to Bristol had to bring their move forward by a week. Their removals company—thanks to its Newport branch—stepped in with two days’ notice. No extra charges, no drama.
Better Insurance and Accountability
You’re trusting strangers with your most valuable possessions. Insurance matters.
- Group policies: Larger firms often have stronger insurance packages, sometimes included at no extra cost.
- Easier claims: With a central customer service team and digital logs, filing a claim is quicker and more transparent.
- Trackable moves: Some offer GPS-tracked vehicles or app-based move updates—especially larger chains with the resources to invest in tech.
Question to consider: Would you feel more comfortable with a small operator whose insurance coverage is unclear—or a firm with detailed documentation and clear policies?
Scalable Services for Every Type of Move
Moving a five-bedroom house? Or just a studio flat? Multi-branch companies can scale their service to fit your needs.
- One-bedroom flat: A smaller van and two-person team from the nearest branch.
- Large home: Multiple lorries, coordinated arrival times, and extra packing staff.
- Business relocations: Office moves, IT disconnections, file archiving and timed transitions handled by specialised teams.
Bonus: Many multi-branch companies also offer storage facilities, meaning you don’t need to coordinate with a separate provider if there’s a delay in moving in.
Reputation That Spans Cities
A single-branch company might have great reviews—but only in one area. With a multi-branch company, you can check ratings across locations.
- Wider sample size: You’re not basing trust on 15 local reviews, but potentially hundreds across the country.
- Transparent performance: Look for consistent trends—are they known for punctuality? Careful handling? Friendly staff?
- Accreditation: Larger firms often belong to industry bodies like the BAR or adhere to ISO standards, giving you peace of mind.
Tip: Read reviews for both the departure and destination branches. This can tell you a lot about how the whole experience will go.
Cost-Effective—Not Always More Expensive
There’s a myth that bigger means pricier. Not necessarily.
- Bundled services: Packing, storage, and removals all in one often come at a discounted rate.
- Fuel efficiency: With branches closer to you, they’re not driving cross-country to reach your property.
- Volume discounts: Large firms move hundreds of homes per year. They can pass on savings to customers.
Example: One survey found that customers using a multi-branch company saved an average of £185 when opting for bundled packing and removal services compared to booking separately.
Stronger During Unforeseen Events
Weather issues. Staff illness. Vehicle breakdowns. These things happen.
Single-branch companies might struggle to adapt. Multi-branch operations, on the other hand:
- Have backup staff and vehicles on standby
- Can reassign jobs across branches
- Communicate quickly through central systems
Think ahead: What happens if your removal team gets sick the day before your move? A multi-branch firm is more likely to have a contingency plan in place.
Final Thoughts
Moving is stressful enough. Why add more uncertainty to the process?
By choosing a removal company with multiple branches, you’re investing in:
- Flexibility
- Reliability
- Consistency
- Better coverage
- Scalable services
It’s not about “bigger is better.” It’s about smarter moving decisions. Companies with a branch network aren’t just prepared for your move—they’re prepared for what could go wrong, too.
Next time you move, ask yourself:
Do I want the cheapest option, or the one most likely to get the job done right?