www.aimovers.org.uk - Association Of Independent Movers

FAQ's

When Moving House with an AIM Member

Read through some frequently asked question that may be of help. If there is anything that is not answered and you have questions about your move, you can contact your AIM Mover for advice.




Frequently Asked Questions


When should I start looking for a removals company?

You should start the process of booking a removals company as soon as you know where you are moving to. The mover will need to survey the work to be carried out and calculate an accurate quote.  It is also useful to build your working relationship with your mover early, so they have a full understanding of your individual needs. No two moves are the same.



What does AIM do to protect me?

Association of Independent Movers assesses all members, both before they join and annually, to ensure they offer a good service and abide by the AIM Code of Practice. It is very rare that anything goes drastically wrong, but if it does AIM can help to settle disputes between its members and their customers.


How do I get a quote for my move?

Once you have made contact with your mover, they will book a time and date for a surveyor to visit. The surveyor will take all the details and gather all the information needed to enable them to calculate an accurate quote.


Can I get a quote if I don’t have a confirmed date?

Yes. AIM members are happy to offer quotes even if you don’t have a confirmed date. Once your date is confirmed, you should contact your mover immediately to book your move.


How do I know if my mover is an AIM member?

AIM members will usually have the logo on their paperwork and/or on their own websites. However, the best way to check is to look for them on this website.


What if I can’t find an AIM member in my area?

At AIM, all our staff are from the removals industry and we have extensive knowledge of removals companies around the country. If we don’t have a mover in your area, you can contact us and we will find a reputable company for you.


What should I look for in my quote?

Your quote should include information about the work to be carried out, the Terms & Conditions and details about insurances and liabilities. It should also contain contact information for your mover, which should include the address. If you require your mover to carry out any work that isn’t on the quote, such as dismantling furniture, you should contact the mover before the work is to be carried out.

Do I need to have everything packed and ready?

If you are packing your goods yourself, you should have everything ready to go when the van arrives. It is always a good idea to keep one box for all the items you will need on the day, such as phone charger, medicines, kettle, etc… This box should be loaded last and unloaded first.


Where do I buy boxes?

Your mover will be able to provide the packing materials you need. Not all boxes are suitable for packing your goods, so it is better to get them from your mover rather than source them elsewhere.


Can my mover pack everything for me?

AIM members offer a variety of packing services. This can be discussed when the estimator visits your home.


Should I empty my wardrobes and drawers?

Furniture is not built to be moved while full. Chests of drawers should be emptied before moving to avoid making them unstable. AIM members use wardrobe cartons to transport the hanging contents from wardrobes. These boxes have hanging rails in them, so your clothes can be easily transferred.


How will my furniture be protected?

Sofas, armchairs, tables, mattresses and some other goods will be wrapped in specialist covers to protect them while they are being moved. Your mover will also have a supply of removals blanket on the vehicle, to wrap and protect furniture and other items.


What happens if I need to wait for keys on move day?

If your mover cannot get access to unload, there may be extra charges for “waiting time”. This should be clarified at the time you receive the quote. Some movers offer a waiting time waiver, which is a small fee paid in advance to cover any waiting time. Ask your mover for details.


Can I leave comments about my mover?

You can visit the mover’s profile page on this website and leave comments about them. All comments are monitored by AIM to prevent abuse of the system and ensure comments are genuine.