Compare Removal Costs

Save 70% off the cost of your house move today!

Compare Removal Costs

Save 70% off the cost of your house move today with Compare My Move!

compare now
  • Compare verified moving companies
  • Save up to 70% off your home removals
  • Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
  • Get up to 6 free, no obligation quotes

Compare Removal Costs

Save 70% off the cost of your house move today with Compare My Move!

compare now

Compare Removal Costs

Save 70% off the cost of your house move today with Compare My Move!

compare now

Kirsty Kenney

5 out of 5 stars
Kirsty Kenney
" He was just great - he came out very quickly. Really, really, really good.”
read kirsty's story

Elliot Brady

5 out of 5 stars
We had such a good experience with our removal company recommended by Compare My Move, I absolutely would recommend [the service] to others.
Compare My Move: The Only Stress-Free Part of the Moving Experience
read elliot's story

Andy White

5 out of 5 stars
A House Move That Helped Us Upsize For Our Future Family
It was great to receive calls rather than have to trawl through online.
read andy's story

Compare My Move Fact-Checking Standards

The Compare My Move team follows strict guidelines to ensure that every piece of content is accurate, trust-worthy and adheres to the highest standard of quality. Each article is expertly reviewed by members of our author panel before being published to promote accurate and quality content.

All Compare My Move articles adhere to the following standards:

  • Expertly reviewed - Our articles are reviewed by an industry expert with in-depth knowledge and experience of the article topic.
  • Data supported - All statistics, research and data must link or reference to the original source.
  • Accuracy - All research and data are taken from high-quality, trustworthy and authoritative sources.
  • Quality checked - Our content writers ensure every Compare My Move article is written to the highest of standard.

The National Guild of Removers and Storers Explained

Ashleigh Williams

Written by Reviewed by Dave Sayce

22nd Jul 2022 (Last updated on 16th Jan 2023) 4 minute read

When choosing a removals and storage company, you should ensure they are trustworthy and reliable. They are responsible for transporting your household goods. As a result, you need to be assured when using their services.

One way to verify a removal company is to research whether they are part of the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS). The guild regulates its members and ensures they are meeting the Guild’s Code of Practice. It has high standards, and its members are expected to maintain excellent service.

  1. What is the National Guild of Removals and Storage (NGRS)?
  2. The Benefits of Choosing A Guild Member
  3. NGRS Code of Practice
  4. Approved Inspection Procedure
  5. How to Make a Complaint
  6. Finding a Trusted and Professional Removal Company

What is the National Guild of Removals and Storage (NGRS)?

The National Guild of Removals and Storage (NGRS) is an independent body, that provides quality monitoring for removals and storage companies. This ensures they are meeting the Guild’s code of practice. It was set up in 1991 to regulate and protect the removals industry and covers the UK only.

The NGRS ensures consumer protection. Customers are treated fairly by independent companies. Any storage and removals company can apply to be a part of the guild.

As it’s not a compulsory membership, there is a set criterion companies need to meet, and expectations they need to uphold.

Storage and removals companies that are part of the guild are responsible for providing a regulated and approved service. They will need to pass the inspection procedure before being accepted into the guild.

As a result, companies that have been accepted into the guild are trusted and verified. This is similar to the British Association of Removers and FIDI which are independent trade associations for removal and international removal companies.

Compare Removal Company Costs

Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

The Benefits of Choosing A Guild Member

Here are several benefits of choosing a guild member:

1. Customer Feedback

    Customers are sent a questionnaire to fill in about their experience. This questionnaire allows the NGRS to keep track of their guild member’s performance. The questionnaires are sent to the Guild and bypass the removal and storage companies.

    2. Regulated Services

      As the National Guild of Removers and Storers is regulated, you can rest assured knowing the company is legitimate and complies with the Guild’s standards.

      3. The Removals Industry Ombudsman

      If a removals or storage company is part of the NGRS, customers can contact the Removals Industry Ombudsman with any complaints. The Ombudsman will then investigate this.

      4. Higher Quality Service

      By choosing a company that’s part of the National Guild of Removers and Storers you will receive a higher quality service. You are covered if anything goes wrong with your move, and the company you have chosen can be relied upon.

      Compare Removal Company Costs

      Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

      NGRS Code of Practice

      The NGRS has a specific Code of Practice that all members are required to follow. Here is a brief rundown of this:

      • Inspections - The Guild carries out regular inspections of members. This ensures they are meeting the criteria and are providing accurate information to customers.
      • Complaints - Complaints need to be responded to as quickly as possible. Members need to provide all the relevant information if the complaint is passed on to the ROIS.
      • Proving Quotes - Companies have to provide written quotes and estimates for customers. The terms and conditions of business should be included.
      • Insurance Details - Insurance documentation and details need to be provided as proof of cover. Insurance needed includes - goods in storage, goods in transit, public and employee liability, and vehicle (fleet).
      • Correct Training - All employees need to be adequately trained.
      • Storage Standards - The facility needs to be safe, secure, and weatherproof. An inventory of goods stored needs to be provided to the customers.
      • Vehicle Standards - Vehicles should annually meet the Department of Transport’s regulations and be passed by licenced inspectors. This is to ensure their vehicles are operational by law.

      Take a look at the NGRS Code of Practice for a full rundown on the specific details.

      Compare Removal Company Costs

      Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

      Approved Inspection Procedure

      To become a member of the National Guild of Removers and Storers, members need to pass the approved inspection procedure. Here’s an outline of what the inspection procedure includes:

      • Insurance Verification
      • Operational Qualifications
      • Vehicles
      • Storage Facilities
      • References
      • Customer Testimonials
      • Trading Standard and Health & Safety Compliance

        Take a look at the NGRS website for a full rundown of each section of the procedure expectations.

        How to Make a Complaint

        If you need to make a complaint about a removals or storage company, if they’re part of the National Guild of removers, your complaint will be taken seriously.

        To begin with, contact the removals or storage company. If they aren’t able to meet your expectations and provide a resolution, you can then contact The Removals Industry Ombudsman. They will then investigate your complaint.

        For more information, read our article on how to file a complaint against a removal company.

        Finding a Trusted and Professional Removal Company

        If you want to hire a professional removal company, you can use our removals comparison service to receive a quote from one of our trusted partners. We will connect you with up to 6 partners who are trusted and verified.

        Compare Removal Company Costs

        Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

        Ashleigh Williams

        Having written book reviews and content for For The Love of Books for over five years, Ashleigh now creates advice articles for Compare My Move, focusing on all things home-related.

        Dave Sayce

        Reviewed by Dave Sayce

        Owner & Managing Director, Compare My Move

        Dave Sayce is the owner and managing director of Compare My Move and has over 10 years of experience in the house removals industry.

        Compare and Save on Your Move

        Save 70% off the Cost of Your House Move Today!