Simply Removals

It seems that I am adding another similar tale of woe.  We moved from High Wycombe to Wellingborough (clarifying here as the drop down options don't give us anywhere near to us to choose from). Prior to the moving date the company were very helpful and on every phone call they reiterated that they were sending 2 men to move a 3 bedroomed house.  Prior to the move we had boxed up and moved a lot of our surplus belongings to a storage unit so these did not constitute part of the move for this company.  I was also moving my cats and their belongings myself in a Luton van that I had hired separately.  We did not have 3 fully furnished bedrooms so had expected the move to go well.  On the morning the van turned up - with 2 guys who could hardly speak English.  As soon as they realised that we had cats (which by this time were in the Luton van) one of them started protesting he had an allergy and stuck his nose down his sweatshirt which is the pose he continued with the whole time.  They started to move some of the contents and then starting telling me 'Husband must help'.  I said no he couldn't as he had had a hernia op 2 weeks before and could not lift, to which the response was 'No no, he must help'.  They then started to protest and had a 'break' and also proceeded to stuff the Terms and Conditions under my nose for signing without giving me any chance to read them.  They just proceeded to follow me round stuffing the clipboard under my nose every time I paused for a second.   Surely this should have been presented to me prior to them even starting to load the van.  I could not get them to resume loading the van at all at that stage. I then phoned the company and while waiting for them to find someone to help me, they played their jingle about how you 'don't need to lift a finger' and how they moved David Cameron, which only served to incense me even more.  The guy I eventually spoke to said that we did not have to help load the van and then spoke to the guys.  Their attitude changed quite astoundingly after that.  The van was loaded but there was not enough room for our belongings, most significantly, our two wardrobes from one room, a dressing table, freezer and fridge plus quite a few more boxes and garden equipment.  My partner then phoned the company and we were told that our contents were more than they would expect for a 3 bedroomed house but more for a 4 bedroomed house!  Remember we only had one fully furnished bedroom and we had put the equivalent of 2 Luton Van loads into storage!  They then said they would send another van at the inflated sum of £400 (approx) which at that stage we had no option but to pay.  When that turned up it was even smaller than the first van (no larger than the Luton van) and again could not accommodate all of our remaining belongings.  The first van was not much larger than the Luton van. The excuse then was that we had garden stuff - excuse me, but we had specified a 3 bedroomed HOUSE - doesn't a house have a garden with garden equipment!  We eventually had to make the decision to go back later that evening (thankfully the new owners were not moving in that day!) to collect everything else that the removal vans could not accommodate which meant we did not finally finish our move until 3.00am the next morning.  When the fiasco had finally concluded we found that they had broken both glass doors on our display unit and hadn't told us, leaving one broken in the front garden of our old property and one broken on the driveway of our new property - placed very slyly so that we wouldn't see them until they had finished.AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS.  They would not accept that they had send too small a vehicle to start with and then expected us to pay the inflated cost for the second van.  We could probably have employed Pickfords to move us for less than this cost us and we would have had a much more professional service.After having recovered from our move (after which my partner fractured his hip  and had to have it pinned) we complained to the company to be told it was too late as the 7 days had elapsed. From looking at the reviews, it would appear that this company operates this scam time and time again to ensure they extract more money out of you for a second van and seems to get away with it.  Seems I have to put a star on this review, but to be honest they don't even warrant one star.**.

Service cost: £832

We had a really quick sale and couldn't get a local company so contacted Simply Removals. Spoke to Fraser who sorted out some vans despite it being only a week before completion. Customer Service was brilliant. All my questions were answered sympathetically and helpfully and I had a few. On moving day two lorries and 5 men turned up. They spoke little English but were brilliant. They worked their socks off and nothing was any trouble, despite the really hot weather. I really cannot thank them enough they were professional and I would recommend them to everyone. I have said I would never move again but if I did I would use this company every time. Well done.

Service cost: £2100

We were quoted for our three bed house and the van and two lads that arrived on moving day seemed hopelessly inadequate. However, they worked very efficiently and very hard and amazingly got all of our stuff packed carefully into the van. No breakages. At new house all belongings taken carefully to various rooms (the narrow winding staircase no problem). A great job, thanks.
My only negative point is that this company don't seem to come out to quote on a job and we only just got our belongings into the van - next time I would overestimate space required.

Service cost: £724

We found Simply Removals through an online comparison site and Simply Removals were the only compaany to follow up our query and were not pushy. They also gave us an up front quote that never changed. The two lads that turned up on time didn't stop they also wouldn't let us lift a finger. The quote was excellent and I still can't believe it I was expecting a call saying they had got it wrong. Both my husband and I were expecting a pony and trap to turn up but a good sized van that accomodated all our wordly goods was sent. The removal men made sure I checked the van before they left to make sure nothing had been left behind, they finished very late but never moaned once. I would recommend and have recommended this company to anyone that asks. I would use them again without any hesitation. The admin staff were excellent and when I rang to change our move date just a few days before we moved they checked their system and changed it without any fuss, trauma or extra cost.

Service cost: £252

We booked a full packing, move and unpacking service over two days with Simply Removals. Their quote was cheaper or on a par with other companies we researched but Simply Removals looked like they knew what they were doing compared to some others. They arrived early and packed quickly, using plenty of bubble wrap on all possessions and then packed into sturdy boxes with regard to unpacking at the destination. The move went smoothly with all furniture placed carefully and sometimes moved again if we asked for it, as we had little idea beforehand where items were going to be positioned. The removal men were polite at all times, extremely hard working, honest and careful. The protective packing was suitable for the most delicate of items so nothing was broken in the move. Their lorry was just the right size for our needs even though we probably had more than they expected. We cannot thank them enough because their friendly and helpful personalities made what could have been a very hard day into more of a pleasure than we could ever have expected. I would use them again and recommend them to friends.

Service cost: £1032

Simply Removals were far cheaper than any other quote I received, however I was reminded of the saying 'you get what you pay for'.  the men who came were all very pleasant and extremely hard working but I feel are being exploited by Simply Removals who failed to provide them with the most basic of equipment to help them lift and move things easily.  We could not get hold of anyone at Simply Removals on the day of our move when we had some queries and no effort has been made to contact me since to answer my concerns.  Despite being charged for packing materials, none were supplied and no refund has been sent. I would say, if you are at all fussy about your posessions, don't use this firm.

Service cost: £2000

Moved 1.3miles with furniture for a 1 bed flat and took 7 hours And cost £560!The two men turned up on time but only one could speak English.I warned them immediately that the van looked small and they should put the sofa in first, but was ignored. I also told them to unscrew the arms from the sofa, but I was told that was impossible (despite us doing this later to get into the second flat).My husband is a doctor, and during the loading and unloading process, we were seriously concerned about the fitness off the men, with one having to stop regularly and was breathing scarily heavily.In the end, we ended up assisting the men with most of the carrying, calling several friends to help also. The men also took breaks without letting us know. Absolutely fine to take a break but DON'T JUST DISAPPEAR.Because they could not fit the sofa in, as they ignored my advice, we had to do two trips, upping the cost significantly.On moving big pieces of furniture their words were "not out fault if it gets scratched as your corridor is narrow"- then what skills am I paying for!! Corridors damaged and furniture scratched as a result. SIMPLY APPALLING!!I have used simply removals twice before and were to an excellent standard, moved more furniture and  moved a greater distance within 5 hrs. So this time I chose the by hour rate instead of flat BY THEIR SUGGESTION. Ended up with weaker, less fit and less skilled movers and paying through the nose. I have never been more disappointed with a professional service.

Service cost: £560

I was moving my flat last month. The van arrived on time but the handlers did not have any packaging materials. They had a wrong job's specs as they  explained to me. This delayed the process significantly as one of the guys had to go away to pick up boxes etc. While unloading the van one of the guys dropped my expensive HEALS mirror. He took the mirror away and I contacted their customer services and filled out the paperwork for the damage. It has been over a month now and I am still chasing them for the update. The customer services/claims departments are just talking heads. They will promise an update and nothing will happen. When you call their call senter they will not transfer your call to any other team. I have wrtitten now to the CEO's office but am still waiting to hear from him. Yes these guys seem to be cheap compared to others but for me it has been a false economy. You will spend alot of time chasing them if anything goes wrong. At this stage I am thinking of taking them to court.  .

Service cost: £500

Unfortunately, I didn't read the reviews about this company before we booked this firm. We have made two separate times and dates for this company to deliver boxes. In order for us to start packing, our removal just a few days away. My partner has had to take time off work to ensure someone's home to receive them, and we're still waiting and have has absolutely no communication other than their 'promises'. Well, I wonder if they'd like to pay the money we lost taking time off for their incompetence?  I'm surprised company's like this exist and shouldn't! We have been assured twice now, that the packaging will 'definitely be delivered, and if they're any problems we'll let you know'. Still waiting and nobody's let us know! If you read this review, please, just don't bother! Completely unreliable! It's far too stressful without the incompetence of people who like to call themselves a 'removal company'?! Disappointing (to be very polite) it's just extra problems you really don't need!

Service cost: £300

I spent a little time reading reviews and checking on insurance before deciding to go ahead with the above company. They advised me they had £20,000.

I made them aware that it was a two bedroom house going to three bedroom. They didn’t ask on the amount of boxes or to come up and see.

I had difficulty getting through to speak to someone and tried all the nearby offices at times. I couldn’t pick up the free packaging, they didn’t have it in their office and had to have it delivered to another address as I was working away.

Where they were great were that they allowed me to change the day by one day.

I had asked could they bring a tv box with them and I would pay for it but was advised it wasn’t necessary as they had blankets and left a tv. mirror, and matching lamp and Laura Ashley chandelier out for this.
On the removal day itself I was advised they would arrive 8-8:30 for a Marlborough move to Swansea. At 8:30 I called through and was abruptly told it was an estimated time and they had got stuck in traffic in Swindon.

The removal men did ring me left two messages one saying they were delayed one where their phone had gone off and I could hear them talking in the background.

They arrived around 9:30 having come from Bristol not Swindon as the owner had told me. The van was small. Their words not mine too small for the job. They rung their manager who apparently told them it was too bad, and they spent some time calling around to see if they could get a second van.

The removal men were polite and courteous and told me not to worry they would get all the items in.

They did pack everything up and headed off for Swansea around 1:30 ish advising they would be stopping for food. They allowed me to track them on my phone so I could let my sister know where they were as she was letting them in for me.

I had asked for the bed and wardrobe to be dismantled and reassembled. They had to take the desk apart as there wasn’t room to get it into the van.

I arrived in Swansea as they were leaving they advised that they couldn’t find a leg for my Laura Ashley Snuggler but it was there somewhere.

When I got into the house I found my Willis and Gambier bed had a hole in the rattan headboard.

Later I discovered one of my Cotswold and Company chairs had been dented and chipped at the top, and another had damage all down the side.

My delicate Laura Ashley paper chandelier had been added along with the mirror into aChristmas tree storage bag, with boxes on top of them. The mirror had chips on it and the paper chandelier had three large holes.

My matching Cotswold and Company Tv unit has a dent in the front and the Laura Ashley snuggler chair still only has 3 legs. The desk that was dismantled to be fitted in is still in 5 sections and was not reassembled.
My two Laura Ashley armchair have Indentation and scratches on them.
My move was on the 1.08.18. I sent an email and rung on the 2nd to which I was told “ I knew we’d have trouble with you as you complained yesterday. “
I was asked to put this in writing I did with the attached pictures on the 3rd. The owner advised me he would need to speak to the removal men. He then told me as the mirror and light hadn’t been bubble wrapped they couldn’t be claimed for.

I was never asked to do this either when I approached about the tv, or on the day. I have yet to come across bubble wrap strong enough to withstand items being put on top of them.

I went back on Monday 6th and asked for an update adding in further damage that had been discovered.

Today Thursday 9th I wrote and advised I was going to put this review in place. To which I had an email asking do I have pictures to show my possessions were not damaged before the move.

The insurance of £20,000 only pays £50 per item damaged. But at present the owner doesn’t even seem to want to give me that.

During the day whilst I can’t prove it and this is second hand information I was informed there are no local offices, the owner has an office abroad and books drivers to use his vans. This is why there was no office for me to pick anything up from.

Had I read a review like mine before I had booked I would never have used this company. The items that have been damaged are going to cost a lot more than £50 each to repair and other than a replacement leg, most repairs are still going to be visible.

I have pictures but this review will not let me load them however I am happy to share with anyone who wishes to know more.

I wish to ensure anyone else moving avoids having to go through this.

Service cost: £590

We had a lot to move but the team worked incredibly hard and fast and were very accommodating. We had to wait to get into the new house so they had to work late to get everything unloaded with no complaints. The team were very friendly and smartly dressed and both vans were well presented and clean. Price for moving a large 5 bedroom house was £1400 vat. We packed and they came the day before to pack the vans and completed everything in 4 hours. Small van came on the day to pick up final bits and both vans were at the new property at the time requested.  .

Service cost: £2040

6 months pregnant 4 year old child 150 miles to move, first into storage then to Nottingham. Day 1 packers were 2 hours late London o camberlerely did not complete packing nor pack fragile goods securely. Day 2 booked 4 men quoted for 4 bed house, 2 men arrived 1 hour late smallest lorry you hve ever seen. 2 hours later after a harsh call from us another lorry arrived van smaller 2 men so 4 men as booked but small lorries! 3 hours later artic lorry arrives 3 men ,late getting out of property furniture not wrapped or protected all dirty from truck. I'm in tears with child, dog ,leave husband to help load. Arrange delivery to Nottingham, arrive on time artic lorry and a van 5 men great start, open truck not our stuff, half of our belongings  Not loaded. Van half empty, so no beds no wardrobes. No effort to fix problem by customer service again I'm 6 months pregnant standing outside in the snow for 2 hours directing what's our stuff and where to put it! Feel ill and stressed wish I could say it was a one off but both sides of the move this went wrong . Then to see. Furniture damaged dirty and missing heart breaking! Removers were kind helpful  but in fairness they new nothing of our stuff whoever in charge of the full operation should not be in this job and no one cared to resolve nor get our stuff to us great move ruined thanks simply removals.

Service cost: £2300

I was so pleased and delighted at the care and consideration shown to me by this firm. I was I small house move from upstairs flat to semi house, the arangmnets for the time and date were fully explained and reminded to me.. the overall time taken to pick up and move me in was 4 hours far above my expectations even though I had packed all the boxes my self. the requests for information /help were done polightly and clearly. I cannot recomnd this firm and team to highly they supported me in evry way they could a very big thankyou to them.

Service cost: £250

Was very disappointed, the movers were due to move by belongings out of storage and deliver them between 11-2. Was told on the day at 1 that delivery could be late as five, they actually turned up at 6:15pm!! Was not unloaded until 9pm, which was great for my three year old. Subsequently to the move I discovered that the bolts on my washing machine were not fastened by the movers so it now leaks. After complaining to Simply Removals I was ignored - I still haven't received an answer. A very poor service in all. .

Service cost: £900

I was expecting them at 8:00 am as confirmed on email but they didn't show up so I phoned at 8:05. They said it will take about 45 min. They said it will take about 40 min after an hour. And they said it will take about 20 min after another hour. They eventually arrived 3 hours late. Carpet cleaning was delayed, BT engneer waited for an hour accordingly. They were ready to leave as they droped the last boxes. Obviously, I had to clear all boxes as I opened them because it took time to do so. Yes they did their job but it finished late because they arrived annoyingly late. not recommended.

Service cost: £816

Please be warned DO Not not use this unreliable company. Two packing men arrived promptly on 1st day, worked quickly, ran out of boxes, and did not complete all the packing, left after three and a half hours with items unpacked, not the six hours allocated by the Co.,  appeared in a hurry to leave, ommitted to inform the office coordinator that the packing job was incomplete, consequently next day when the removal men arrived they were shocked to find three or four boxes had been left in flat pack. They then had to unexpectedly finish off the packing, some 150 boxes before they could even start removals, then they found the van was inadequate to take all the boxes and suggested we hire a small transit van at our own expense to take the rest of our removal boxes ourselves ! Apart from the fact we are OAP's and particulary paid out for a service to save ourselves this hassle, we were totally amazed at this suggestion. I proceeded to phone head office, who did  eventually send a second van to finish the removal after I explained what had taken place. This made the delivery of goods much later than anticipated. On unpacking over the next few days the goods were very badly packed, drawers had just been tipped upside down into cardboard boxes etc, we found our passports missing along with USA dollar bills, Australian dollar bills and Euro notes, all had been strategically and safely placed in different purses and handbags by me, I found everyone of my purses and handbags had been unzipped by someone obviously well skilled to look for certain items, coins were not taken, too heavy and noisy to be noticed I guess. quite a lot of items were broken and damaged in this move, but, the missing passports were the most distressing and worrying of all. Of course we were told that this sort of thing has never happened before ! Because their claim to fame was to have moved our Prime Minister to Downing Street, we thought that they must be a very trustworthy caring company, never thought for one moment that we should be concerned about their integrity and honesty. WRONG, please be warned they are not good at packing and neither were they honest. The company itself not being responsible for these losses,as their small print states that all losses and discrepancies not brought to their notice within 7 days could not be accepted. An impossible task with over 150 boxes. .

Service cost: £740

Simply Removals assisted us on Saturday 22 June 2013.  The three man team, headed by Sergey, were punctual, prompt and very efficient - the level of due care and attention is well above what we had observed from other removal teams in the past. Sergey in particular was articulate, kind and very helpful, no task or request was too big or small. We felt our goods were in the best possible hands and Sergey should be commended for the way he represents Simply Removals. Thank you once again and should we next require your services, we will be requesting Sergey and his team once again. Furthermore, we will have no hesitation in recommending Simply Removals to anyone.  .

Service cost: £450

Do yourself a favour and do not book this company, you're far better off paying a little more for a company that will actually do the job. We sent a list of everything in our house which needed to be moved when we made the booking. On the day they turned up with a lorry half the size they needed. All the driver could say was that it wasn't his problem and that we should take it up with head office. He half filled his lorry and proceeded to try and drive off an hour before we even had the keys to our new house because he was only interested in getting to his next job. We had to argue with him to get more stuff into the lorry and he eventually relented provided that we didn't complain if anything broke. We even had to jump in the lorry to stop him driving off. We ended moving more of our possessions ourselves, over 9 journeys in our cars, than they did. They were absolutly useless, wish we hadn't bothered, they made a normally stressful day even more stressful.

Service cost: £500