Cost of Removals and House Moving Services
across the UK

# Trade Body Accreditation for Removals and House Moving Services

The removals industry in the UK is regulated by several key trade bodies that set standards for professional conduct and service quality. The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the largest and most recognised, requiring members to meet strict codes of practice, maintain adequate insurance, and handle complaints through a formal dispute resolution process. The National Guild of Removers and Storage (NGRS) operates similarly, protecting consumers through member vetting and complaint handling procedures. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) also covers removals companies, whilst some firms operate under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which is a legal baseline rather than a voluntary accreditation. Understanding which body a removal company belongs to helps you identify the level of protection and professional standards you can expect, as membership requires regular audits and adherence to published codes of conduct that cover everything from quotation accuracy to damage liability.

Verifying a removal company's credentials is straightforward and essential before booking. You can check membership status directly on trade body websites such as the BAR or NGRS, which provide searchable directories of accredited firms. A legitimate accredited removals company should be able to provide their membership number without hesitation, and you can contact the trade body to confirm active membership. It also matters to check whether they hold Professional Indemnity Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance, details of which should be provided on request. This verification process matters significantly because accreditation protects you if something goes wrong—whether goods are damaged, items go missing, or the company fails to complete the job. Without accreditation, you have limited recourse beyond small claims court, whereas accredited members must follow formal complaint procedures and can be required to pay compensation or face suspension.

Accredited removals companies typically charge 10 to 20 per cent more than unacc