Understanding Your Moving Quote: Are You Comparing Apples with Pears?

When it comes to choosing a removals company, the price you see on the quote might seem like the easiest thing to compare. But much like choosing between apples and pears, it’s not always a like-for-like situation.

At Mason Moves Bristol, we build your quote around you – your home, your items, and the specifics of your moving day. That means our quote might occasionally be a little more than a standard removals company – but there’s a good reason for that.

Here’s what we include in every personalised quote, and why it often ends up saving you money and stress in the long run.

We Think Ahead—So You Don’t Have to Worry

We tailor our quote to reduce the risk of hiccups.  We can’t promise your move will be 100% hiccup-free (some things are just beyond anyone’s control), but we can promise that we’ve done everything we can to prepare. Our personalised quoting process helps reduce the chances of unexpected costs or delays.

We factor in the things that can often turn a straightforward move into a long day. Narrow hallways? Tricky access? Parking issues? Lots of stairs? An unusually large number of items? We take all of that into account when preparing your quote, because these things can slow the day down—and it’s only fair that we plan for that from the start giving you more certainty and reducing the chance of surprises on the day.

That Said… We Can’t Control Everything

Now, let’s be honest—no amount of planning can eliminate every possible hiccup. Things can and do come up on the day that no one could have foreseen, and occasionally (though rarely), there may still be additional charges if something genuinely unexpected happens.

What we can promise is that we’ve done everything reasonably possible in advance to reduce the chance of that happening. Your quote is shaped by experience and careful thought, and our terms and conditions clearly outline what kinds of scenarios might lead to changes—so you’re never caught off guard.

Key Wait? No Problem

We believe key waiting time shouldn’t be a surprise charge or a “waiver” that increases the price of a quote – If you’re buying and selling on the same day, there’s a very high chance you’ll need to wait for keys to be released. This is such a common part of moving that we include a key wait as standard in our quotes. 

It’s a small thing that makes a big difference—because if waiting for keys is inevitable it shouldn’t be an “optional extra” or a waiver.  It’s one less thing to worry about, and one more way we give you peace of mind.

Insurance That’s Built In—Not Bolted On

Our insurance is included, too. Each van is covered up to £10,000 as standard, and this can be increased on request if you need it. Insurance isn’t an optional extra with us – it’s a non-negotiable part of doing things properly.

We’re transparent about extras, too

We don’t include wardrobe boxes as standard – and here’s why. While they can be useful, they’re also bulky and take up the space of several smaller boxes in the van. This can sometimes mean you’ll need an extra vehicle (and extra cost).

We choose not to include them automatically just to make our quote look more appealing. Instead, we offer them as an optional extra, and we’ll work with you to decide if they’re actually necessary for your move. Like everything we do, our focus is on providing you with a quote that fits your needs, not a generic template.

Our Team is Our Family (And on the Payroll!)

Your belongings matter — and so does the team you trust to move them.

That’s why our staff aren’t just hired for the day. They’re experienced professionals, employed by us directly, DBS checked for your peace of mind, fully trained, insured, and genuinely invested in doing a great job.

During particularly busy times, we may bring in trusted subcontractors — professionals we’ve worked with before who align with our standards and values. They always work alongside our team, not instead of it.

What we don’t do is rely on casual, cash-in-hand labour, where insurance may be unclear and accountability can be a grey area.

This structure costs us more as a business, but it means your move is carried out with care, professionalism, and clear responsibility.

We’re more than just people who move stuff

We know moving house is emotional and exhausting.  That’s why our team is trained not just to move things, but to move people — calmly, respectfully, and with a sense of humour when it’s needed most.

Prior to the big day, we’re your sounding board, your logistical support, your calm in the chaos. Our team is here to guide you through the process with advice, reassurance, and that bit of extra care that makes a difference.

Whether you’re unsure about packing, need help preparing for the move, want us to pop by before the move, or just want a friendly face to talk through your worries—we’re here.

So, are you comparing apples with pears?

We get it – moving isn’t cheap, and we’re not here to tell you to spend more. But if you’re comparing quotes, it’s worth asking: Are you comparing apples with pears?

At Mason Moves Bristol, we aim to give you:

  • A fair, realistic price
  • Fewer surprises on the day
  • A higher-quality experience overall
  • Flexibility, not upselling – keeping things simple and cost-effective

So, if you’ve had a lower quote or you’re tempted by one, take a moment to ask what’s really included – and what might still be to come. After all, a little extra peace of mind is worth a lot when it comes to moving.

Need help comparing quotes? We’re happy to talk you through what’s included in ours, and what might be missing elsewhere – no pressure (it’s really not our thing) just friendly advice.

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