FAQs
Quotes, surveys and getting started
How do I get a quote for my move?
Call our Chester team on 01244 521 950 or complete the online enquiry form and we will come back to you. For larger homes and offices we arrange a free survey at a time that suits you, then send a clear written quote.
Do you need to carry out a survey before you can give me a price?
For larger homes and offices, yes. A free survey, either at your property or by video, lets us see exactly what is involved so we can quote accurately. Smaller moves can often be quoted from the details you give us, and there is no obligation to book.
What is the difference between a home survey and a video survey?
A home survey is where our surveyor visits your property in person. A video survey covers the same ground remotely, over a video call at a time that suits you, which is often quicker and more convenient. Both are free.
Is the survey free, and am I under any obligation to book?
Yes. Our surveys and quotes are completely free, and you are under no obligation to book with us.
How far in advance should I book my removal?
As early as you can, particularly for Fridays and month ends, which are the busiest. Once you have a likely completion date, get in touch and we can pencil you in.
What information do you need from me for an accurate quote?
The more we know about the size of your home, what is being moved and the access at both ends, the more accurate your quote will be. For larger moves a quick survey captures all of this for you.
Can you provide a quote at short notice?
Where we can, yes. A video survey makes it easier to turn a quote around quickly, so contact the Chester team and we will do our best to help.
House removals
Do you handle moves of any size, from a single room to a large family home?
Yes. We move everything from a single room or small flat through to large family homes. No move is too big or too small.
Do you cover Chester, North Wales and Wirral, as well as the rest of the UK?
Yes. We are based in Chester and move households across Chester, North Wales and Wirral, nationally across the UK, and internationally.
Can you move me on a weekend or on a specific date?
We always aim to move you on your preferred date. Popular dates book up quickly, so the earlier you get in touch, the better the chance of securing the day you want.
What happens on moving day?
Our trained crew arrive on time with a modern, fully equipped fleet. They protect your home, then carefully wrap, load and transport your belongings, and place everything exactly where you want it at your new home.
Will the same team look after my move from start to finish?
Your move is handled by an experienced, trained crew, with our Chester office team supporting you throughout, from your first enquiry to moving day.
Can you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Yes we can do this as part of your job.
How do you protect my home and belongings during the move?
We protect your belongings with furniture blankets, protective wrapping and straps, and use the right tools to move items safely. The same care is taken when loading and unloading at the other end.
Can you help if I am moving from a flat or apartment with limited access?
Yes. We move from flats and apartments regularly and plan access carefully in advance. Where a large lorry cannot get close, we can shuttle with a smaller vehicle.
Packing and materials
Do you offer a packing service?
Yes. We offer a full packing service carried out by trained teams using professional protective materials. Packing is a specialist skill, so we always recommend leaving it to the professionals.
What is the difference between a full packing service and part packing?
With a full packing service we pack everything for you. With part packing, we take care of the awkward and fragile items, such as china, glass, pictures and electronics, and you handle the rest.
Can I pack some items myself and leave the rest to you?
Absolutely. Many customers choose part packing, where we handle the fragile and awkward items and you pack the straightforward boxes yourself.
Do you supply boxes and packing materials?
We use professional packing materials on every move and can advise on what you will need if you are packing yourself.
When do your packers arrive, before or on moving day?
For a full packing service, our team usually packs before moving day so everything is boxed and ready. The exact timing is arranged with you in advance.
Do you provide wardrobe boxes for clothes?
Yes. We can provide wardrobe boxes so your clothes can be moved on their hangers.
How should I pack fragile or valuable items?
Fragile and valuable items need plenty of cushioning, sturdy boxes and clear labelling, and should never be packed loose. For real peace of mind we recommend our packing service, as professionally packed items are protected to the right standard.
Business and commercial removals
Do you handle office and commercial moves?
Yes. We handle office, commercial and business relocations of all sizes. Our commercial team are experts at minimising downtime so your performance is not affected during the move.
Can you help plan and project manage a larger office relocation?
Yes. Every commercial move starts with a plan built around your operations, covering logistics, access, timings and any storage you need, with the aim of keeping downtime to a minimum.
How do you keep confidential documents and data secure during a move?
We take confidentiality seriously and plan commercial moves so that documents and equipment are handled securely throughout.
Moving abroad: European and international removals
Do you handle removals to Europe?
Yes. We are experienced in European removals and regularly move households across the continent, including to Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Ireland and beyond.
Do you ship household goods worldwide?
Yes. We handle international removals worldwide, including to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE and the USA.
What is the difference between a full container and a shared or part load?
A full container is reserved solely for your belongings, which suits larger moves. A shared or part load means your items travel alongside others heading the same way, which can cost less but may take longer. We will advise which option suits your move.
How long does an international move usually take?
It depends on the destination and whether you have a full or shared container, so timescales can range from a couple of weeks to a few months. We will give you a realistic timeframe for your specific move.
Do you handle customs paperwork and documentation?
Yes. We provide a complete door to door service and handle the customs paperwork and documentation for moves to and from Europe and further afield, which takes a great deal of pressure off you.
Which countries do you move to?
We move to destinations across Europe, including Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and worldwide, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE and the USA.
Do you offer storage at either end of an international move?
Yes. We can store your belongings securely before they ship and arrange storage at the destination through our international network where it is needed.
How are my belongings protected during international shipping?
Belongings are professionally export wrapped and packed, then securely loaded into containers for the journey, as part of our door to door service.
Storage
What types of storage do you offer?
We offer household storage, self storage, business storage and disaster recovery storage, all from our purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Chester.
What is the difference between self storage and household or container storage?
With self storage you have your own unit that you can access yourself. With household or container storage, your belongings are professionally loaded into containers and kept in our warehouse, which is ideal for moves with a gap between dates.
How much storage space will I need?
This depends on how much you are storing. Our team can help you work out the right amount of space so you are not paying for more than you need.
How long can I store my belongings for?
For as long as you need. Our storage is flexible, whether that is a few days between completion dates or a longer term arrangement.
How secure is your storage facility?
Your belongings are kept at our dedicated, purpose-built storage facility on the outskirts of Chester.
Can I access my belongings while they are in storage?
Yes. With our self storage you can access your belongings at very little notice, and the units are laid out so that moving large and cumbersome items in and out is straightforward.
Where is your storage facility located?
Our storage is held at our purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Chester. You can reach our Chester team at 4 Chantry Court, Chester CH1 4QN.
Can you store business stock, equipment or archives?
Yes. Our business storage is suitable for stock, equipment, documents and archives, and can be combined with a commercial move.
Can you collect my belongings for storage and deliver them later?
Yes. We can collect your belongings, store them securely, and deliver them to your new address when you are ready.
Do you offer disaster recovery storage?
Yes. We offer disaster recovery storage for businesses that need a secure, rapid storage solution to protect stock, equipment or records.
Specialist and heavy items
Do you move pianos?
Yes. We offer specific piano removal services and specialist services or other valuable items.
Do you handle heavy or awkward items, such as safes or large appliances?
Yes. We regularly handle heavy and awkward items such as safes, large appliances and bulky furniture, using the right equipment to move them safely.
Do you have specialist equipment for difficult lifts or restricted access?
Yes. We use the latest equipment and tools, including furniture blankets, dollies, straps and protective wrapping, to handle difficult and restricted access lifts safely.
About Britannia Cestrian
How long has Britannia Cestrian been in business?
We have over 40 years of experience moving families and businesses across Chester, North Wales and Wirral.
Are you a member of the British Association of Removers?
Yes. We are a member of the British Association of Removers, including its overseas group for international moves, and we are also a Which? Trusted Trader.
What do your accreditations mean for me as a customer?
Our accreditations are your reassurance. BAR membership means we work to a strict code of practice, with advance payment protection and access to independent dispute resolution. As a Which? Trusted Trader we have passed an independent assessment and you can read verified customer reviews. Our certification to BS EN 12522, the British and European standard for domestic removals, means our service is independently audited against a recognised benchmark.
Are you part of a larger removals network?
Yes. We are part of Britannia, one of the UK’s largest networks of independent, family owned removal companies, which gives us national and international reach while we remain locally owned in Chester.
Are your removal teams trained and experienced?
Yes. Our moves are carried out by trained and experienced teams who handle every job with care.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover Chester, North Wales and Wirral, with moves across the UK and abroad. We also have dedicated area pages for Chester, North Wales and Wirral.
Where can I read reviews from previous customers?
You can read customer reviews on the testimonials page of our website, and on our BAR and Which? Trusted Traders profiles.
