Why a BAR-Registered Removals Company Can Make Your Move a Success
Moving home is often regarded as one of life’s most stressful events.
From packing up your belongings to coordinating moving dates, there’s simply so much to consider – and one crucial step is choosing the right removals company.
But where should you start your search for the ideal company?
With so many companies to choose from it can be tricky to even know where to begin.
That’s where the British Association of Removers (BAR) come in.
Opting for a BAR removals company can make all the difference to your move in a number of different ways that we will discuss below.
Plus, 2025 marks a special milestone for the organisation, the BAR’s 125th anniversary!
There’s never been a better time to understand why using a BAR-registered company is so important.
Join us as we explore more about the BAR and find out how choosing a registered company could make all the difference to your upcoming move.
What is the British Association of Removers (BAR)?
The BAR have been an integral part of the removals industry for 125 years.
The BAR has been the leading voice of the removals industry for well over a century and is the only removal and storage organisation recognised by Trading Standards.
Membership involves strict adherence to a Code of Practice, helping to maintain high standards of professionalism, training, and customer service.
Every year, BAR members face rigorous audits and inspections to ensure they continue to meet the organisation’s criteria.
Taking all of this into consideration, if you want peace of mind and a moving experience that runs smoothly, choosing a BAR-registered company is the best starting point.
A Brief History: BAR’s 125th Anniversary
The BAR is celebrating its 125th year in 2025.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the British Association of Removers (BAR), a milestone that reflects its longstanding commitment to excellence in the removals industry.
Established over a century ago, the BAR has evolved alongside changing customer needs, continually upholding high standards that protect and support both customers and removal companies alike.
By choosing a BAR-registered firm, you benefit from this legacy of experience, innovation, and trust – joining a community of happy customers with successful moves under their belt.
Why Does BAR Membership Matter?
BAR membership ensures a number of advantages for customers.
Despite there being no legal requirement for UK removals or storage companies to join a trade body, membership with the BAR brings multiple advantages:
- Quality Service: BAR members commit to ongoing professional development. Their staff receive regular training on handling, packaging, and transporting all kinds of household items.
- Top-Notch Packing Materials and Methods: Using the latest environmentally friendly materials and techniques, BAR members help to protect your belongings as effectively as possible while also minimising waste.
- Specialised Vehicles: Removals vehicles must meet current transport regulations and be properly equipped for every job, something you can rely on when hiring a BAR-registered firm.
- Insurance Cover: A standard level of insurance against loss or damage is included, with optional upgrades available if required.
The Role of BAR in Setting Industry Standards
The BAR has a key role in establishing industry standards.
The British Association of Removers plays a pivotal role in shaping the UK removals sector.
It sets stringent criteria for membership that ensures you are dealing with the best the industry has to offer.
These criteria include:
- Annual Audits: Every BAR member is inspected to ensure compliance with regulations and the BAR’s Code of Practice.
- Professional Training: Staff are taught the latest techniques in packing, health and safety, and customer care.
- Transparent Pricing: BAR members are expected to provide clear quotes and fair contracts, eliminating hidden fees and providing customers with the transparency they deserve.
These measures assure customers that, when they hire a BAR-registered company, they’re working with a reputable firm dedicated to a high standard of service.
How to Check for BAR Membership
Checking for membership is simple: simply look for the BAR badge on vehicles, staff uniforms, or the company’s website.
You can also head straight to the BAR website and use their search tool to confirm a firm’s membership status.
It’s that easy!
What Happens Should Things Go Wrong?
There are a number of procedures in place should things go wrong.
Even the most experienced and professional movers can encounter unforeseen challenges.
If BAR registered, the company you choose has processes in place to resolve any issues as quickly as possible – an assurance you don’t get when using a non-BAR member.
These safeguards include:
- Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG): BAR membership offers payment protection, so if your move is cancelled for reasons beyond your control, your deposit is protected.
- Independent Dispute Resolution: BAR members provide access to an independent complaints process via The Furniture Ombudsman, offering you an impartial means to settle any disputes.
Sustainability in the Removals Industry
Many BAR members have committed to sustainability practices.
Environmental awareness is increasingly vital in all sectors, and the removals industry is no exception.
Many BAR members commit to sustainable practices such as:
- Biodegradable Packing Materials: Reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclable alternatives.
- Efficient Routing: Planning journeys to minimise fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
- Eco-Friendly Vehicles: Upgrading fleets to more environmentally conscious models, where possible.
These measures not only reduce the carbon footprint but also demonstrate social responsibility, an important consideration for today’s movers.
Moving Internationally with a BAR Member
Moving Internationally is made easy with a BAR Member.
If you’re planning a move abroad, a BAR-registered company can guide you through the complexities of international relocations. Many members, like White & Company, also work closely with global organisations like FIDI and FAIM, ensuring:
- Expert Knowledge of Customs and Documentation: Avoid delays and unexpected fees at the border.
- Quality-Certified Network: Access to reputable, professional partners across the globe.
- Door-to-Door Service: Whether by air, sea, or road, you’ll have expert support throughout the entire moving process.
This level of expertise helps you navigate the extra challenges of an international move with confidence.
About White & Company: What Sets Us Apart
At White & Company, we pride ourselves on delivering a first-class service backed by our BAR membership.
With a history spanning over 150 years, our reputation is built on the follow key principles:
- Highly Trained Staff: Our dedicated teams handle every aspect of your move with professionalism and care at every stage.
- Flexible, Secure Storage: Whether you need a short-term solution or long-term storage, our facilities are safe, modern, and accessible.
- Customer-Focused Approach: We tailor each move to your specific needs, ensuring the process is stress-free from start to finish.
- Transparent Pricing: Our quotes are fair, and we offer comprehensive insurance options for total peace of mind during your move.
Trust White & Company to manage your move efficiently and securely, so you can settle into your new home with minimal fuss and maximum confidence.
Need more information?
Reach out to our friendly team at White & Company for a FREE home survey or a no-obligation quote.
We’re here to make sure your next move is the smooth, worry-free experience you deserve.
As the BAR celebrates 125 years of excellence, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands with a reputable, time-tested company backed by an industry-leading organisation.
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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