A guide to becoming a removalist

Got a mate who’s moving to a new location and needs help transporting furniture, and you want to be of service? Consider becoming a furniture removalist!

Removalists move furniture and items between different locations, within the counties, and nationwide. According to the National Careers Service, removalists earn between £14,000 (beginners) and £25,000 (experienced) yearly. So if you’re looking for a profitable job or doing your own removals, learn how to become a removalist with our guide.

What does a removalist do?

To become a removalist, you must understand their basic duties and responsibilities. Here are examples that you may expect to find in a removalist job description:

• Load goods onto the truck by forklift, trolley, lifting straps or lifting hooks

• Collect household and office furniture from residential or commercial clients

• Packing and/or unpacking boxes in an organised and efficient manner

• Provide creative solutions to common transport methods

• Coordinating with fellow crew members to ensure a move goes smoothly

• Inspect the house or office at the pick-up address to see what needs to be moved

• Ensure that the load is placed correctly and items are secured to avoid any damages to both the truck and the goods before, after, and during transit

• Check items against inventory, noting any wear or tear or damage

• Drive defensively and be able to handle different road conditions

• Operate machinery and general maintenance of your removal vehicle

Qualifications and skills of a removalist

Removalists often need the following qualifications:

1. Education

You can work as a removalist without getting formal qualifications. Entry requirements vary, but GSCEs in English and maths are useful for accomplishing some of the complex documentation required. Some firms may accept applicants from the age of 16 but may also have a minimum age requirement between 18 to 21.

2. Training and experience

Removalists may receive their training on the job and start off with an apprenticeship.  Entry to Employment (e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship. In addition, Young Apprenticeships may be available for 14- to 16-year-olds.

3. Skills and abilities

Removalists are expected to have the stamina and strength to keep up with the physically demanding job. Furniture removalists will be hauling and moving heavy furniture, so strength is a must! They should have mechanical aptitude and a stellar driving record. A removalist is also required to have excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to work independently or with a team. 

4. Certifications and licences

A removalist must have the correct licences for vehicles you may need to drive, such as a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence. You may also consider joining the British Association of Removers for professional accreditation and to keep up with the developments for best practices.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships lead to NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in storage and warehousing. These are also available in carrying and delivering goods (Level 2), driving goods vehicles (Levels 2 and 3), and related areas such as customer service. 

How to find removalist jobs

Becoming a removalist can be a rewarding and lucrative job. You can start applying after getting certified to prove your skills and prepare your resume. You can get jobs from a moving company or as an independent removalist. house cr

• Removalist associations

There are removalist associations found locally and internationally. These associations are formed by removals companies that do jobs like moving and related services. They often form an affiliation with the client’s business to ensure that the quality of service given is always top-notch. By becoming a part of these associations, you also get access to industry trends, and you can build a network of connections to get jobs.

Some associations to check out are The British Association of Movers (BAR), the International Association of Movers (IMA), and the FIDI Global Alliance.

• Online job boards

Online job boards are one of the most accessible avenues to find a mover job. Employers will post their moving job on websites like Airtasker, and potential employees may apply for these jobs.

Likewise, potential employees can share their particular qualifications on these job boards so that employers can seek them out. Online job boards are also helpful for building connections to get jobs as needed.

Become a removalist and find a job near you! 

Working as a removalist can be a lucrative way to earn money or a side!

Looking for a removalist job or want to earn extra income on the side? Sign up on Airtasker to become one today!