According to statistics, around one hundred thousand households move home each month in the UK and with each household spending a minimum of several thousand pounds on services which are directly related to the move, that is a lot of moves and a lot of money being spent!

Of course, it is not just household residences that move location. Business premises relocate regularly too but this particular type of moving – ‘commercial moving’ – is separate from residential moving and requires more specialised planning.

This article focuses on residential relocations. I also acknowledge that there are both men and women who do this type of work but as it is a predominantly male dominated profession and for the ease of writing, I will be using the phrase ‘removal man’.

There are no particular formal qualifications that you will need to become a removal man apart from a good level of physical fitness. If driving the removal lorry will be a part of your job then you will need an LGV licence. Additionally, you will need to know about transportation routes, packing materials, health and safety rules and regulations and the costs involved for the move.

You will be responsible for people’s belongings, some of which will be extremely valuable in both monetary terms and sentimental value. Moving home can be a very stressful, emotional and tiring day so you must be able to empathise with your clients accordingly and demonstrate respect for them and their belongings