When you’re buying a house, there’s a lot to think about—paperwork, finances, and of course, the move itself. One thing many people overlook is the best time to book a removal company. Book too early, and you risk locking yourself into something that might not be needed. Leave it too late, and you might find yourself paying a premium for last-minute availability or, worse, struggling to secure a spot at all.
So, how do you avoid these pitfalls? The key is knowing when to take action and book the right company at the right time. Let’s break down the best timing strategies to ensure a smooth and cost-effective move.
1. Book Early – But Not Too Early
A common mistake is booking a removal company as soon as you make an offer on a property. While it may feel like the right thing to do, this could backfire if the sale falls through. House purchases are often delayed or canceled due to unexpected issues, such as problems with the survey or last-minute buyer doubts.
Why wait?
- The sale process is unpredictable. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, UK buyers can expect delays in up to 30% of cases.
- Waiting too early can lock you into a contract you don’t need.
2. The Right Window – 2 to 4 Weeks Before Completion
Surrey Removals a removals company in Surrey recommend the best time to book is usually around 2 to 4 weeks before completion. By this point, you should have a clearer understanding of the timeline for your move. Contracts are more likely to exchange, and you’ll have a firmer date for when the sale will go through.
Why this is ideal:
- It gives you enough time to get quotes and compare companies.
- It prevents the stress of last-minute bookings and the possibility of limited availability.
- You won’t be overcommitting early in the process.
Example:
Sarah had her eye on a flat in Birmingham for months. When the offer was accepted, she initially wanted to book a removal company immediately. Instead, she waited until 3 weeks before the anticipated completion date. This gave her time to secure the right company, and she even negotiated a discount for booking in advance.
3. Consider Your Moving Date
Your moving date plays a huge role in when you should book. The best time to move tends to be mid-week, ideally on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The weekends are typically more expensive because of high demand, especially during peak moving season (May to September).
How to time it right:
- If you can, avoid weekends. Aim for mid-week for lower prices and more availability.
- If you’re flexible, choose a less popular date. Moving companies may offer discounts on days they expect lower demand.
4. Research and Get Quotes Early
Start researching removal companies even before you’re 100% certain of the moving date. Gather quotes from multiple providers so you have a better idea of the market price.
Top tips for getting the best deal:
- Look for reputable companies. Check reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and verify credentials.
- Get quotes from at least 3 to 5 companies to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs – this will help avoid hidden charges later on.
Example:
Tom had a tight budget for his move to London. By starting his search early, he found a removal company offering a mid-week discount, which saved him £200.
5. Understand the Factors That Impact Costs
Things that could affect the price:
- Size of the property: The bigger your home, the more expensive your move will be.
- Distance: Moving to another city or region adds extra costs.
- Additional services: If you need packing, storage, or specialist items moved, be sure to account for these costs upfront.
Ask the removal company for a full breakdown of potential charges. For example, if you’re moving to a third-floor flat, additional charges might apply for navigating stairs. Knowing these costs ahead of time will prevent surprises.
6. Flexibility: How to Deal With Delays
Delays in the house-buying process are common. Be ready to adjust your moving date. A good removal company will be flexible, but you might need to pay a rescheduling fee if the delay is significant.
What to do if things fall behind:
- Stay in contact with your removal company and keep them updated.
- Ask about their rescheduling policy before you book. Some companies might offer free changes within a limited time window.
Think about your contingency plans. Can you store your belongings temporarily if needed? Some removal companies offer storage options for situations like this.
7. Peak Seasons: Plan Ahead
If you’re planning to move during the summer months (the busiest time of year), you need to book well in advance—ideally at least 6 weeks before completion. Moving companies often book up quickly during peak seasons. In contrast, if you’re moving during quieter months like autumn or winter, you might find it easier to secure availability with less lead time.
Why peak seasons are important:
- Summer moves are competitive. If you want the best company at a reasonable price, booking early is critical.
- In winter, you might get a deal. People generally don’t want to move when it’s cold and wet, so removal companies are less busy.
Example:
In June, Emily found herself scrambling to secure a removal company for her move from Leeds to Manchester. Because she waited too long to book, her choices were limited. She ended up paying 20% more than expected because she had to settle for the only company still available.
8. Don’t Forget About Insurance
Removals insurance is often an afterthought, but it’s essential. Accidents can happen during a move, so it’s wise to have coverage in place. Most removals companies offer insurance, but it’s worth checking if the coverage is adequate for your needs.
Things to consider:
- Does the insurance cover the full value of your belongings?
- Is the insurance included in the quoted price or an additional cost?
- How much coverage do you need based on the items you’re moving?
Example:
Mark moved from his flat in Bristol to a new home in Cornwall and opted for removals insurance. Unfortunately, during the move, a box of valuable items got damaged. The insurance helped cover the cost, which saved him from out-of-pocket expenses.
9. Clear Communication Is Key
Once you’ve booked your removals company, don’t just sit back and relax. Keep communication clear and frequent.
What to do:
- Confirm the date and time well ahead of your moving day.
- Make sure the company is aware of any special requirements (e.g., narrow staircases, heavy furniture, etc.).
- Clarify parking restrictions at both properties. If a van can’t park directly outside your property, let the removals team know in advance.
Example:
When John moved to his new house in Manchester, he made sure to inform the removals company about a narrow road that could restrict parking. The company was able to plan accordingly, preventing delays on moving days.
10. What If Your Move Falls Through?
In the unfortunate event that your house purchase falls through after you’ve booked your removals company, most removals companies will offer a cancellation policy. However, it’s worth noting that the terms can vary. Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
What to keep in mind:
- Some companies charge cancellation fees, while others might offer a full refund if you cancel within a specific time frame.
- Always confirm the terms of the booking agreement before proceeding.
Timing your removals company booking during a house purchase in the UK requires careful planning. By waiting for the right time—around 2 to 4 weeks before completion—you can avoid the risks of booking too early or too late. Research, flexibility, and clear communication with the removals company will ensure that your move goes smoothly. And, ultimately, timing is about ensuring you don’t pay for a service you don’t need or find yourself scrambling for availability.