You should book a reputable removals company around 4-6 weeks in advance of your moving date. This gives you time to compare removal companies, understand how much removal companies typically charge, and choose a service that fits both your needs and your budget.
Booking early also helps you avoid last-minute premiums, particularly during busy seasons, and ensures your chosen movers have enough time to plan a service tailored to your move.
Industry Insight: Decide Quickly
"The 4-6 week advice is right, but here's something most people don't realise from the company side: when you enquire for quotes, removal companies often soft-hold your date provisionally. So if you're calling around 'just to compare prices' and then sit on those quotes for three weeks before deciding, you might find you've actually blocked availability for yourself at companies who assumed you were going elsewhere. My advice is to get your quotes, make a decision within a day or two, and either confirm or release the date. The companies will respect you for it."
Dave Sayce, Founder, Compare My Move
Can You Book Removals Before Exchange?
Yes, most removal companies allow you to choose a provisional moving date before you have exchanged. Once you are given your completion date, you can then confirm your moving date with the removals company.
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Benefits of Booking a Removal Company in Advance
There are many benefits of booking a removals company 4-6 weeks before your move, including having enough time review removal companies and tailor the removals service to meet your needs. Allowing enough time provides you with opportunities to:
Compare quotes from multiple removal companies
Arrange a home removal survey for a more accurate quote
Decide on any additional services you may need (such as packing)
Research companies and read their reviews
Finalise your removal plans
Focus on other aspects of the moving process
If your moving date changes or needs to be cancelled, you may be charged a cancellation or rebooking fee depending on the notice given and your chosen removals company.
Can I Book a Removal Company at Short Notice?
Yes, it is possible to book a last-minute house move. Last-minute bookings are often more expensive due to the shorter time frames. Aim to book a removals company at least 7 days before your moving date for a better chance of being accepted.
When Do You Pay Removal Companies?
Most removal companies will request the full payment around a week before the removal date. If you choose to use a BAR removal company, your payment will be covered by the Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme, which ensures you will receive a refund if the move cannot be fulfilled.
It's also common practice for removal companies to ask for a deposit or advanced payment to secure their services, as this helps to protect their business from losing money from last-minute cancellations.
The exact payment times and expectations will vary depending on your chosen company.
Find a Removal Company
When you know your moving date, it is highly recommended that you contact removal companies for quotes and to check availability.
Here at Compare My Move, we connect users with up to 6 local removal companies, helping them to save time and money. Simply fill out our quick and easy online form to compare removal companies today.
You can rest assured knowing that each partner we work with is trusted, having passed our strict verification process. Our partners are fully covered by Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance, helping to keep your items safe during transit.
FAQs
How much do removal companies charge?
Removal companies will charge £1,229 on average to move the contents of a 3-bedroom house. If you're looking to move a long distance removal costs can increase by £75-£750.
Exact costs will vary depending on factors such as the size of your move, the distance travelled and any additional services needed.
When is the most popular time to move?
August is the most popular month of the year to move according to our research. When it comes to the best day to move house, Friday is the most common moving day as people appreciate having the weekend to unpack which causes an increased demand for removal companies.
Do I need a pre-move survey?
Having a pre-move survey (home removal survey) conducted is invaluable as it provides you with a more accurate estimation of how much you can expect to pay for your removals service.
Where will the removals company park?
Most removal companies will park outside of a property but you should inform the removals company if your new or existing property has any parking restrictions or limitations. You may need to arrange parking permits from your local council or discuss space availability with neighbours.
