You should start getting quotes as soon as you have an idea of when you’re moving. Removals companies will rarely give a “ballpark” figure or a rough estimate because every move is different. You will need to arrange for a surveyor to visit your property and assess the scale and details of the job before they can offer an accurate quote.
Quotes are usually valid for 30 days (sometimes longer), so you can decide on which mover you prefer before you have a confirmed date. However, a quote is not a booking and is dependent on availability of resources for that date. If you are happy with the removals company’s quote, you will be asked to sign and return an Acceptance Form before the job is booked into the mover’s diary. It is best to do this as soon as your moving date is confirmed.
You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking, to secure your date. The balance will need to be paid before the moving day. This is standard practice throughout the removals industry.
If you are hesitant to book your move because you are not confident of the date, you may be given the option to pay a small fee for a Postponement Waiver. This would give you the ability to change your date (once only) without losing your deposit.
Booking your move within a week of the moving date is quite late. You may struggle with availability and not be able to book with your first choice of mover.
Though moving home is not exactly seasonal, there are times of the year when demand is very high. As a “rule of thumb” any time the kids are off school, people are moving home in higher numbers. So, Easter, summer holidays and the Christmas period all have high demand and early booking is advised.
The busiest day of the year is the Friday before August Bank Holiday. Most movers are fully booked weeks in advance for this day.
Fridays are always busy for obvious reasons, so if possible, book your move for a week day.
