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. Keep in mind there are removal companies that offer last minute removals but not all do.
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, Konnect You
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.
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:
Review prices 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 least7 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
Once you know your moving date, it’s worth finding removal companies that can meet your needs and availability.
At Konnect You, we connect you with up to 6 local removal companies suited to your move. Fill in our form to get matched with companies in your area, then speak to them directly about your move, availability, and prices.
Every removal company in our network must pass our checks and have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. That gives you a stronger starting point when choosing who to trust with your move.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
