How Far in Advance Should You Book a Removal Company?

The short answer is four to six weeks. But the honest answer is a bit more useful than that.

When you can book and when you should book depend on the time of year, the day of the week you’re moving, and whether you’re flexible on timing. Get it right and you’ll have plenty of choice. Leave it too late during a busy period and you’re working with whatever slots are left.

Here’s what actually affects availability.

Time of year makes the biggest difference

June, July, August and September are the busiest months for removals in the UK. School holidays, better weather, and the way the property market tends to move in summer all add up to a lot of people trying to move at once. If your move falls anywhere in that window, six to eight weeks ahead is a sensible target.

October through to March is quieter. Three to four weeks usually gives you a good choice of dates and times. Some people book earlier for peace of mind, which is never a bad idea, but you’re unlikely to be squeezed out if you have a few weeks’ notice.

The end of the month is always busiest

Regardless of the time of year, the last week of any month fills up fastest. Tenancy agreements, mortgage completions and contracts all tend to land at month-end. If you have any flexibility on your moving date, the first or second week of the month is often easier to book and sometimes cheaper.

Friday is the most popular moving day. Monday is the quietest. Again, if you can be flexible, you’ll find it easier and you’ll have more choice.

What if your moving date isn’t confirmed yet?

This is the most common situation, and it’s worth knowing that you can provisionally book before you’ve exchanged contracts. A good removal company will hold a date for you, and most will have a clear policy about what happens if the date changes.

It’s worth having an honest conversation upfront. Tell them where things are in the process, ask what their policy is on date changes, and make sure you understand what, if anything, you’d lose if your completion moves. We’d always rather have that conversation early than have a customer in a difficult position at the last minute.

Short-notice moves

They happen. A chain collapses and everything accelerates. A landlord gives notice. A job starts sooner than expected.

Midweek slots and early-month dates tend to have more availability even at short notice. It’s always worth calling rather than assuming there’s nothing left. We’ve sorted same-week moves more often than people expect.

The simplest rule

If you know roughly when you’re moving, enquire now. Not next week. Even if the date isn’t fixed, a quick conversation with your local branch will tell you what’s available and what flexibility you have. It takes five minutes and it’s far better than finding out your preferred date went three weeks ago.

Get in touch with your nearest YMWAV branch here.

Your Man With A Van is Britain’s Most Gentlemanly Man With A Van Service, with 65+ branches across the UK and a 99% five-star rating across the network.