Moving house is a process that requires a lot of preparation, and there are many things that need to be done. One of the most crucial things is the time that you will need to book a removal company. It is therefore important to make your booking at the right time so that you can get a good price and also minimise the stress that comes with moving house. It can affect the cost of the service as well as the efficiency of the moving process. This article will give you a step-by-step guide on when and how to book a removal company so that your moving process will be as smooth as possible.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Removal Company?
It is recommended that you look for a removal company and book them 4-6 weeks before your intended moving date. But it can be quite time consuming to try and establish the most probable moving date that far in advance and so even if you can only give your removal company an estimated date, it will be of use to them.
Why 4-6 Weeks?
Availability: It is especially true for removal companies, including the best ones such as Excalibur Removals in Bristol, as they get booked quite fast. The busy times include the summer holidays, Fridays, and the last week of the month, and the slots may get filled up fast.
Preparation: This time is useful for both you and the removal company to plan. It allows the removal company to conduct a pre-move survey and allows you to prepare for the big day.
Cost-Efficiency: It is always advisable to book early because it comes with a number of advantages, including lower rates. The prices may also go up as the date of moving nears, and the demand for the services is high, especially during certain times of the year.
But if you are going to perform a more complicated move, for instance, a distant move or a commercial move, it is advisable to take 8-10 weeks to prepare for it.
How Soon Can You Get Movers?
Ideally, you should be aware of your moving date at least 4 – 6 weeks in advance; however, we know that this is not always the case. Estate agents and solicitors can sometimes finalise the moving date at the last minute and if you are in a chain, you are at the mercy of other people’s schedules. We will always ensure that we try as much as possible to attend to the last minute bookings.
Last-Minute Moves
Availability: Most of the removal companies like Excalibur Removals can take last minute bookings but the availability may be a bit of a challenge. Please do not hesitate to ask as we will try our best to assist you.
Flexibility: When booking at the last minute, you should expect to be quite flexible with the date and time of your move. Sometimes, the middle of the week is not very busy, so you may have to select a less convenient time.
Pricing: Sometimes, when one makes a decision at the last minute, he or she may be forced to pay a high price because many people also require the services at the last minute. But if you are planning to move during off-peak hours, then this can be quite cheap.
What to Look For When You Are Planning to Hire a Removal Company
Before you call a removal company, there are some things that you should consider and have in mind so that you can explain your move to the company.
Your Moving Date
Timing: Take into account the day of the week and the time of the year as well. Inquire from your removal company on the price difference between weekdays, weekends, and school terms.
Chain Considerations: If you are in a chain, then you need to inform your removal company as you may not be in a position to choose the final date. It is advisable to provide your removal company with a number of possible dates to work to in order to fit in with their schedule.
The Extent of Your Move
Volume: A one bedroom flat is a far cry from a three storey townhouse for instance. The bigger the move, the earlier it is more reasonable to make a booking.
Special Requirements: If you have items like a piano, you should let your removal company know because such items require special attention.
Services Required
Packing Services: If you wish your home to be packed by the movers, you should inform them of this beforehand since this will be an additional service that will take some time during the moving process. At Excalibur Removals, we provide our customers with a full or partial packing service.
Storage Needs: Storage is a very important factor when it comes to moving. If you have a gap in the chain or are downsizing, having access to storage can be a real help.
Insurance
Coverage: Check that the removal company has enough insurance to cover your belongings in the course of the moving process. Public liability and Goods in Transit insurance are crucial to ensure that your items are well protected from any form of damage or loss.
Should You Book Removals Before Exchange?
A frequent concern that people have is whether they should hire a removal company before the exchange of contracts. The only disadvantage is that your moving date may be changed and this may lead to incurring other costs.
Provisional Bookings
Flexibility: Some of the removal companies such as Excalibur Removals provide provisional bookings. This enables you to book your moving date and you can change it in case of changes in your exchange or completion dates. It is always important to make sure that the date is tentative.
Communication: Ensure that you communicate with your removal company frequently to inform them of any changes that may occur with your moving date. This way, your provisional booking will still be valid and can be changed if necessary.
How Much Notice Does a Removal Company Need?
Most removal companies have a minimum notice of seven days to be able to fit a booking into their schedule. This is the minimum lead time required for the coordination of logistics such as vehicle assignment, personnel, and any permit that may be required for parking or access to roads.
Optimal Notice Period
4-6 Weeks: As stated earlier, the best time to look for a removal company is 4-6 weeks before the moving date. This way, both you and the removal company will be well prepared for the move, and there will be no last-minute rush on the day of the move.
Shorter Notice: When booking at the last minute, ensure that you are very much in touch with the removal company and be ready to compromise.
What if You Book Too Early?
It may seem like a good idea to book a removal company as soon as you decide to move, but this is not always the best course of action.
Risks of Early Booking
Changing Dates: If you are yet to finalise the date of moving, booking too early may prove to be problematic if the date changes. Sometimes, there are charges that are associated with rescheduling, depending on the company’s policies.
Limited Flexibility: Booking in advance may not allow you to be flexible with your moving schedule if you have to change the dates prior to the move.
Reducing the Risks
Provisional Bookings: Choose a provisional booking to guarantee your desired date and time, and you can still change it if necessary.
Clear Communication: It is advisable to keep on communicating with your removal company to avoid any hiccups that may occur in the process.
What if You Book at the Last Minute?
It is not easy to look for a removal company that can work on short notice but it is not impossible.
Challenges
Availability: The main problem with last minute bookings is that it is difficult to find accommodation. The nearer to your moving date you are, the less choices you will have, especially if you are moving in the peak season.
Higher Costs: This is because, at the last minute, people are willing to pay more for services that are required urgently, and there are many difficulties associated with planning for a move at the last minute.
Solutions
Be Flexible: It is advisable to be willing to move at any time and any day since this will increase your chances of getting a booking even at the last minute. Mid-week or off-peak hours may also help in the search for an appointment, as it may be easier to get an appointment.
Act Fast: As soon as you realise that you need to move, contact removal companies. The sooner you do it, the higher the probability of finding a good service that will meet your needs.
Book Ahead with Excalibur Removals Today!
Hiring a removal company as soon as possible helps to avoid all the possible complications and makes the moving process as easy as possible. This way, you will be able to prevent the problems that come with making arrangements at the last minute and get the best services that are available. Whether you are relocating within Bristol or to another city, Excalibur Removals is ready to provide you with efficient, professional and flexible services that will suit your needs. Don’t take a risk—organise your move now and have the confidence that you are in good company. All you have to do is call Excalibur Removals at 0117 251 0288