How to Book Removals When Your Move Date Isn’t Set
Anyone who’s moved house knows that it rarely goes exactly to plan. You might have a buyer who’s still waiting on their mortgage offer, a seller who’s delayed with paperwork or a chain that keeps shifting. In the meantime, you still need to plan your move and that includes booking a removals company. But how do you do that when you don’t actually know when you’re moving?
Here’s a clear, practical guide on how to stay organised and secure a good removals service even if your move date is up in the air.
1. Start Getting Quotes Early
Even without a confirmed date, it’s smart to begin researching removal companies as soon as your move looks likely. Most will happily give you a quote based on an estimated time frame, such as “mid to late November” or “sometime next month.”
Start by shortlisting three or four reputable local firms. Check online reviews, ask friends or estate agents for recommendations and look at what services each company offers packing, dismantling furniture and storage options.
When you reach out for quotes, be upfront that your date isn’t set. The best companies are used to this and will offer provisional bookings or hold a slot with flexible terms.
What to ask when requesting a quote:
- How much notice do you need to confirm or change a date?
- What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
- Is the deposit refundable or transferable?
- How far in advance are you typically booked up?
2. Understand Flexible Booking Policies
If your date might shift, flexibility matters more than cost. Some companies will “pencil you in” for a week or range of dates, meaning you’ll have priority if your move lands then. Others allow you to move your booking forward or back at no extra charge as long as you give notice, often 48 hours to a week.
3. Get Organised Before You Have a Date
There’s plenty you can do while waiting for a completion or exchange date. The more preparation you do now, the easier it’ll be to move quickly once things are finalised.
Practical steps to take:
- Declutter: Sort through cupboards, the loft and the garage. Donate or sell anything you don’t want to take.
- Start packing non-essentials: Seasonal clothes, books and decor can be boxed up early.
- Label boxes properly: Include the room name and a short description of contents.
- Use up food and toiletries: Run down your freezer and cupboards to reduce what needs moving.
- Create a moving checklist: Include utility readings, address changes, key handovers, etc.
Having these things done means that when your solicitor gives you the go-ahead, you can focus on confirming logistics rather than scrambling to find tape and boxes.
4. Stay in Regular Contact
Once you’ve found a removal company you trust, keep them in the loop. Send quick updates whenever your situation changes, such as exchanging contracts, confirming a completion week or discovering another delay.
Good communication keeps you on their radar and makes it easier for them to hold space for you. If your move might fall within a certain week, tell them as many companies can keep that period flexible for you until things are fixed.
5. Consider Temporary Storage
If your move-out and move-in dates don’t line up perfectly, short-term storage can bridge the gap. At A1 Removals & Storage, we offer flexible storage solutions alongside our expert removals and packing services, so you can keep your belongings safe and secure during the transition. Having this in place early helps you avoid last-minute stress if completion is delayed or you need to vacate your old property before getting the keys to your new one.
6. Lock Everything In Once the Date Is Confirmed
When your date is finally set, get straight on the phone to confirm your removal slot. Reconfirm all details in writing:
- Addresses and access arrangements
- Arrival time and estimated duration
- Any additional services (packing, dismantling, etc.)
- Final price and payment method
7. Have a Backup Plan
Unfortunately, even confirmed dates can move at the last minute. A good removals company will do their best to reschedule you quickly if things change, but always have a backup plan.
Keep essentials like an overnight bag, toiletries, documents and a few days’ worth of clothes separate in case you have to stay somewhere temporarily.
Contact Us Today
At A1 Removals & Storage in Eastbourne, we pride ourselves on helping every customer move with ease. Whether you need a full packing service, short-term storage or simply a reliable team to get you settled into your new home, we’re here to make your move as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
If you’re planning a move soon, give us a call on 01323 508000.
