Should You Book Removals Before Exchange of Contracts?

Booking your removal company can feel like one of the final pieces of the moving puzzle, but when should you actually do it? If you've found your new home and agreed a completion date is being discussed, you might be wondering whether it's safe to book your removals before you've exchanged contracts.

The short answer is yes, you can book removals before exchange, but there are a few things to consider before committing to a date.

When should you book a removal company?

It's generally a good idea to start looking for a removal company as soon as you have a likely moving date, particularly if you're moving during a busy period.

Removal companies can get booked up well in advance, especially around:

• Fridays and weekends

• The end of the month

• School holidays

• Summer

• Bank holidays

  
  

If you wait until contracts have been exchanged, you may have less choice when it comes to dates and availability.

However, booking early doesn't necessarily mean you need to commit to a completely fixed plan.

What happens if you book before exchange?

Before contracts are exchanged, your completion date isn't legally binding.

This means that even if you've agreed a provisional date with the seller or buyer, the date could still change. Property chains, mortgage delays, searches and other issues can all affect when you eventually complete.

For this reason, it's important to understand your removal company's terms before booking.

Ask what happens if your completion date changes and whether you can move your booking without incurring additional charges.

Should you wait until exchange of contracts?

Waiting until exchange gives you greater certainty because, once contracts have been exchanged, the completion date is legally agreed.

However, waiting can also mean you're trying to book a removal company at relatively short notice.

If you're moving on a popular date, there may be limited availability by the time you reach exchange.

For many people, the better approach is to start the conversation with a removal company early and make a provisional booking, rather than waiting until everything is legally confirmed.

Can you book removals without a confirmed completion date?

Yes. Many people start planning their move before they have a definite completion date.

If you're part of a property chain, you may not know exactly when you'll be moving until quite late in the process.

A removal company can often discuss your likely dates and help you understand your options.

You may also be able to hold a date temporarily or make a booking that can be rearranged if your plans change. The important thing is to be upfront about where you are in the buying or selling process.

What if your completion date changes?

Completion dates can change for all sorts of reasons, particularly when several properties are involved in a chain.

If your date changes after you've booked your removals, contact the removal company as soon as possible.

The earlier you let them know, the more likely they are to be able to accommodate the new date.

This is also why it's worth checking:

• Whether your booking can be moved

• How much notice you need to give

• Whether changing dates incurs a fee

• What happens if your move is delayed by several days

• Whether your deposit is refundable or transferable

Understanding these terms before booking can save you an unpleasant surprise later.

What if the sale falls through?

Before exchange, either the buyer or seller can usually withdraw from the transaction. If this happens, your planned move may no longer go ahead.

This is another reason to check the removal company's cancellation and rescheduling policy before paying a deposit.

If you've already booked other services, such as storage, van hire or cleaners, remember to check their terms too.

What should you do before booking?

Before confirming your removal company, try to establish as much as possible about your likely move.

It can help to know:

• Your expected completion date

• Whether you're part of a property chain

• The size of your move

• Whether there are access restrictions

• Whether you'll need packing services

• Whether you'll need storage

• Whether you have large or particularly difficult items to move

A removal company may also want to carry out a home survey to understand how much you're moving and what access is like at your current and new properties.

Is it better to book early or wait?

There's no single right answer, but booking early can give you more choice and flexibility, particularly if you're moving at a busy time.

Waiting until exchange gives you more certainty, but potentially less availability.

If you have a likely completion date, it can be worth speaking to a removal company before exchange and explaining your situation. They can advise you on availability and what options are available if the date changes.

The key is not to treat a provisional completion date as guaranteed until you've exchanged contracts.

Get in touch with Saint Removals

If you're planning a move and aren't sure when to book your removals, the Saint Removals team can help you understand your options.

Get in touch with Saint Removals to discuss your moving date, requirements and how we can help you prepare for moving day.