Moving house is stressful enough. But nothing adds pressure like a delayed removal service. You’ve packed, planned and handed in the keys – only to find your moving truck is stuck in traffic or worse, hasn’t arrived at all.
So, how can you avoid delays and keep your moving day on track?
This guide gives you practical, specific tips to ensure your move runs smoothly, without unnecessary hold-ups.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Book
Would you trust a builder who couldn’t tell you when they’d start the job?
Removals companies should be clear and specific about their timelines. When getting quotes, ask:
- How many jobs do you have booked on the same day?
- Some companies try to squeeze in multiple moves. This can backfire if earlier jobs overrun.
- What time will the team arrive?
- Pin down a time window. Avoid vague promises like “mid-morning”.
- Do you allow for traffic or road closures?
- Reliable firms build contingency time into their schedule.
- What size truck will you use?
- Too small, and they’ll need multiple trips. Too large, and parking could become a problem.
If a removals company can’t answer these, keep looking.
Visit the Site in Advance (Yes, Really)
A site visit is like a dress rehearsal. It lets the removals team see what they’re working with. Things that seem minor to you – like a narrow staircase or awkward parking – could cause big delays on the day.
Insist on a pre-move survey.
- Check access points. Will the van fit down the road? Are there loading restrictions?
- Assess volume. The company needs to know exactly what you’re moving.
- Spot potential hazards. Steep driveways, tight corridors, uneven floors. These all slow things down.
According to the British Association of Removers, moves without a site visit are 25% more likely to face delays. Don’t skip this step.
Be Realistic About Time
Are you giving the team enough time to do the job properly?
Underestimating how long it takes to load a van is one of the biggest causes of delay.
Here’s a rough guide:
- 1-bedroom flat: 2-3 hours to load
- 2-bedroom house: 3-4 hours
- 3-bedroom house: 5-6 hours
And that’s just loading. Add transport time, unloading, and breaks. If you’re booking a completion and moving on the same day, factor in legal delays.
Top tip: Aim to be packed and ready the night before. Last-minute packing always takes longer than expected.
Choose Off-Peak Days When You Can
Did you know Fridays are the busiest day for UK home moves?
According to HomeOwners Alliance, more than 40% of UK moves happen on a Friday. That means more demand, more traffic, and more chance of something going wrong.
If you have flexibility:
- Pick a midweek date. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are quieter.
- Avoid end-of-month dates. These are popular for rental contract deadlines.
- Book early. Especially in summer, when removals firms are in high demand.
Less busy days mean less risk.
Pack Like a Pro (or Pay for It)
Is your packing slowing down the movers?
Removal teams work best when they can lift, stack, and go. If boxes are loose, unlabelled, or overfilled, it slows the whole process.
To pack efficiently:
- Use uniform boxes. Stackable and sturdy saves space and time.
- Label clearly. Write the room name on the top and side.
- Seal everything. Open boxes can spill in transit.
- Keep heavy items in smaller boxes. Books, for example, should go in smaller containers.
If you don’t have time, consider paying for a packing service. It costs more but can save hours.
Secure Parking in Advance
No parking means no loading. Seems obvious, but it catches people out.
Check both properties:
- Do you need a parking permit? Some councils require 3-5 working days to issue one.
- Can you reserve a bay? Use cones, bins, or ask neighbors in advance.
- Are there time restrictions? Watch out for school zones, bus lanes, or commercial hours.
Failure to plan parking can delay your start by hours.
Communicate, Confirm, Repeat
Is everyone on the same page?
Miscommunication causes chaos. Dates get mixed up. Addresses get muddled. Timings shift, and nobody notices.
Avoid this by:
- Confirming the booking in writing. Include full address, postcode, and access instructions.
- Sharing your mobile number. On the day, be reachable.
- Double-checking times. Don’t assume the company remembers.
- Creating a contact list. One for the removals team, estate agent, solicitor, and anyone else involved.
Don’t rely on memory. A single wrong digit in a postcode can lose 30 minutes or more.
Prepare for the Unexpected
What’s your plan B?
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. The key is not to panic.
Common issues include:
- Late keys from the solicitor. Consider paying for a late key waiver insurance.
- Van breakdowns. Ask your company what contingency vehicles they have.
- Illness or staff shortage. Does the team have a backup crew available?
Knowing what could go wrong helps you respond calmly, not react with stress.
Final Checks the Night Before
Avoid chaos on the morning of the move.
Go through a final checklist:
- All boxes sealed and labelled?
- Parking space secured?
- Children and pets sorted?
- Fridge/freezer defrosted?
- Essentials bag packed (phone charger, kettle, loo roll)?
- Keys and documents easy to access?
This last-minute prep can shave hours off your day.
Is a Cheap Removals Quote Really Worth It?
That £200 saving might cost you 5 hours.
Cheaper firms often cut corners. Fewer staff, older vans, no insurance, poor communication.
When comparing quotes:
- Look at the service detail. Not just the bottom line.
- Check reviews. Look for comments on punctuality and professionalism.
- Ask about guarantees. Do they offer compensation if they’re late?
Paying a bit more for a skilled home removals company can mean the difference between a smooth move and a long, frustrating day.
The Bottom Line
Delays aren’t always avoidable. But most can be prevented with planning, communication, and realistic expectations.
Ask yourself:
- Have I asked the right questions?
- Is my removals company prepared?
- Have I done everything I can to stay organized?
Every minute counts on moving day. Make sure you’re not the one holding up the van.
It’s time to get excited – you’re moving into a brand new place! Whatever the circumstances of your move might be, try to maintain enthusiasm, as the moving process can be pretty grueling. Always keep your next goal in mind and try to focus on that rather than the bigger picture. That way, you’ll always know what needs to be done next, and you won’t let the size of the task overwhelm you.
We hope you found this blog post on How to Avoid Delays When Using a Removals Company useful. Be sure to check out our post on 5 Things To Buy New When You’re Moving Out of Your Parents’ House for more great tips!
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