It is the question we are asked more than any other, and the honest answer is: earlier than you think, and earlier than most people do.
Recommended lead times
- Four to six weeks — comfortable for a standard house move at a quiet time of year
- Six to eight weeks — if you are moving in summer, at the end of a month, or on a Friday
- Eight to twelve weeks — for office relocations and international moves, which need surveys and paperwork
- As early as possible — if you need a full packing service, since that adds crew days either side
The dates that book out first
Removals demand is not evenly spread. These go first:
- Fridays — by a distance the most requested day, because completions cluster there
- The last working day of the month
- June, July and August — families moving around the school year
- The days either side of a bank holiday
If you have any flexibility at all, a midweek move in the middle of the month is easier to book and generally a calmer day.
But my completion date is not confirmed
This is the real problem — you are told to book early, but conveyancing will not give you a firm date until close to the wire. Here is how to handle it:
- Get the survey done early. A pre-move survey does not commit you to a date, but it means your quote is accurate and ready to activate.
- Provisionally reserve a date as soon as you have a target. Most established firms will pencil you in.
- Keep your removal company updated as the chain firms up. A week's notice of a change is very different to a day's.
- Ask about their delay policy before you book, not after. See our questions to ask a removal company.
What if you need to move at short notice?
It is not hopeless. Short-notice moves are often possible midweek, and storage can bridge the gap if the exact date is not workable. Call and ask — 01482 323069 — rather than assuming the answer is no.
A rough timeline for a house move
- 8 weeks out — book your survey, start decluttering
- 6 weeks out — confirm your removal company, order packing materials
- 4 weeks out — start the change of address admin
- 2 weeks out — begin packing non-essentials, arrange childcare and pet care
- 1 week out — confirm timings, pack essentials box, take meter readings plan
- Moving day — see what happens on moving day
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a removal company without a confirmed completion date?
Yes. Most firms will provisionally hold a date once you have a target, and firm it up as your chain progresses.
What is the busiest day for removals in the UK?
Friday, and particularly the last Friday of the month. If you can move midweek, you will have more choice.
How quickly can Hardakers move me?
It depends entirely on the date. We keep some midweek capacity available for short-notice moves — request a quote and we will tell you honestly what we can do.
Planning a move in Hull or East Yorkshire?
Hardakers have been moving families and businesses across Hull, Beverley, Cottingham, Hessle and the East Riding since 1870. Call 01482 323069, request a free quote or get in touch and we will talk you through your options — no obligation.
