Booking removals

fishcultureman

Hi all.
I am going to sound like a complete idiot here, so please go easy.
I am in the middle of a chain of 3 - so someone buying my house to allow me to buy another (offer accepted). Since I havent bought a house in a long time, the one thing that's bothering me is when to book a removals company? Specifically whats the usual strategy for doing so to ensure I get one for the proposed completion date ?- 2 weeks from exchange in my case. I have a couple of quotes, one of which offers a one off postponement waiver which allows me to change dates once for a fee. Anyway, is the usual tactic to provisionally book before exchange, then call the removals people to firm up the booking once contracts are signed/exchanged? Basically I dont want to exchange contracts, give a completion date, and find I cant get the provisionally booked removals company! I know to avoid dates on or near bank holidays and that Friday is the busiest - so avoiding these at least. The thought of it all makes me ill.

Advice is appreciated.

Murphybear

Try not to let this get to you.  I know it can be stressful, most of us have been in this situation.

Don’t forget that removal companies will be used to this, they should understand that removal dates can be a movable feast.  Perhaps if you find one you like the look of you could discuss your concerns with them.  

hazyjo

Get them to pencil the date in, but only confirm after exchange. You were pretty much right. Try not to stress. Just double check with removals (before agreeing to exchange) you're still pencilled in.

Your solicitor will ring to confirm exchange. Then ring removals.

JJR45

hazyjo said:

Get them to pencil the date in, but only confirm after exchange. You were pretty much right. Try not to stress. Just double check with removals (before agreeing to exchange) you're still pencilled in.

Your solicitor will ring to confirm exchange. Then ring removals.

You won't get penciled in, in the current market without a deposit.. Most want payment 30 days before the move date.
Get everyone to agree to a realistic date to move, exchange 2 weeks+ before if possible and hope for the best.

fishcultureman

JJR45 said:

hazyjo said:

Get them to pencil the date in, but only confirm after exchange. You were pretty much right. Try not to stress. Just double check with removals (before agreeing to exchange) you're still pencilled in.

Your solicitor will ring to confirm exchange. Then ring removals.

You won't get penciled in, in the current market without a deposit.. Most want payment 30 days before the move date.
Get everyone to agree to a realistic date to move, exchange 2 weeks+ before if possible and hope for the best.

Yes, here in Northern Ireland, houses are selling in days. The housing market has went nuts so removals are in very high demand - which is why Im here in the first place.

hazyjo

Obviously depends on location and other factors (a friend moved a week ago and managed to remain it in, but she was going quite a distance so not sure if that made a difference, also don't know if she paid a booking fee).

Try to avoid Fridays.

Good luck!