How far in advance of moving do we need to book the removals company?

[lessonsintightropes]

That's it really. We've got a target completion date of 22 July but will be away between 14 June and 3 July - do we need to book the removals firm before or after hols? If it's relevant, we're moving within SE London (3 and a half miles) and from a big two bed to a big three bed (taking all furniture with us).

no, I wouldn't book before the hols - usually 2.5 weeks is more than enough.
Companies usually ask 10 days to 2 weeks notice. But you do need to get quotes and decide on a company before the hols.

I'd book provisionally as soon as possible and confirm as soon as you have a definite completion date.

Make sure you get three quotations - prices are likely to vary quite a lot and will also vary depending on whether the removals firm do the packing for you or not.

if a particular compnay takes provisional bookings, then I agree with Drama, but many companies don't like to take up their diary with provisional - anything can change this much in advance, and they'll be losing other customers.
Mine (two who quoted) said I should come back with a definite date, and I'm potentially only 3 weeks away now. But if they do offer you to book provisionally, then of course, more peace of mind for you.

company

Brilliant - thanks for all the advice. I will dig out all the recent threads on London removals firms now and get some quotes before we go away.

Some companies (about half) will take provisional bookings. We provisionally booked ours a month in advance and unfortunately the date has been massively delayed, but the removal company were fine about this. It's worth getting 2-4 quotes in as the prices will vary and also you have more than one firm you can contact if the other is booked.