Using a removal company

[Thingsthatgo]

We are hoping to exchange and complete before the end of the stamp duty holiday. I am naturally very pessimistic, and don’t believe it’ll happen for one minute, but our solicitor seems positive!
Anyway, if it happens, we will need to use a removal company. I have never used one before, and I am unsure of the process. Can someone explain it to me please?
Do they quote on the size of our house (we have rather a lot of stuff rammed in our small house ).
We will probably exchange and complete within a day or two. I presume that we don’t wait until exchange to book? Do we pay a deposit that we lose if it doesn’t happen? Do we propose a completion date to the rest of the chain, and book that day? In my experience it is all so fluid and subject to last minute delays.
Please tell me everything! Thank you.

We have the same deadline but our conveyancer seems less positive, if we save the cash then great but we still have to move. I've contacted 3 removals companies, most can give an estimate on the size of the properties (eg 1 bed, 3 bed) but all will quote based on what you actually have (eg we aren't taking our fridge, we currently have fitted wardrobes). We are in a 1 bed flat that is the size of most 2 bed houses so we can't do it ourselves unless we get two vans and I'm pregnant. Distance is a key factor too, some will say calculate the mileage, others will do it in bands (eg under 25 miles). Check their policies, different companies have different policies for delays, rescheduling, insurance etc.

We contacted a few and found one which (pending availability) would let us change dates for free. They asked size of house, number of beds/sofas/large furniture which won't dismantle.

Oh as for quoting some will do a skype or video of the property rather than a home visit. They will ask if furniture comes apart etc. There are also pack it yourself options or they can pack it for you.

My experience is a bit outdated but you would normally make enquiries with removal firms ASAP. They will quote based on what you have that needs moving as well as access (more for a flat with no lift or if they can’t park outside) and whether you need packing, furniture dismantling etc.

You ask their availability (don’t limit yourself to Friday only!). The chain agrees a preferred completion date and you pencil this in with your removal company, probably paying a deposit which isn’t refundable after a certain point. You ideally need longer between exchange and completion so you can confirm the removal company. If you miss the date you’ll need to all agree a new date based on when everyone’s removal companies are available.

You need to call around companies and get quotes, they will ask you how much stuff you have, don't worry, but you will need to reserve it ahead of exchange, moving firms are used to dates slipping. We booked a month before exchange because we exchanged and completed on the same day!

Thank you all! This is really helpful stuff.

Are you getting them to pack? Would thoroughly recommend

We're hoping to exchange soon and because we anticipated it being busy in March, we got two removal firms round to quote before Christmas. Each rep wore masks, looked in every room etc and gave us really good advice about how they'd do it as they walked round. They also asked us questions eg access to our house on the day etc.
If you are happy to let them round, I'd say it was invaluable as they can then give you an accurate quote.

We chose one and paid a £50 deposit but have only now provisionally booked them as we have a completion date pencilled in. We wanted to move in half term but they were already booked up two weeks ago for that week so we've had to go later. If you do think there's a chance you'll be completing in the last couple of weeks in March I would definitely get a move on (no pun intended!) because they are likely to get booked up quickly.

Id make the chain do a week between exchange and completion to give you time to organise if things change,we did.

I have to admit I’m very confused about when to book a removal company. We are in a chain of 6 with a few remaining enquiries on one house. The enquiries could be resolved Monday or drag on for weeks for all I know. I’ve got removal company quotes but we don’t even have a provisional date to aim for. I’m worried that by the time we do get a date, companies will be booked up!

I've just received my exchange and completion date and phoned my removals company - he can't do my completion date of 11 March, already booked. Luckily I'm in rented and can move the next day.