How Far in Advance Should You Book a Removals Company?
Timing your move correctly can be the difference between a stress-free transition and a chaotic rush. Booking a removals company isn’t just a task on your to-do list—it’s a key part of your entire moving strategy. The sooner you secure your preferred provider, the more flexibility and support you’ll have to make moving day a success. From planning logistics to accessing professional guidance, an early booking can simplify every stage of your move. This guide explains when to book your removals team, what to consider during each season, and how to navigate unique circumstances like last-minute relocations or moves abroad. Why Booking Early Matters There are several practical reasons why early booking is recommended. It secures your spot with a trusted provider, especially during busy seasons when dates fill quickly. It also allows for home surveys, better planning of resources, and gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t be scrambling for help at the last minute. By securing your removals company ahead of time, you can: Being proactive with your booking can lead to smoother communication and fewer surprises closer to your moving date. Standard UK House Moves For most house moves within the same city or county, removals companies typically recommend booking about four to six weeks ahead. This gives both you and the removals provider ample time to schedule a pre-move assessment, create an inventory, and plan a route that avoids delays or complications. It also ensures you have enough time to gather packing materials, label your items properly, and prepare your new home if any cleaning or maintenance work is required before moving in. At Three Counties Moves, we encourage you to contact us as soon as you have an estimated time frame. Even if your exchange date is still pending, we can tentatively reserve your desired date and follow up to confirm once things are finalised. This flexible approach helps reduce stress during a time when many aspects of your move might still be uncertain. Peak Periods and High-Demand Seasons Certain times of the year are more popular for moving, which means demand for removals services surges. Summer holidays, bank holiday weekends, school breaks, and the final week of any month are often peak periods. During these busy times, it’s essential to plan well in advance. Booking eight to twelve weeks ahead gives you the best chance of securing your preferred moving date and time. Fridays, in particular, book up quickly, especially for families trying to move before the weekend. Where possible, consider opting for a mid-week or mid-month move. Not only is availability more flexible, but some removals companies may also offer better rates outside of peak days. Our team at Three Counties Moves is happy to discuss off-peak options to help keep your move within budget. Long-Distance and International Moves If you’re relocating to another part of the UK or overseas, preparation becomes even more critical. These moves often involve logistics like overnight transport, ferry crossings, customs clearance, and coordination with international carriers. We recommend booking at least eight to twelve weeks ahead for cross-country moves, and three to six months ahead for international relocations. This allows time for planning freight, arranging proper documentation, and ensuring everything is packed to meet border and shipping requirements. Three Counties Moves offers full support for long-distance and overseas moves. From initial planning to final delivery, our experienced team handles the process with precision and care. Last-Minute Moves While advance notice is ideal, we understand that not all moves come with weeks of lead time. Whether it’s due to a quick job relocation, a landlord change, or a personal emergency, last-minute moves can still be handled professionally. In these situations, we recommend contacting us as soon as your moving date becomes clear. We will check our availability, offer a quote quickly, and provide a realistic timeline for services. Although availability may be more limited during peak seasons, we always do our best to accommodate urgent requests with the same level of care and service. If you’re in a bind and need reliable removals help fast, Three Counties Moves is ready to support you. Booking Before Exchange It’s common for clients to hesitate when booking a removals company before exchanging contracts. While it’s important to avoid committing to non-refundable costs without certainty, there’s still value in initiating contact early. We offer provisional bookings that give you the security of having a slot reserved without making a full financial commitment. Once you’ve exchanged contracts and know your completion date, we’ll finalise the plan and make sure everything is in place. This flexible approach gives you time to prepare while keeping your move on track. Our team can also guide you through the moving process during this waiting period, helping you organise packing, insurance, and anything else you might need. Payments and Cancellation Payment policies can vary between removals companies, but most will require a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due shortly before or on the day of the move. Make sure to clarify these terms when booking. At Three Counties Moves, we’re transparent about all charges from the start. If your plans change, let us know as early as possible. We aim to provide flexible solutions and will work with you to reschedule or adjust services where possible, helping you avoid unnecessary stress or fees. Summary Table: When to Book Type of Move Recommended Booking Time Local/Standard Move 4 to 6 weeks before moving day Peak Time Move (e.g. summer) 8 to 12 weeks in advance Long-Distance Move 8 to 12 weeks ahead International Move 3 to 6 months in advance Last-Minute Move As soon as possible Final Thoughts Booking your removals company well in advance not only gives you peace of mind, but it also allows you to plan thoroughly, budget effectively, and ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day. While every move is different, aiming to book four to six weeks ahead is a sensible starting point for most local relocations. For busier
Moving Valuable & Fragile Items: What to Expect From the Experts
When you’re preparing for a house move or relocating your business, handling fragile and high-value belongings can quickly become one of the biggest sources of stress. Whether it’s your grandmother’s antique dresser, a limited-edition sculpture, or your collection of fine china, certain items can’t simply be boxed up with the rest. They require expert handling, specialised packing, and care throughout every step of the journey. At Three Counties Moves, we understand that every item has its own value—not just financially, but emotionally as well. Here’s what to expect when you hire professional movers to help transport your most delicate and precious items safely and securely. Planning and Inventory: Start With a Clear Strategy A successful move starts with careful planning, especially when it comes to fragile or valuable items. Experienced movers like our team at Three Counties Moves begin with an in-depth assessment of your items. This process often includes: If you have antiques, rare artwork, or collectibles, we may also recommend having these items professionally appraised before your move. A current valuation can help ensure you’re fully covered by insurance and provide important documentation in the unlikely event of damage or loss. The Right Packing Materials Make All the Difference One of the key differences between moving fragile items yourself and hiring a professional team is the quality of packing materials used. At Three Counties Moves, we use only high-grade, purpose-built materials to ensure your items are protected from every angle. These materials include: Using the proper materials is not just about reducing the risk of breakage—it’s also about protecting your belongings from dust, moisture, and general wear during the moving process. Professional Packing Techniques That Keep Items Safe Even the best materials can’t do the job alone. Packing fragile items properly requires technique and experience, especially when dealing with complex shapes, aged wood, or highly sensitive surfaces. Our team is trained in time-tested packing methods tailored to the type and condition of each item. You can expect: Every box packed by our team is handled with the same attention to detail, whether it contains a fragile antique or a prized set of glassware. When to Use a Specialist Moving Service While many homeowners feel confident handling some aspects of a move on their own, valuable and delicate items deserve an experienced hand. There are several scenarios where hiring a specialist removal company is strongly recommended: In these cases, our team provides tailored solutions, including white-glove service for premium moves. From protective wrapping to cautious reassembly in your new space, we take care of it all. How Items Are Handled on Moving Day Once everything is packed, the transportation process begins—and that’s where professional handling becomes even more important. Moving valuable and fragile items isn’t just about safe packing; it’s also about ensuring those items are loaded, transported, and unloaded with precision and care. Here’s how we protect your belongings on the day of your move: Every step is handled with care to ensure your most valuable possessions arrive exactly as they left. Transit Insurance and Documentation For complete peace of mind, we offer comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance. This coverage protects your belongings while they’re on the move, whether across town or across counties. It’s essential that you discuss the value of your high-ticket items with us in advance so we can make sure your policy reflects accurate replacement costs. We also encourage customers to: Our team is here to support you through the insurance process, giving you full transparency and confidence from start to finish. Careful Unpacking and Setup at Your New Location Our service doesn’t stop at delivery. We can also help with the careful unpacking of fragile items at your new property. Upon arrival: This attention to detail allows you to enjoy your new home without the added stress of unboxing fragile or valuable belongings on your own. Why Choose Three Counties Moves for Fragile & High-Value Removals? We’ve built a reputation for moving with care. At Three Counties Moves, we combine expert knowledge, specialist materials, and first-class customer service to deliver safe, smooth relocations across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and beyond. Our team is trained in the latest packing techniques, fully insured, and committed to treating your belongings as if they were our own. Whether it’s a priceless antique, a designer lighting fixture, or a cherished family heirloom, you can trust us to deliver it safely, efficiently, and respectfully. Ready to Move with Confidence? If you’re preparing for a move and want expert help with valuable or fragile items, we’re here to help. Contact Three Counties Moves today on 0800 699 0001 or email [email protected] to request a tailored quote or speak to our team about your specific needs. Let us handle the delicate stuff—so you can focus on settling in.
The Trickiest Items to Move When Moving Home
The Trickiest Items to Move When MOVING Home When you’re movning homr, some items are easy to move while others can be quite a challenge. The difficulty arises from various factors, such as size, fragility, or extreme value. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most difficult items to move and how to do it safely if you’re not relying on a professional removal team.PianosPianos are among the most challenging items to transport due to their delicate and cumbersome structure. They’re not only heavy but also contain many internal moving parts that can be damaged during transport. It’s essential to ensure that they’re properly secured to avoid any damages. Three Counties Moves have specialist equipment and training to transport all types of pianos. AquariumsAquariums are not only heavy but also incredibly fragile, and they need to be decommissioned and prepared beforehand for removal. The transportation process can be time-sensitive, as the aquatic animals need to be moved into temporary storage and rehoused within a specific time frame. For saltwater and reef aquariums, the fish can be especially expensive and extremely sensitive to changes. TelevisionsWith the advancement of technology, TVs have become thinner and larger, making them even more delicate and easily damaged. It’s always best to keep the original box of your TV, which has custom-fit polystyrene to protect it. If you don’t have the original box, you can purchase a TV box or ensure the screen is sufficiently protected by wrapping it in a blanket. Mirrors & Glass FurnitureMirrors and glass furniture are fragile and heavy, making them challenging to move. Extra care needs to be taken when transporting them since a chip can quickly become a crack that causes irreparable damage. Small mirrors are not too difficult, but medium- to large-size mirrors are susceptible to damage and can also be surprisingly heavy.ArtMany art pieces are very expensive and fragile, making them prized possessions of their owners. It’s important to package them properly and ideally in purpose-built crates or boxes if necessary. Especially in the case of oil paintings, they can easily be damaged. PlantsPlants are another delicate item that requires careful handling. While small house plants can be carefully packed in boxes, larger plants in heavy pots can be challenging to move. It’s essential to keep the plants protected, as well as the pots and soil they’re planted in.Sofas, Beds & WardrobesSofas, beds, and wardrobes are bulky and heavy items that can take up a lot of space in your home. They’re also difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and stairwells. Disassembly can help when moving, but it’s not always feasible. Three Counties Moves is well-equipped to carry out standard furniture removals but takes extra precautions when it comes to more delicate and fragile items like glass furniture, beds, and sofas. SummaryWhile some items are challenging to move due to their weight, others are tricky because of their fragile and odd-shaped nature. In most cases, it’s best to hire a specialist removal team to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. For more standard furniture items, Three Counties Moves are well-equipped to carry out the removal and take extra precautions when it comes to the more delicate and fragile items like glass furniture, beds, and sofas.
Useful Pointers for Disassembling Furniture when Moving Homes
Useful Pointers for Disassembling Furniture when Moving Homes Dismantling furniture is a vital aspect of moving, particularly when dealing with large items that can be challenging to transport through narrow doorways or hallways. Disassembling furniture not only makes it easier to move but also helps to safeguard it from damage during the moving process. Here are the steps to follow when dismantling furniture for a move:Gather the necessary tools and supplies, such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, bubble wrap, and moving blankets, to ensure a smooth dismantling process. Empty the furniture, such as drawers, shelves, and cabinets, to make it lighter and easier to handle when dismantling it.Protect delicate parts, such as glass panels or decorative pieces, with bubble wrap or packing paper before starting to dismantle.If your furniture came with assembly instructions, follow them in reverse to dismantle the furniture. If you don’t have instructions, take a close look at how the furniture is put together and make notes or take pictures so you can reassemble it correctly. Use a screwdriver, pliers, or any necessary tools to remove screws, bolts, or fasteners holding the furniture together. Keep them in a small bag or container to prevent loss during the move.Pay special attention to delicate or heavy parts when dismantling the furniture. These may require extra care to prevent damage or injuries, and you may need help from another person to remove them safely.Once the furniture is entirely dismantled, wrap and secure each piece with bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect it from damage during transport. Label each piece of dismantled furniture and keep them organized, making it easier to reassemble the furniture at your new home.Pack all screws, bolts, and other fasteners in a labeled bag or container and keep them with the furniture pieces they belong to, making it easier to find and assemble them when setting up your furniture at your new home.By following these steps, you can ensure that your furniture is correctly dismantled and ready for the move, making it easier to reassemble it at your new home. Remember to take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and lifting with your legs, to prevent injuries during the dismantling process.
Tips for Moving Home with Children
Tips for Moving Home with Children Relocating can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially when you have children. Kids may feel anxious about leaving their friends, moving to a new home, and adjusting to a new environment. To help make the transition smoother for you and your children, consider the following tips: Involve your children in the moving process. Discuss the move with them and ask for their input on what they would like to see in their new home. This provides a sense of control and inclusion in the decision-making process. Additionally, allow them to assist with packing their belongings and labeling their boxes, giving them a sense of responsibility and contribution to the move.Research the neighborhood together. Learn about local parks, schools, and other amenities. Take a visit to the new area and explore it with your children. This helps them become more comfortable and familiar with their new surroundings. Give your children time to adjust to the new environment. Moving can be overwhelming, so try to maintain a sense of routine and consistency in their daily schedule. Encourage them to stay in touch with old friends and make new friends in the new neighborhood. With time, they will begin to feel more settled and comfortable in their new home.
Do You Need a Key Waiver to Avoid Stress?
Do You Need a Key Waiver to Avoid Stress? Waiting for keys or funds during the moving process can be frustrating and costly, resulting in additional expenses beyond the mover’s control and the customer’s contract. The mover’s quote is based on an estimate of the time and resources necessary for the move, and any delay incurs additional costs, such as the worker’s wages and temporary unavailability of resources.To avoid such delays, you can choose a Waiting Time Waiver when booking the move. This waiver covers waiting hours and ensures that delays do not result in additional costs for lost hours during the move. Please note that the waiver does not cover re-delivery. Can the mover continue working until the move is complete?The mover must follow the driving regulations and Working Time Regulations 1998, which may limit their ability to work beyond a specific time. For instance, if the keys are received at 4 pm, the mover may not have enough time to complete the move into the new home that day. In such cases, the mover may need to deliver the belongings on the following day or the next available date.
Have you ever wondered about the history of your new home?
Have you ever wondered about the history of your new home? Learning about the history of your new home can be an exciting and enriching experience. It can provide insight into the people and events that have shaped the area over time, and give you a deeper appreciation for your surroundings. One way to start exploring the history of your home is to research the land and the building itself. Look for any historical records or artifacts that may be available, such as old maps, photographs, or newspaper articles. You can also try talking to long-time residents of the area or visiting the local historical society to learn more about the community’s past. Another approach is to explore the broader historical context of your home. Consider the time period in which it was built and the social, political, and economic forces that were at play. This can help you understand how your home fits into the larger story of the region and the country. Whatever approach you take, learning about the history of your new home can be a rewarding experience that deepens your connection to your community and helps you appreciate the rich and complex tapestry of human history.
Making a Smooth Move with Dogs
Making a Smooth Move with Dogs Moving homes can be a challenging experience not only for humans but also for pets. However, with a little preparation and planning, it can be made less stressful for everyone involved. If you are moving with dogs, take note of the following tips to make your move easier:Introduce your dog to their travel crate: If you plan to transport your dog in a crate, it’s important to introduce it to your dog well in advance of the move. Leave the crate out in a common area of your home so that your dog can explore it and get comfortable with it. Start taking short trips in the car with your dog inside the crate to help them get used to it while in motion.Update your dog’s identification: Ensure that your dog’s identification tags are up to date with your new address and phone number before the move. This is especially important if your dog gets lost during the move.Stick to your routine: Dogs love routine, so try to maintain their regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as much as possible during the move. This will help them to stay calm and reduce their stress levels.Keep your dog safe and secure: During the move, it’s important to keep your dog safe and secure at all times. If possible, keep your dog in a separate room or area of the house while you’re packing and moving your belongings. This will reduce their stress levels and prevent accidents.Take breaks: Moving can be tiring, so make sure to take breaks and spend quality time with your dog. This will reduce their stress levels and make the move a more positive experience for everyone involved. Gradually introduce them to their new surroundings. Give your dog enough time to explore their new environment and create a comfortable and safe space for them, such as a bed or crate.Stick to a routine. Consistency is key for dogs, so establish a daily routine for feeding, exercise, and playtime. This will help your dog feel secure and confident in their new home.Shower them with love and attention. Bond with your new furry friend through playtime, grooming, and training. This will help to build trust and strengthen your relationship.Be patient. Adjusting to a new home can take time. Be patient and understanding, and provide your dog with positive reinforcement for good behavior.By following these tips, you can help your dog adjust to their new surroundings as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
