Relocation is one of the logistically demanding activities that a majority of individuals encounter. Many people underestimate how long it takes to plan a move, resulting in last-minute bookings, especially for local moves. Whether it is relocating to a different part of Perth, or to another location in the Western Australia region, or even an interstate move, timing everything is very important. You may have different thoughts for office and home moves. Renters and buyers often wait until leases close or home inspections are final before committing to a moving company. Among the most frequently asked questions by these people is, How early should you hire a moving company?
Let us check the popular facts on how to decide the good time to book your removalist, what happens if you leave it to the last minute, and why it pays to plan accordingly in this guide. The advice is specially made for the Australian people, especially in specific areas of Perth and other cities in Australia, because of the natural landscape of moving.
Why is it Good to Book Movers in Advance?
You should book your movers earlier on the better. Although it may not appear as an important thing in comparison to the packing process or the utility arrangements, the booking date of your removalist could make a stupendous difference in your removal process. In addition to providing an opportunity to make a reservation in real conditions, it could also offer a larger date and time choice.
- Additional time to compare quotes and services
- Reduces the possibility of having to pay high prices during peak seasons
- Fewer worries before the moving day
- The capacity to organise other services, such as storage and packing
Removalists, particularly those with a good reputation, may get booked solid in a short time, especially when there are a lot of people who need them. You should not leave it too late because you will have to accept an inexperienced company or high prices. Booking early gives you access to reliable movers in Perth who can handle your move professionally.
The Rule of Thumb: Book 4 to 8 Weeks in Advance
Most of the time, you have to book your moving company four to eight weeks before you intend to move. This is regardless of your relocation to another suburb, city, or other parts of WA, or within Perth.
You can book movers 4 to 8 Weeks in Advance so that you can:
- Plan and make changes in case anything changes
- More variety of companies are available to choose from
- Ensure price locks as rates and promotional bargains
- Make sure that your first choice of the day to move is available
Naturally, this schedule can be different, depending on the circumstances of your relocation, as we are about to discuss next.
Diversity of Timelines According to the Move Types
Short Distance Removal in Perth and Its Suburbs
When performing a move within Perth and to local destinations such as Rockingham, Armadale, Joondalup, or Fremantle, 2 or 4 weeks could also be enough. This, however, is subject to the time of the year.
The demand for moving companies goes high during school holidays or long weekends, or the month-end. When you intend to move during the above periods, you would want to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance to get the perfect date. Early planning is especially helpful when you’re trying to secure cheap removalists Perth during busy periods.
Interstate Moves WA
In case you are moving to a different state of Australia, i.e., Victoria, Queensland, or New South Wales, then the ideal time to book would be 6 to 8 weeks before the move. The activity necessitated by interstate moves is more involved and usually involves oversized transport vehicles, route scheduling, and an extra number of staff. The sooner you make your booking, the more likely you are to find a company that meets your schedule and budget.
Moving within the states is also usually encumbered with logistical requirements, in case one needs to cross the border. Many companies group loads of various customers in order to optimise the cost, and such schedules are fast.
Remote and Regional Relocation
Western Australia is a large state, and relocating to or out of a regional or remote location (like Karratha, Albany, or Broome) poses some special problems. In these regions, there might not be removalists, and deliveries may be accompanied by the trips.
Access to hotels at such times is highly advisable when you book in advance of 8 weeks ahead, in order to get your demands met.
Seasonal Demand and Moving Peaks
Moving services are as seasonal as accommodation and travel. The most popular months for moving are:
- December and January: The summer break and school holidays are the times when a great number of families move.
- June and July: The mid-year and lease end generate increased demand as the financial year closes.
- Month End: Month end is when tenancy agreements end or commence.
- Holiday Seasons and Long Weekends: The availability is low, whereas demand is high, hence the full bookings and an escalation of prices.
And if you are moving at any of these peak times, you must make a reservation at least as much as you can afford, i.e., 8 to 10 weeks in advance.
Factors That Influence Booking Time
The Area of Your Home
A bigger house implies many items, and more items require more time, more employees, and more vehicles. In case you are planning to move out of a 3 or 4-bedroom house, the moving company will need a whole day (or even more). Book in advance to guarantee that you can get a longer shift.
Other Services Necessarily Provided
Transporting your furniture is not the only service that you may require; other services may include packing, unpacking, storing the furniture temporarily, or assembling furniture, services that may take special preparation time or may not be provided by all companies. When you book in advance, it means that all services needed will be effectively coordinated.
Journey Date
You have to book earlier to confirm your preference in case you are pegged to a certain date, e.g. your lease could move in at a specified date or your lease could end at a specific date. Some dates are high in demand for movers. Being more flexible, you could perhaps locate a removalist with less notice or get a mid-week discount.
What to Do When You Book Late?
Although there are removalists out there who are willing to take the last-minute booking, it does tend to cost them in a material and financial sense. To book late may mean:
- There are not many removalists to choose from.
- Increased rates or premiums
- Shortage of additional services
- Poor convenient times of move (e.g., too short or too long)
- Compounded levels of stress in an already eventful period.
If you’re booking late, compare moving company quotes WA quickly to see who’s available and which services are still being offered.
Week-by-Week Planning Timeline
Just to ease your relocation further, here is an example of a planning guide:
8 Weeks Before Moving
- When would you prefer to move?
- Referencing and removalist elimination
- Start shedding off the clutter you do not use
6 Weeks Before the Move
- Obtain and seek estimates
- Reserve your move company of choice
- Inform the schools and employers in case of a move
A Month in Advance
- Begin packing non-essential things
- Arrange redirection of emails, as well as utility changes
- Packing supplies organisation
Two Weeks Before Moving
- Ensure that the removalist is booked
- Finalise packing
- Contact the neighbours and strata managers in case of necessity
A Week to the Move
- Have a box of essentials (meds, toiletries, keys)
- Clear/ wash fridge/freezer
- Check the time and place of moving with the removalist again
Can You Change or Cancel a Booking?
Most removalists know that things can be changed, at least in real estate. Inquire about their change and cancellation policy when booking. In general:
- Most removalists in Perth offer modifications as early as 48 to 72 hours before the move
- Some of them will require you to pay a cancellation fee when you do it too late
- Deposits can be refunded or not, depending on the firm
This can be clarified early in order to weed out surprises.
Conclusion
When is the right time to book a moving company? The question mostly relies on the volume of your move, the time of the year, and the distance. However, the optimal time for most people and, more specifically, the ones travelling in and out of Perth, is 4 to 8 weeks before the trip.
Early booking will make it easier to find the date you want, find a reliable company, obtain extra services, and prevent the stress and extra premiums. Moving or relocating to a new place can be a lot more successful when you are well prepared, and when prepared in advance, you can move across the street or to a different city with ease and without having to dig into your pocket.
