Getting a removals company over the Christmas period
TL;DR: Christmas removals are more expensive and harder to book, but you can still find availability by booking early, being flexible with dates, and contacting smaller local firms. Plan ahead, confirm insurance covers festive moves, and expect to pay 20-40% more than usual rates for peak season services.
Introduction
Moving house is stressful enough without doing it over Christmas. Finding a removals company during the festive season feels impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can arrange a smooth Christmas move that doesn’t wreck your holiday plans or your budget.
The key is understanding how removals firms work during December. They’re busier than ever. Many families want to settle into new homes before Christmas Day. Parents need to get children into new schools before the holidays start. Students move back to university accommodation. Everyone wants the same thing at the same time. This creates a perfect storm of demand and limited availability.
The good news? You’ve got options. Smaller local removals companies often have more flexibility than the big national firms. Booking quickly makes a real difference. Being flexible about your moving date can save you hundreds of pounds.
What does a Christmas removals company actually charge?
Expect to pay 20-40% more than standard rates during December. A typical local move costs £800-£1,200 in summer but £1,000-£1,700 over Christmas. Peak dates like mid-December to Christmas Eve cost the most. Boxing Day through early January are slightly cheaper but still above normal prices.
Firms charge more because they’re stretched thin. Staff need paying extra for holiday work. Vans are booked solidly with back-to-back jobs. There’s less flexibility to reschedule if problems pop up. Some companies add festive surcharges directly.
How early should you book a Christmas removals company?
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for Christmas moves. That’s August or September for December relocations. This gives you genuine choices between firms. It lets you lock in prices before they rise further.
Three months notice sounds like ages away. But Christmas removals fill up fast. By October, the best local firms are often fully booked. By November, you’re struggling to find anyone available on your preferred dates. Even smaller companies get clogged up.
If you’re reading this in late November, don’t panic. Ring firms anyway. They often keep a few slots free for emergencies. You might pay premium rates, but it beats moving in January during bad weather.
Can you move on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day?
Yes, but expect higher costs and fewer firm options. Many removals companies close completely from Christmas Eve through to December 27th. Their staff are on holiday. The trucks aren’t moving. Insurance often doesn’t cover festive dates.
Companies that work Boxing Day charge extra. A standard move might cost £1,200. The same move on December 26th could be £1,600-£1,800. New Year’s Day is slightly better but still pricey. Early January moves (after January 2nd) are more reasonable.
Your best value comes from moving in early December or mid-January. You get lower prices and more availability. You just need to organise your moving day around school holidays and work commitments.
What should you check before confirming a Christmas removals booking?
Verify their insurance covers festive period moves and confirm staff availability. Not all standard insurance policies cover moves between December 20th and January 2nd. Some firms exclude this period entirely. Ring them directly and ask. Get it in writing.
Check their cancellation policy too. If your circumstances change (your child gets ill, your purchase falls through), what happens to your money? Some firms offer refunds. Others don’t during peak season. Know the rules before you pay a deposit.
Confirm who’s actually moving you. Some companies subcontract work during Christmas when staff are stretched. That’s fine if you’re comfortable with it. But you should know upfront.
Conclusion
Christmas removals need more planning than standard house moves. Start searching for a removals company now, even if you’re moving months away. Smaller local firms often have better festive availability than national chains. Be flexible with dates if possible. Confirm your insurance and cancellation terms in writing.
Ready to find a reliable removals company? Search our free UK business directory today. Find local firms in your area who can handle your Christmas move professionally and affordably.
FAQ
Q: Can I get a removals company on Christmas Day itself?
A: Almost no firms operate on Christmas Day. It’s a public holiday and their insurance doesn’t cover it. Plan to move before December 24th or after December 26th.
Q: Are there any cheaper ways to move at Christmas?
A: Yes. Moving mid-week costs less than weekends. Early December is cheaper than mid-December. Man and van services are cheaper than full removals but offer less protection for your belongings.
Q: What if I book a removals company and they cancel on me?
A: It happens occasionally if they’re overbooked. Your contract should protect you. You’ll either get your money back or they’ll reschedule you. Always read the small print.
Q: Do removal companies guarantee delivery before Christmas?
A: No firm can guarantee this. Bad weather or unexpected delays happen. If timing is critical, move earlier in December. Don’t cut it close to Christmas Day.
Q: Should I tip my removal crew at Christmas?
A: It’s not required but appreciated. A box of chocolates or coffee for the team goes down well. If they work hard and solve problems, many people give £20-£40 per person.