Moving to a new home ranks among life's most stressful experiences, and so many look to removalists to help navigate the process. Providing professional support, removalists can help transform your move. However, understanding when to secure your moving company is crucial for a successful move.

Planning Around Peak Seasons

Peak moving seasons fall in the summer months in Australia, between December and February and so if you're planning to move during this time, you should aim to book your removalists 6-8 weeks in advance. The end and beginning of each month also see increased demand, as do school holiday periods and times around public holidays. During these peak times, quality removalists are in extremely high demand, and booking well in advance offers several advantages. As well as being able to secure your preferred moving dates, starting earlier also gives you the opportunity to organise yourself for the move. 

Moving During Quieter Periods

Even if you're planning to move during quieter periods, such as autumn or winter months, it's still advisable to book your removalists at least a month in advance. Although there are quieter periods, the best removalists will be busy all year round. If you are looking for extra services also like packing and unpacking or storage, it’s good to plan ahead to avoid missing out on these opportunities. The extra time can prove invaluable to preventing last-minute complications.

Special Moving Circumstances

Some moves require even more advanced planning. If you're moving interstate, you should book 8-12 weeks ahead of your moving date. Long-distance moves involve more complex coordination and often require careful truck scheduling across multiple locations. This extended booking window helps secure better rates and ensures availability for your specific dates, while also providing a buffer for potential weather or logistics delays.

Handling Last-Minute Moves

Life doesn't always allow for perfect planning, and sometimes you might need to move on short notice. If you find yourself in need of urgent moving services, there are several steps you can take. Begin by calling multiple companies immediately, and maintain flexibility with your moving date and time. Consider mid-week or mid-month dates, which might have better availability and prepare to pay higher rates for VIP services. 

Picking the Right Removalists 

When booking removalists, certain red flags should raise concerns. Be cautious if a company can too easily accommodate a last-minute booking during peak season, as this might indicate they're not in high demand for a reason. Also make sure to always ask for upfront cost breakdown and ensure that the removalist company is licensed with proper accreditation. 

Final Considerations

The key to a successful move lies in early planning and booking. While it's possible to find last-minute moving services, you'll typically pay significantly more and might have to compromise on quality or timing. The most reputable and reliable removalists often have their schedules filled months in advance, especially during busy periods.

The best approach is to start your research early, carefully read customer reviews, obtain multiple quotes, and secure your preferred company as soon as you have confirmed moving dates. While it might seem like overkill to book so far in advance, the peace of mind and smoother moving experience are well worth the extra planning effort.