Should I Book Removals Before Exchange?

If you’re planning a house move, one of the most stressful parts is coordinating everything so it lines up smoothly. Between waiting for contracts to exchange, agreeing on a completion date, and juggling your own schedule, it can feel overwhelming. A common question we hear at KIM Logistics is: “Should I book removals before exchange?”

It’s a tricky one because the answer isn’t always straightforward. On the one hand, you don’t want to risk being unprepared or missing out on your preferred moving date. On the other, booking too soon could mean cancellation fees if things fall through.

As a trusted removals company Coventry residents rely on, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this exact situation. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of booking before exchange, how the process works, and the smartest way to plan your move.

What Does “Exchange” Mean in a House Move?

Before we dive in, it’s important to understand what “exchange” means in the context of buying a house.

• Exchange of contracts: This is when both the buyer and seller sign identical contracts and exchange them through their solicitors. Once this happens, the sale is legally binding.

  
  

• Completion: This usually happens a week or two later (though sometimes the same day). It’s when the purchase money is transferred, and you can officially move into your new home.

  
  

Until exchange has happened, either party can still pull out of the sale without financial penalties (apart from survey or legal fees). That’s why many people are nervous about booking home removals Coventry services too early.

The Risks of Booking Removals Before Exchange

Booking your removals before the exchange of contracts can feel like a gamble. Here are some potential downsides:

1. The Sale Could Fall Through

Unfortunately, property sales sometimes collapse before exchange. This could be due to issues in the survey, problems in the chain, or even a buyer or seller changing their mind. If you’ve already booked a removals slot, you may lose your deposit or have to pay a cancellation fee.

2. Date Changes

Even if your sale goes ahead, completion dates can change at the last minute. If your removals team is already scheduled for a fixed date, you might face rearrangement fees or the hassle of trying to rebook.

3. Financial Risk

Booking removals is a commitment. While reputable companies try to be flexible, there’s always a risk that securing a date before exchange could end up costing you extra.

The Benefits of Booking Removals Before Exchange

On the flip side, waiting until after exchange isn’t always practical. There are some strong arguments for booking early.

1. Securing Availability

Good removals Coventry services get booked up quickly—especially during peak seasons like summer or around bank holidays. If you leave it too late, you may struggle to find availability on your chosen date.

2. Peace of Mind

Having a removal company lined up gives you confidence that one of the biggest tasks is already taken care of. This reduces stress and lets you focus on the legal and financial aspects of your move.

3. Time to Prepare

Once you know your moving date is pencilled in, you can start packing and preparing in a more structured way. This avoids last-minute panic when contracts finally exchange.

What’s the Best Approach?

So, should you book before exchange? The safest answer is: pencil in your removals provisionally, but don’t commit fully until exchange has taken place.

Here’s how we recommend approaching it:

Step 1: Get Quotes Early

Contact a removals company Coventry as soon as you know you’ll be moving. Get quotes and discuss provisional dates so you understand availability and pricing.

Step 2: Ask About Flexibility

Many professional removal firms offer flexible booking options. At KIM Logistics, for example, we understand that dates often shift in the property world, so we work with customers to move bookings if needed.

Step 3: Reserve Provisionally

Some companies allow you to reserve a date without fully committing, or they’ll offer a refund policy if things change before exchange. This gives you the best of both worlds: a slot is saved, but you’re not tied in.

Step 4: Confirm After Exchange

Once contracts are exchanged, confirm your booking immediately to lock in your removals team. At this point, you can also finalise details like packing services, dismantling furniture, or storage if required.

Timing Considerations

When you’re weighing up whether to book removals before exchange, it helps to think about timing.

• Busy Seasons – If you’re moving in summer, during half-term, or near Christmas, demand is high. Provisional booking becomes more important.

  
  

• Local vs. Long-Distance Moves – If you’re moving across town, short notice may be fine. But for long-distance or international moves, more planning is required.

  
  

• Size of Move – A small flat move might only take half a day, but a large family home can take much longer. Bigger moves often need earlier planning.

  
  

Questions to Ask Your Removal Company

If you’re unsure, the best step is to talk openly with your chosen removals firm. Ask questions like:

• Do you require a deposit before exchange?

  
  

• What happens if my completion date changes?

  
  

• Can I move my booking without losing money?

  
  

• Do you offer short-notice moves if I wait until after exchange?

  
  

• What’s your cancellation policy?

  
  

An experienced company should be happy to guide you through the options. At KIM Logistics, we understand the uncertainty that comes with buying and selling property, and we aim to make our services as flexible and customer-friendly as possible.

How to Minimise Stress While Waiting for Exchange

The waiting game before exchange can feel frustrating. Here are some practical tips to keep things under control:

1. Declutter Early – Use the waiting period to get rid of unwanted items. This reduces moving costs and makes packing easier later.

   
   

2. Pack Non-Essentials – Start boxing up items you don’t use daily. Seasonal clothes, books, and decorative items can go first.

   
   

3. Label Everything – A little organisation now will save you huge amounts of time and stress when moving day arrives.

   
   

4. Prepare an Essentials Box – Keep things like toiletries, important documents, and a kettle handy so you’re not scrambling on moving day.

   
   

5. Stay in Contact with Solicitors – Regularly check in with your conveyancer so you’re not caught off-guard when exchange finally happens.

   
   

Why Work With KIM Logistics?

At KIM Logistics, we know that moving home isn’t just about getting boxes from A to B. It’s about peace of mind, timing, and flexibility.

As one of the most reliable names in home removals Coventry, we pride ourselves on adapting to our customers’ needs. We understand that exchanges and completions don’t always run smoothly, which is why we offer flexible booking policies to reduce risk.

Whether you’re moving locally within Coventry or further afield, our experienced team will handle your belongings with care and professionalism. From packing and storage solutions to full-scale removals, we’re here to make your move stress-free.

Final Thoughts

So, should you book removals before exchange? The safest approach is to plan ahead but avoid fully committing until contracts are exchanged. Get quotes early, reserve provisionally if possible, and confirm as soon as the sale is legally binding.

By choosing a reliable removals partner, you’ll get the flexibility and reassurance you need during one of life’s most stressful transitions.

If you’re moving soon, speak to KIM Logistics today. As a trusted

 team, we’ll help you plan your move around your exchange date—ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.