MOVING THIS SUMMER: tips and guidance

Even despite the current ‘credit crunch’ and slowing property markets, the annual summer rush for holidays and moving home will start with the break up of the schools later this month. July and August are traditionally the busiest months for moving home and many removals firms become fully booked very quickly and have to start turning potential customers away.

Abels Moving Services is always reluctant to do this but demand far outstretches the number of vehicles and crews it has available, and this year we predict will be no different. Philip Pertoldi, Abels’ group managing director, said: “The summer holiday season is always exceptionally busy, especially the last weeks in July and August. With a Bank Holiday and the approaching end of the school holidays, August is always a nightmare scenario for the industry.

“We are seeing an increasing incidence of people leaving the selection and booking of their removals firm until the last minute. At this time of year it means the choice will be very limited with all the good removers booked up well in advance. In a number of circumstances, we have been told people even trying to rent a van and move themselves find resources are in short supply!”

Abels, a holder of a Royal Warrant to HM the Queen, always advises people moving home to try and avoid the school summer holidays, as it is the most popular time. It is also when removals staff with children tend to like to take their own holidays so companies will have limited professional staff available.

Philip Pertoldi continued: “For those who have to move during the summer, always try to confirm your booking as quickly as possible. Although you may be at the whim of the chain, it is important to note that a provisional booking is not binding until agreed by both sides and normally after a non-returnable deposit has been paid. It is very much like taking your holiday in the peak season rush.

“Also, be careful when selecting your removals firm as many have laid staff off during the quiet winter and spring so will take on casual part time staff during the summer to cover the busy time, and their own remaining staff holidays. Few of these will be well-trained or properly security vetted. Coupled with the potential of long hot days the risks are increased as the stress levels rise and the pressure on inexperienced staff causes greater risk of damage”.