What To Do If Movers Are Late On Moving Day?
Moving day can be stressful enough without the added pressure of your movers running late. You’ve carefully planned your schedule, packed your belongings, and likely taken time off work — only to find yourself waiting anxiously, wondering when the moving van will arrive.
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. Delays happen for various reasons — from traffic jams and miscommunication to scheduling errors. The good news is, there are proactive steps you can take to handle the situation calmly, efficiently, and without letting it ruin your moving day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why movers might be late, what to do when it happens, how to prevent it in the future, and what your rights and options are if things go seriously wrong.
Common Reasons Why Movers Might Be Late
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to understand that several factors could cause delays. Knowing the reasons helps you approach the situation calmly and find the best resolution.
- Traffic or Weather Conditions
London traffic can be unpredictable, and even experienced drivers can get caught in delays. Similarly, heavy rain, snow, or road closures can slow down moving vans significantly. - Previous Job Overruns
Sometimes, movers scheduled before you take longer than expected — perhaps due to challenging furniture, narrow stairs, or additional items the customer didn’t list. - Poor Scheduling or Miscommunication
In some cases, the moving company may have scheduling overlaps or internal miscommunication leading to a mix-up in timings. - Mechanical Issues
Vans or trucks breaking down can also cause delays, especially if a backup vehicle isn’t immediately available. - Incorrect Address or Parking Problems
Movers might struggle to find your address or suitable parking near your home, particularly in busy London areas with restricted spaces.
What To Do If Movers Are Late
Let’s look at how to handle the situation step by step.
1. Stay Calm and Check the Time
Before assuming the worst, give your movers a reasonable grace period — about 30–45 minutes. Sometimes, short delays are unavoidable, and your moving team might already be on their way.
2. Contact the Moving Company Immediately
Call your moving company directly (or your assigned move coordinator) to confirm the status. When you reach them, keep the conversation professional and polite.
Ask:
- Has the van left the depot?
- What is the estimated arrival time?
- Are there any issues such as breakdowns or traffic?
Having a clear update helps you plan your next steps effectively.
3. Review Your Booking Details
Double-check your confirmation email or contract to ensure there hasn’t been a mix-up in date, time, or location. Mistakes do happen, especially with larger moving companies handling multiple bookings.
4. Document the Situation
If the delay continues, note the time you first contacted the movers, who you spoke to, and what they said. This record can be helpful later if you need to file a complaint or request compensation.
5. Adjust Your Moving Timeline
If possible, adjust your plans accordingly. For instance:
- Notify your landlord or estate agent if the delay will affect your handover time.
- Push back utility disconnections or key collection if needed.
- Update family or helpers assisting you with the move.
Flexibility can help reduce stress while waiting.
6. Keep Essentials Accessible
While waiting, ensure your essentials — documents, snacks, water, and phone charger — are easily accessible. If the delay extends, you might need to step out for food or simply stay comfortable while waiting.
7. Communicate Clearly with the Movers Upon Arrival
When the movers finally arrive, avoid letting frustration take over. Instead, calmly discuss the cause of the delay and how they plan to make up for lost time. A professional team will usually apologise and work efficiently to get things back on track.
What If the Movers Don’t Show Up at All?
In rare cases, movers may not turn up — which is understandably alarming. Here’s what to do:
1. Keep Trying to Contact Them
Attempt to reach both the main office and your assigned team leader or driver. Sometimes, technical issues (like phone network problems) cause miscommunication.
2. Check Their Online Reviews or Social Media
If you’re unable to reach them, look up their social media pages or Google listing. Sometimes, they post updates about delays or operational issues.
3. Review Your Contract
Most moving contracts include terms about no-shows, refunds, and compensation. Check the fine print for your rights and refund policies.
4. Report to the Relevant Authority
If you suspect you’ve been scammed by a rogue moving company, contact:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (UK)
- Trading Standards
- Move Assured or BAR (British Association of Removers) if your mover is registered.
These organisations can guide you on next steps for reporting or recovering losses.
5. Contact a Backup Removal Service
If the company is completely unreachable and you need to move the same day, contact local same-day removal services in your area. While it may cost extra, it ensures your belongings are not left stranded.
Can You Claim Compensation If Movers Are Late?
Yes — depending on your contract and the cause of delay, you might be eligible for partial or full compensation.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Delays Caused by the Company: If the lateness is due to internal issues (like poor scheduling or staff shortage), many companies will offer a discount or refund.
- Force Majeure (uncontrollable events): Delays caused by severe weather or traffic may not qualify for compensation
- Guaranteed Slot Agreements: If your contract specifies a guaranteed arrival time, the company must honour it or compensate for any breach.
Always read your Terms & Conditions before booking so you understand your coverage.
Tips to Avoid Moving Delays in the Future
While some things are out of your control, many common issues can be avoided with better preparation.
1. Confirm the Booking a Day Before
Always call or email your mover 24 hours before the move to confirm arrival time, location, and team details.
2. Send a Video or Photos of Access Points
If parking or access could be an issue, send a short video or images of your property entrance to your movers. This helps them plan parking and loading efficiently.
3. Prepare Parking in Advance
In London, parking restrictions are common. Arrange a temporary parking permit with your local council, or inform your mover if you cannot secure one. Failure to do so can result in fines or significant delays.
4. Pack and Label Beforehand
Be fully ready when the movers arrive. If you’re still packing when they get there, it will delay the process even more.
5. Choose a Reliable, Reviewed Company
Always read Google or Trustpilot reviews before hiring a removal service. Reliable companies value punctuality and communication.
6. Schedule Early-Morning Moves
Booking the first slot of the day reduces the chance of delays caused by previous customers’ jobs overrunning.
How Brilliant Removals Handles Moving Delays
At Brilliant Removals, punctuality and reliability are our top priorities. We understand that time is precious, and our customers deserve peace of mind on moving day.
Here’s how we ensure smooth, on-time moves:
- Real-time updates by the attending team for all visits.
- Pre-move video surveys to assess parking and access points
- Dedicated customer coordinators available by phone throughout the day
- Transparent communication in case of unavoidable delays
If unexpected circumstances arise, we immediately inform clients and work to minimise any impact — ensuring your move stays efficient and stress-free.
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