If you’re hoping to move house before Christmas, you’re probably juggling a completion date that could change, family plans and a long list of jobs to get done. Add short winter days and busy December diaries, and it’s easy to feel that the festive move is becoming another source of stress.

The good news is that you don’t need every detail finalised before you start planning. Getting a removal survey and understanding your options early can help you find a suitable slot, compare costs and avoid a last-minute scramble.

Why December dates need early attention

Autumn is a busy time for property listings, and some sales agreed in the season will be heading towards completion as winter approaches. But it’s worth being precise about what the headline figures mean: the reported 68-day average is the time from listing to an agreed offer, not from listing to completion. An offer is only one stage of a sale, and conveyancing and any property chain can add weeks or months. The date of 16 October has been reported as a suggested deadline to list with a chance of agreeing a sale before Christmas, not a guarantee of moving by then. (The Intermediary’s report)

So, if you’ve already agreed a December completion, it’s sensible to contact removal firms now. If your sale is still progressing, you can still get a survey and ask about date flexibility, quote validity and the company’s booking terms. Ask whether a date can be held while your solicitor confirms the chain, and check what happens if completion changes.

The Christmas fortnight is especially tricky. Crews may have fewer working days around staff holidays, daylight fades early, and the period between Christmas and New Year can be difficult to schedule. Aim for the first half of December if your completion date allows, and try not to leave booking until the final week before Christmas.

How to find a date that works, and costs less

Fridays, month-end dates and the last working days before Christmas are often in greatest demand. If you can be flexible, ask for a Tuesday-to-Thursday date in the middle of the month. A quieter mid-week, mid-month slot can be around 10–25% cheaper than a peak date, although the saving depends on the size of your move, the route and availability. Treat that range as a guide, not a guaranteed discount: request a written quote for each date you’re considering.

When comparing prices, ask for a fixed-price quote based on a proper survey, rather than relying only on an hourly rate. A key release that runs late can stretch an hourly move, while a clear fixed-price quote gives you a better idea of the cost upfront. Check exactly what’s included, such as labour, mileage, packing, dismantling and reassembly, and any parking arrangements.

At Ashley Removals, a free on-site or video survey helps us assess the volume of belongings, access at both addresses and any large or awkward items before we quote. That matters locally: a narrow approach or tight turning space near Alfold or Loxwood, for example, is best discussed before moving day, not when the van arrives.

Whether you’re looking for removals in Cranleigh, a removal company in Godalming, Haslemere removals or a Guildford moving company, share both addresses and any access concerns during the survey. If you’re searching for a removal service near me, make sure the company can explain how it will protect your belongings and plan the job, not just offer a headline price.

Your Surrey winter moving-day checklist

Winter moves need a little more thought about light, weather and access. In December, it can be getting dark by around 4pm, so an early start and a well-prepared home make a real difference.

Before moving day:

• Check parking early. If you need an on-street bay suspension, Surrey County Council says applications normally need at least 10 days’ notice. Apply sooner if you can, and check the council’s suspension and waiver guidance for the current process.
• Plan around school dates. Surrey community and voluntary-controlled schools are due to finish autumn term on Friday 18 December 2026, with pupils returning on Monday 4 January 2027. Dates can vary between schools, so confirm with yours using the Surrey term-date information.
• Prepare outdoor access. Check the forecast, clear leaves and grit icy steps, paths and driveways. Tell your movers about steep or slippery access and narrow roads.
• Protect floors. Wet shoes and road salt can mark carpets and wooden floors. Keep doormats by the entrances and use suitable floor protection where needed.
• Make the most of daylight. Pack and label boxes in advance, clear the route to the van and make sure lights work at both homes. Keep a torch or portable work light handy.
• Keep essentials with you. Pack medicines, chargers, warm layers, important documents, snacks and anything children will need that day.

A simple booking timeline

Now: Arrange a free survey. Even if your completion date is not confirmed, you can discuss likely dates, access and the size of the move. Ask for a clear written quote and the terms for date changes.

As soon as your solicitor gives you a realistic window: Compare dates. Ask about a mid-week, mid-month option as well as your preferred date. During a busy period, giving yourself 2–6 weeks’ notice where possible can improve your choice of slots.

Before the move: Confirm the details. Once your completion date is firm, agree the booking in writing. Reconfirm parking, key collection arrangements, packing requirements and any furniture that needs dismantling or reassembly.

If the chain slips: Ask about storage. When your sale and purchase dates don’t line up, short-term storage may bridge the gap. Ask how collection, storage and redelivery work, and whether the revised plan changes the price.

A professional team can also help with more than loading the van. Ashley Removals’ porters use protective blankets and secure tie-downs, and the team can handle furniture dismantling and reassembly. Moves are fully insured, and nationwide transport is available if your next home is further afield. You can read more about our residential removals in Cranleigh and Surrey and moving FAQs.

Book ahead, even if your date is still taking shape

The honest answer is that no removal company can guarantee a completion date or prevent a property chain from changing. What you can do is plan early, understand the booking terms and leave yourself more than one date option.

After more than 10 years of local moves, we know that clear information at the survey stage helps avoid the most common moving-day surprises: forgotten loft or garage items, tricky parking and furniture that needs extra preparation. Ashley Removals also reports a 60% repeat-customer rate and one complaint over the past decade. A record we work hard to maintain through careful planning and personal service.

If you’re planning a Christmas move, book a free, no-obligation on-site or video survey before the busiest dates are gone. Tell us your preferred date, your backup options and what you know about the chain so far. We’ll help you understand the practical choices and provide a transparent quote.

Request your free removals survey or call 01483 323534 to talk through your move.