Should I pay a mover's deposit before our new home's handover date is confirmed?
HousingThe removal company has one Friday left this month. The estate agent says we're "aiming for that Friday." Our conveyancer hasn't confirmed the date, and the seller still needs agreement on the place they're moving into.
The mover's quote is £700, with a £150 booking payment. Their written terms say a date change this close to the move could involve a charge; I haven't asked what it would be for this booking. Our landlord has agreed that we can keep the current rental for an extra week at an agreed cost, so we have a little flexibility, although paying for overlap hurts.
My partner wants to reserve the van now because missing it could mean a more expensive move. I want to know what happens if we book it and cannot collect the keys on Friday. Both of us are looking at a real expense; we are just picturing different ways it could arrive.
What would you establish before paying to hold the slot? I can pack another box today. I can't make "aiming for Friday" turn into a confirmed handover by writing it on the box.
