What to Do If Movers Are Late on Moving Day?

Movers running late? Discover expert steps to stay calm, act fast, and avoid disaster. Learn how to handle delays and find reliable movers in London.

If your movers are late, don’t panic. Check your booking, contact the company, ask for an ETA, and be prepared to act. This guide walks you through steps to stay in control and avoid future delays with a reliable moving company like London Man Van.

Table of Contents

• Why Movers Might Be Late — And When to Worry
• What Should You Do If Your Movers Are Late?
• Should I Wait or Hire Another Moving Company?
• How to Prevent This from Happening Again
• FAQs - People Also Ask

Why Movers Might Be Late — And When to Worry

It’s moving day, your boxes are ready, and you're watching the clock. When your movers haven’t arrived, it can feel stressful and confusing. The truth is, even reputable moving companies sometimes run late — but knowing the reasons can help you assess how to respond.

Common Reasons for Late Movers:

• Traffic or road closures, especially in Central London
• Delays in earlier jobs due to complicated or underestimated moves
• Vehicle breakdowns or logistical errors
• Incorrect booking times, addresses, or job details
• Poor communication from disorganised companies

💡 Tip: Always confirm your booking the day before and ask for a direct contact number for the assigned crew.

What Should You Do If Your Movers Are Late?

Stay calm and follow these steps to keep your move on track.

1. Check Your Booking Confirmation

Review your email or text confirmation for the scheduled time, address, and team size. Miscommunications or timing errors (like AM/PM mix-ups) are more common than you might think.

2. Call the Moving Company Immediately

Contact the company’s office or the assigned driver. A reliable service like London Man Van will provide updates and work to resolve the issue quickly.

3. Ask for an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

Request a new estimated arrival time. If the delay is manageable (under 1-2 hours), consider adjusting your moving timeline slightly.

4. Document Communication

Take screenshots or note down phone calls, names, and timestamps. This helps protect you in case of disputes or complaints later.

5. Have a Backup Plan

If the movers are over 2-3 hours late and unresponsive, consider switching to a backup. London Man Van offers same-day emergency removals in London.

Should I Wait or Hire Another Moving Company?

If it's been over three hours and you're still waiting with no clear update, it may be time to switch providers.

Signs You Should Switch Moving Companies

• Zero response from customer service or drivers
• Urgent time pressure such as tenancy deadlines or landlord access times
• Red flags during the booking process (e.g., vague pricing, poor communication)

💡 Good to know: London Man Van offers reliable last-minute removals across London with instant quotes and online booking.

How to Prevent This from Happening Again

Late movers are a major inconvenience — but avoidable with the right company.

What to Look for in a Trustworthy Mover

• Clear communication and responsive customer service
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Verified Google and Trustpilot reviews
• Comprehensive services including packing and furniture assembly
• Real-time vehicle tracking and on-time guarantees

🔗 Explore our affordable man and van services in London

FAQs - People Also Ask

What if my movers don’t show up at all?

If your movers are a complete no-show and can’t be reached, document the situation and call another company immediately. You may be entitled to a refund if there’s a contract breach.

Can I get a refund if my movers are late?

It depends on the company's terms. Some offer partial refunds or service credits for major delays. Review your contract and escalate if needed.

How long should I wait before finding a backup mover?

Waiting more than 1-2 hours with no clear update is a good threshold for considering alternatives. Time-sensitive moves shouldn't be left to chance.

Can London Man Van help with last-minute moves?

Yes. London Man Van specialises in emergency and same-day removals across London. You can book online in minutes or call for availability.

Why might movers be late on moving day?

Common reasons include traffic, previous job delays, vehicle issues, or incorrect booking details. Reliable movers should always keep you informed.

Is it normal for movers to be a little late?

Minor delays (15-30 minutes) can happen. But more than an hour without updates is unprofessional. Confirm details and ask for an ETA early.

What should I do first if my movers haven’t arrived?

Double-check your booking and immediately call the company to confirm the status. Request an updated ETA and stay available for communication.

Should I have a backup plan if movers are delayed?

Yes. Especially if your timeline is tight. Having a contact for a reliable mover like London Man Van ensures you won’t be stuck on moving day.

Final Thoughts - Don’t Let Late Movers Ruin Your Day

Moving day stress is real — and unreliable movers only make it worse. But with the right steps and a backup plan, you can take back control. At London Man Van, we prioritise punctuality, communication, and professional service to ensure your move runs smoothly.

Don’t risk delays on your big day.
Choose London Man Van for on-time, stress-free removals across London.

✅ Get a free instant quote now
📞 Or call us at 020 7060 4743 to book your move today.

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