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If you’ve ever had a closing fall apart because the moving truck didn’t show up or the house wasn’t empty on time, you know how frustrating moving day delays can be. A smooth closing depends on good timing and good planning. When realtors help clients anticipate and avoid delays, it keeps the entire transaction on schedule and everyone a lot less stressed.
Here are the top reasons moves don’t happen on time and how to help your buyers and sellers stay ahead of the chaos.
1. The Movers Weren’t Booked Early Enough
Reputable movers book out weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and end-of-month transitions. Waiting too long to hire a professional moving company means clients are stuck with fewer options, higher prices or unreliable crews. Encourage clients to lock in their moving company as soon as the contract goes under agreement.
2. Everything Wasn’t Packed on Time
Packing always takes longer than expected. If boxes aren’t sealed and furniture isn’t ready to move when the truck pulls up, delays follow fast. Recommend that your clients complete packing at least one day before the move so movers can get straight to work.
3. Poor Access at the Property
Tight driveways, blocked streets or restricted parking can delay a move by hours. If a moving truck can’t park close to the home, the crew will need to carry items farther or use shuttles, slowing everything down. Ask your clients to check with HOAs, apartment managers or municipalities in advance to avoid access issues.
4. Underestimating How Much Needs to Be Moved
If a client tells the movers they have a small load, but it turns out they’ve got a three-car garage stuffed to the ceiling, it’s a recipe for trouble. The movers might not bring a big enough crew or the right truck size. Help your clients give accurate, detailed inventory information to their movers before moving day.
5. Weather Surprises
In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, weather changes quickly. Storms, heat waves or high winds can slow down loading or make travel difficult. Smart movers have plans in place, but it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast and build in some flexibility when possible.
6. Double-Booking with Other Services
It sounds efficient to have cleaners, painters or utility workers at the house the same day as the movers, but it usually backfires. Too many people in one space leads to delays, distractions and damage. Recommend that your clients give the movers their own day to work so everything gets done safely and on schedule.
7. The Home Wasn’t Decluttered First
Trying to sort, toss or donate on moving day causes unnecessary backups. A cluttered home takes longer to pack, longer to load and longer to clean. Remind your clients to start decluttering early, ideally a few weeks before the move.
8. The Closing Was Scheduled Too Close to the Move
If a buyer is scheduled to move in at noon, but the seller is still moving out at 10 a.m., there’s no wiggle room for error. Even a short delay can turn into a full-day headache. Encourage your clients to build in a buffer between move-out and move-in whenever possible.
Keep Moving Day Delays Off the TableA little guidance goes a long way.
When realtors help clients plan their moves with strategy and foresight, moving day delays become a lot less likely. Closings stay on track, clients stay happy and you get to the finish line without the drama.
Need a trusted moving company you can confidently refer? Positive Moves is here to help your clients move smarter, safer and right on time.
FAQs
1. What causes delays on moving day?
Delays on moving day often come from poor planning, last-minute packing, bad weather or scheduling too many services at the same time. Traffic, blocked access and underestimating how much there is to move can also slow things down. Booking your moving company early and preparing your home ahead of time are two of the best ways to avoid these delays.
2. How far in advance should I book a moving company to avoid delays?
It’s best to book your moving company at least six to eight weeks before your move, especially during peak seasons like summer. Good movers fill up fast, and waiting too long could leave you with limited availability or crews that can’t meet your timeline. Early booking helps guarantee your preferred date and reduces the risk of last-minute surprises.
3. Can packing on the same day as the move cause delays?
Yes, packing the same day as the move is one of the most common causes of delays. If your boxes aren’t sealed and labeled and your furniture isn’t ready to go, the movers can’t start working right away. Being fully packed the night before helps your move start on time and finish faster.
