What to do if the moving company doesn't show up on time?

A move is often planned down to the last detail – but what happens when the Moving company arrives late or doesn't show up at all? What rights do you have, and how can you quickly find a solution? In this article, you will learn practical immediate measures, legal options and tips for damage limitationif your moving company is unreliable.

1. Immediate measures: How to react if the moving company is late?

📞 1. Contact the moving company immediately
✅ Call the company directly and ask why the removal helpers are late
✅ If possible: Negotiate a new time or alternative solution

📝 2. Check contract & booking confirmation
✅ Is there a specific time in the contract or just an approximate period?
✅ Is there a Delays & Compensation Clause?

🔄 3. Organize alternative solutions
✅ If possible, private helpers or a short-term transport solution seek
✅ After a other shipping company or rental car as an emergency solution seek

💡 Tip: If the moving date is critical (e.g. handing over keys or starting work in the new place of residence), definitely a Have a replacement solution in mind early on.

2. What rights do you have if the moving company does not show up?

📌 1. Check your claim for damages
✅ If the moving company does not appear without good reason, can a Reimbursement or compensation become due
✅ If a contractually agreed time not met was, a Reduction of the price be enforced

📋 2. Termination of the contract & alternative solution
✅ If the company arrives late or not at all, can a termination of contract without notice be justified
✅ If a deposit has already been paid, a Reimbursement may be requested

⚖ 3. Legal action in case of breach of contract
✅ If the company is not cooperative, a Lawyer or consumer protection help
✅ If necessary: Submit a notification of defects or a claim for damages in writing

💡 Tip: If the moving company appears within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. 1-2 hours), an agreement can often be better than an immediate termination of the contract.

3. Emergency plan: What to do if the moving company doesn't show up?

🚛 1. Find an alternative transport solution
✅ If the company does not appear at all, a short-term Rental vans or moving helpers via online platforms be booked
✅ If friends & family can help: Organize your own transport with a rental car

🛠 2. Hire spontaneous moving helpers
✅ Platforms like MyHammer, TaskRabbit or moving exchanges to use
✅ If necessary, professional Request furniture packers or carrying aids at short notice

📦 3. If no solution is found – postpone the move?
✅ If possible: Talk to your new landlord or employerwhether a delay is possible
✅ If storage capacity is required: Organize temporary storage of furniture

💡 Tip: If a Intermediate storage becomes necessary, self-storage providers or short-term storage options can help.

4. How to avoid problems with unreliable moving companies

🔍 1. Choose a reputable moving company
✅ Reviews on Check Google, Trusted Shops or moving portals
✅ No Pay in full in advance – only a small deposit, if required

📜 2. Conclude a contract with clear time specifications
✅ Make sure that the exact moving date & time fixed in writing are
✅ If possible: Insert contractual clauses on delays and compensation

📞 3. Contact the moving company well in advance of the moving day
✅ Confirm by phone 1-2 days in advancethat everything goes as planned
✅ If necessary: Have alternative moving helpers or rental vans ready as a plan B

💡 Tip: If a company does not written booking confirmation or does not respond reliably, this can be a warning signal.

5. Avoid common mistakes when planning your move

❌ Looking for an alternative too late → Solution: Always have an emergency option (e.g. rental car or private helper)
❌ Do not have a written contract with the moving company → Solution: Request written confirmation with a time indication
❌ Contact the moving company only on the day of the move → Solution: Request confirmation 1–2 days in advance
❌ Make full payment before moving → Solution: Final payment only after successful move

💡 Tip: If you are not sure whether the moving company is reliable, a small test request (e.g. appointment confirmation or consultation) help to assess the seriousness.

6. Checklist: What to do if the moving company is not on time?

📌 Before the move:
✅ Contract on clear time information & cancellation options check
✅ If necessary: Research alternatives such as rental cars or moving helpers
✅ Confirm by phone 1-2 days in advance

📌 On moving day:
✅ If the company does not appear: Call & ask
✅ If contact is not possible: Find an alternative transport solution
✅ If necessary: Written complaint & demand compensation

📌 After the move:
✅ If damage or financial loss has occurred, consider legal action
✅ If the moving company is not available, contact the consumer advice center or legal advice center
✅ If a cancellation was necessary: Request a refund of the deposit

💡 Tip: If the move time-critical, it is worth obtaining confirmation from the removal company 1-2 days in advance.

Conclusion: How to react correctly if the moving company is not on time

✔ Keep calm & contact the company immediately
✔ Review the contract and insist on the company's contractual obligations
✔ If necessary, take legal action or claim damages
✔ Provide alternative transport options to remain flexible
✔ Always check moving companies for reliability before hiring them

🚛 Do you want a smooth and professional move without any unpleasant surprises? Praktik Transport offers reliable & punctual moving services – for a stress-free move! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨