The honest answer: minimum 5 working days for Europe, 10 working days for long-haul. But the earlier you book, the better. Here is exactly why — and what actually happens if you leave it too late.
The recommended column is not just about transit time — it is about leaving room for customs clearance at the destination end. Shipments that arrive before you do are much easier to manage than shipments chasing you.
There are predictable peaks every year where collection slots fill quickly. If your move falls in any of these windows, book as early as possible — we regularly see customers miss their preferred date because they called too late.
September (UK university start). The busiest student shipping period of the year. Students moving into halls across the UK, international students arriving, and UK students with belongings at parents' homes moving to new cities. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for September collections.
June–July (end of university year, UK school holiday departures). Students clearing out university rooms, families departing for summer abroad, expat contracts ending. Book 2–3 weeks ahead.
December. Diaspora communities sending Christmas shipments home — Nigeria, Ghana, Caribbean, South Asia routes are extremely busy in November and early December. Book November collections by mid-October.
Ramadan period (varies). Gulf state routes see increased demand as families ship ahead of Ramadan travel.
Call us even if you think it is too late. The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes a modified timeline — but it is always worth a call.
If your preferred collection date is not available, we can usually offer an alternative within 1–2 days. What we cannot do is guarantee your shipment arrives before you do if you book with less than 5 working days to spare for long-haul destinations.
The scenario to avoid: arriving at your destination and your shipment is still in transit at Heathrow. This happens most often with customers who book 2–3 days before they fly. Your bags arrive 7–10 working days after you do, and you are managing the destination customs clearance remotely. It is entirely manageable but it is not ideal.
Call us on 0800 096 38 39. Even with short notice we can usually find a solution.
Tell us your UK postcode, destination, bag count and collection date. Clear quote. No guesswork. Established 1998.