Buying and Selling on the Same Day: How to Pull It Off

George Hampson
Aug 8
4 min read

Buying and selling a home on the same day – often referred to as a simultaneous exchange and completion – can be both practical and cost-effective. For many, it’s the only feasible way to manage the transition between properties.

But it’s not without its challenges. From aligning your moving schedule to having contingency plans in place, here's how to make your same-day move as smooth as possible.

Why Buy and Sell on the Same Day?

There are good reasons why many homeowners aim for a same-day move:

Financial efficiency – You don’t have to pay for temporary accommodation or storage.
Mortgage timing – Funds from the sale of your home can be used immediately for the purchase.
Minimised disruption – Especially important for families or those working from home.

However, it does come with pressure – everything must go according to plan, or delays could ripple across the entire chain.

Understand How the Timeline Works

On the day, the legal and financial steps usually follow this order:

Your solicitor receives funds from your buyer.
You complete the sale of your current home.
Your solicitor then sends funds to the seller of your new home.
Once those are received, you complete your purchase.
Keys are released – and the physical move begins.

This sequence means your removals company can’t start unloading until the second transaction is legally complete.

Smart Packing Strategies for Same-Day Moves

When there’s no time buffer between selling and moving in, your packing needs to be meticulous.

Label everything clearly – Including room names and contents to speed up unloading.
Pack an essentials box – Include kettle, toiletries, phone chargers, cleaning supplies and anything you’ll need right away.
Disassemble in advance – Take apart furniture the night before if possible, to save time on the day.
Use colour-coding – Stickers or tape in different colours for each room make directing movers far easier.

Being fully packed by the night before is non-negotiable – you won’t have time for last-minute faffing.

Book a Removals Company with Experience in Same-Day Moves

A same-day exchange and completion doesn’t leave much room for error. You need a removals team that:

Knows how to handle tight timelines.
Understands what delays can happen – and how to pivot.
Can coordinate multiple pickups or drop-offs if needed.

Speak to your removals firm about your situation as early as possible. The best companies will tailor their service to your circumstances and advise you on how to avoid disruption.

Loading Windows and Timing Tips

There’s often a waiting period between vacating your old property and receiving the keys to your new one. During this window:

Your belongings may stay loaded on the removals van.
Your removals crew may wait at a safe location nearby.
You may need to be available by phone to authorise anything with solicitors.

Agree a schedule with your removals team so everyone is clear on expected timeframes.

Plan for the Unexpected

Same-day completions can be held up by anything from delayed bank transfers to slow paperwork in the chain. Create a backup plan to cover these risks:

Temporary storage – Just in case you can’t move into your new home right away.
An overnight bag – In case you need to stay elsewhere for a night.
Flexible removals – Ask your removals company what happens if there’s a delay.

It's better to have a plan and not need it than to be caught off guard at 4pm with a van full of furniture.

Communication Is Key

Make sure all parties are in sync, including:

Your solicitor
Your estate agent
Your removals company
Anyone else involved (such as family members or childcare)

Check in with each the day before and on the morning of the move. Confirm all key times and make sure mobile phones are fully charged and switched on.

Final Checks Before You Leave

Before handing over your keys:

Do a last sweep of your old property – cupboards, lofts and sheds included.
Take meter readings and photos for reference.
Leave behind any information the new owners might need (bin days, alarm codes, etc.)

This will help wrap up your sale cleanly and reduce post-move admin.

On Arrival at Your New Home

Once the keys are released:

Walk through the property and note the condition.
Direct your removals team based on your labelling system.
Plug in appliances and check water, gas and electricity are all functioning.
Prioritise unpacking your essentials box and bedroom setup – you'll thank yourself later.

In Summary

Buying and selling on the same day might sound like a logistical puzzle – but with forward planning and the right support, it can be done smoothly.

Be completely packed the day before.
Communicate clearly with everyone involved.
Choose a removals company with experience in same-day completions.
Have a backup plan – just in case the unexpected happens.

Need Support for a Same-Day Move?

At Saint Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate the complexities of buying and selling on the same day. From early packing guidance to flexible removals and optional storage, we’ll help you move with confidence – no chaos necessary.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help streamline your move.