Can You Move House on the Same Day You Complete?

For most people, the goal is simple: complete on your new home, collect the keys and get moving. But if you're buying and selling at the same time, you may wonder whether it's actually possible to move house on the same day you complete.

The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, same-day completion and moving is common. However, it requires some planning, especially if you're part of a property chain.

Here's what you need to know before booking your removals.

What does completion day mean?

Completion is when your property purchase or sale is legally finalised.

If you're buying a home, you transfer the purchase funds to the seller and, once the transaction is complete, you can collect the keys and take possession of the property.

If you're selling, completion is when the sale money is transferred and ownership passes to the buyer.

Remember that exchange and completion are different stages. Exchange of contracts makes the transaction legally binding, while completion is when the sale or purchase actually takes place.

Can you move on the same day as completion?

Yes. Many people arrange for their removal company to arrive at their old property on the morning of completion, load their belongings and then head to their new home once the keys are available.

However, there can be some waiting involved.

Your removal team may finish loading everything before you can access your new property. This is particularly common when you're selling one property and buying another, as the money needs to move through the chain before each transaction can complete.

This means your moving day may not run to an exact timetable.

What time will you get the keys?

There isn't a set time when you'll receive the keys on completion day.

Completion can happen at different points during the day depending on the circumstances of your transaction. If you're part of a property chain, the funds may need to pass through several transactions before your own purchase can complete.

That's why you shouldn't assume you'll have access to your new home first thing in the morning.

Your solicitor or conveyancer should keep you updated and let you know once completion has taken place.

What does this mean for your removal company?

If you're planning to move on the same day as completion, tell your removal company that your moving date depends on completion.

Your removal team can still start at your old property, but there may be a gap between loading the van and being able to unload at your new home.

This is particularly worth discussing if you're part of a longer property chain.

Your removal company can explain how they normally handle this type of move and what happens if there is a delay.

What if completion is delayed?

Completion doesn't always happen as early as everyone hopes.

If you're waiting for your new home to complete, your removal team may need to wait before unloading your belongings.

This is one reason communication is so important on moving day. Keep your solicitor, estate agent and removal company updated as you receive information.

If completion is taking longer than expected, don't be afraid to ask your removal company what happens next. They're used to the practical side of moving around completion dates and can advise you based on your individual circumstances.

How can you prepare for a same-day move?

A little preparation can make a big difference when your moving day involves completion.

Pack as much as possible beforehand

Ideally, pack most of your belongings before completion day.

Leaving everything until the morning can make an already busy day much more stressful. Try to have your boxes sealed, labelled and ready for the removal team before they arrive.

Keep your essentials separate

Pack a separate bag or box containing the things you'll need immediately, such as:

• Important documents

• Phone chargers

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Basic cleaning supplies

• A change of clothes

• Snacks and drinks

• Pet essentials

• Children's essentials

Keep these with you rather than putting them onto the removal van so you can access them whenever you need them.

Keep important paperwork with you

Your legal documents and anything relating to your property purchase should stay with you rather than being packed away.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal side of completion, so make sure you know how to contact them on the day if you need an update.

Expect the day to take longer than planned

This is probably the most important thing to remember.

You may have a rough schedule, but completion can be unpredictable, particularly when you're part of a chain. Try to leave some flexibility rather than planning everything down to the minute.

Your removal company can help you understand how the practical side of the move can work around this.

What happens if you can't move in on completion day?

In some circumstances, you may not be able to move straight into your new home.

For example, completion may happen later than expected, or an issue may require youto make alternative arrangements.

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If your belongings have already been loaded, you may need somewhere to store them temporarily. This is where storage can be useful.

If you think you may need storage, it's worth discussing this with your removal company in advance rather than trying to arrange it at the last minute.

Can you move before completion?

Generally, you should not assume that you can move your belongings into a property before completion simply because contracts have been exchanged.

Until completion, you don't have possession of the property. If you're unsure about what you can or can't do before completion, speak to your solicitor or conveyancer.

Your removal company can help with the practical arrangements once you have access to the property.

Is moving on completion day a good idea?

For many people, moving on completion day is the simplest option. You can leave your old home, collect the keys to your new one and move your belongings straight in.

However, it can also be a long day, particularly if you're selling and buying at the same time.

If you know your completion date is likely to be busy, getting as much organised as possible beforehand can make a real difference. The more prepared you are, the less you'll have to worry about once the day arrives.

Planning your move around completion

Moving house on the same day you complete is completely possible, but it's important to allow for some uncertainty.

Get packed ahead of time, keep your essentials with you, and make sure your removal company knows your move depends on completion. Most importantly, don't worry if things don't happen exactly when you expected.

Once the keys are finally in your hand and the van is ready to go, you'll be on your way to your new home.

Get in touch with Saint Removals

Planning your move around your completion date? Saint Removals can help you organise the practical side of moving day, even when timings aren't completely straightforward.

Get in touch with the team to discuss your move, your expected completion date and how we can help make the day as smooth as possible.