What Happens If Your Move Falls Through? Practical Next Steps

George Hampson
Jun 6
4 min read

You’ve packed the boxes, signed the paperwork, lined up the removals company… and then the unthinkable happens. The move falls through.

It’s a gut-wrenching – feeling, especially when you’ve already mentally moved out, or worse, physically started to. Whether it’s a collapsed chain, a last-minute mortgage hitch or a seller pulling out, house moves can unravel at any stage.

But it’s not the end of the world – and you’re far from the first person this has happened to. At Saint Removals, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to guide you through what happens next, and how to regain control of the situation.

Why Do House Moves Fall Through?

First, it helps to understand the most common reasons moves fall apart, especially so you can spot the warning signs earlier next time.

Chain breaks down – One buyer or seller in the chain pulls out or encounters delays, causing a domino effect.
Mortgage issues – A mortgage offer is delayed, withdrawn, or no longer valid due to timeframes or financial changes.
Gazumping or gazundering – Another buyer offers more at the last minute (gazumping), or a buyer drops their offer just before exchange (gazundering).
Survey problems – The buyer’s survey flags serious issues, leading them to renegotiate or walk away.
Change of heart – Someone gets cold feet or experiences unexpected life changes that affect the sale.

Some of these situations are unavoidable. Others can be mitigated with the right legal advice, good communication and reliable professionals – including your removals team.

First Steps to Take When a Move Falls Through

Before you panic or start unpacking, take these immediate steps:

1. Contact Your Solicitor or Estate Agent

They’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s happened and whether there’s any chance the situation can be salvaged, especially if the issue is with paperwork, timing, or a buyer who might reconsider.

2. Speak to Your Removals Company

If you’ve booked a removals team like Saint Removals, get in touch straight away. The sooner we know, the more we can help.

We’ll do what we can to pause or reschedule your move without unnecessary costs. If you’re facing an indefinite delay, we can also discuss storage options to bridge the gap.

3. Reassess Your Timelines

If the fall-through is final, you’ll need to re-evaluate your plans. Do you need to relist your home? Find another property? Rent short-term accommodation?

Make peace with the delay. It’s frustrating, but it’s far better to regroup now than rush into a poor decision later.

What Are Your Options If You Can’t Move Right Away?

Depending on your situation, here are some practical next steps:

1. Secure Temporary Storage

If your move is delayed but not cancelled, let's say, the chain needs time to reform, short-term storage can be a lifesaver.

We offer secure, flexible storage that can be arranged quickly, so your belongings stay protected while your next steps fall into place. Whether it’s a few weeks or a few months, we can keep everything safe until you're ready.

2. Rebook or Postpone Your Removals

If the move has simply shifted a few weeks down the line, most reputable removals companies will help you rebook without major penalties, especially if you’ve been open about the situation.

At Saint Removals, we know how unpredictable the housing market can be. We’ll always try to work with you on new dates, availability, and revised plans.

3. Look Into Short-Term Accommodation

If you’ve already sold your home, but the purchase fell through, you may need temporary accommodation. This could be:

A short-term rental
Staying with friends or family
Booking a serviced flat or Airbnb

It’s not ideal, but it gives you breathing space – and storage takes care of the rest.

Can You Prevent a Fall-Through Next Time?

Not always, but there are ways to reduce the risk:

Get financially prepared early – Secure your mortgage in principle before making offers.
Choose reliable professionals – Solicitors, agents, and removals teams who communicate clearly can help spot issues early.
Stay in regular contact – Keep things moving by following up with agents, solicitors and lenders regularly.
Be chain-aware – Shorter chains mean fewer chances for a collapse. Consider chain-free properties if possible.
Protect yourself legally – You can explore options like lock-out agreements or exclusivity contracts (speak to your solicitor).

Don’t Let It Knock You Off Course

A failed move is disappointing, there's no doubt about it. But it’s not a reason to give up on the bigger picture. You’ve already done so much work to get this far, and it will pay off.

Most buyers and sellers experience at least one delay or setback in their property journey. The key is to stay calm, stay informed, and surround yourself with people who can help you adapt, and fast.

Need Help Navigating the Fallout?

At Saint Removals, we understand the real-world stresses of moving house – especially when the plan suddenly changes. That’s why we offer:

Flexible rebooking for postponed moves
Secure short- and long-term storage options
Packing, transport and logistics support when you’re ready to move again

If your move has hit a bump, don’t panic – speak to us. We’ll help you keep your belongings safe, your timeline flexible, and your stress levels in check. Let’s regroup and make a new plan.