The moving day marks the final step in your home moving process. It is the day when all your belongings are transferred to your new home, and the legal aspects of the property’s ownership are finalised. Generally, this is the day your house sale is completed, especially if you are buying and selling in a chain. It can be very stressful, but with good preparation and organisation, you can help to make it less so. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth and efficient moving day.
What Happens on the Day of Move?
Moving day is long and tiring, so ensure you have a good night’s sleep beforehand! Here is a breakdown of what typically happens:
Early Morning Preparations:
- Final Packing: Complete last-minute packing, ensuring all items are securely packed and labelled.
- Coordination with Movers: Your removal team should arrive at the agreed time. Greet them, show them around, and discuss the moving plan. Often one of them will have been to your home beforehand, so they will already have a good idea of the layout of your house, and any special requirements.
Payment and Legal Formalities:
- Final Payment: The remaining money for the house is transferred from your conveyancer to the seller’s conveyancer. This is usually done in the morning.
- Completion Confirmation: Legal completion occurs once the seller’s conveyancer confirms receipt of the payment. Both conveyancers will call their respective clients to confirm the completion. You can only enter your new home once this process is completed.
Key Handover:
Once the sale is completed, the seller’s conveyancer will inform the estate agent to release the keys to you. The estate agent will then contact you to collect the keys.
Loading and Departure:
- Loading the Van: The removal team will load your belongings onto the moving van. Ensure that fragile and valuable items are handled carefully and labelled as fragile.
- Departure from Old Property: After loading, do a final walkthrough of your old property to check for forgotten items. Secure the property by locking all doors and windows. Ensure you have left anything included in the sale for the new owners. Some people buy items of furniture along with the home.
How Does House Move Day Work?
A successful move requires careful coordination and clear communication. Here’s how the process typically works:
Coordination with Movers:
- Arrival and Briefing: The movers arrive at the scheduled time. Brief them about any special instructions and ensure they clearly understand your requirements. Anything left for the new owners must be clearly labelled so that it is not removed accidentally.
- Loading Protocol: The movers will start loading the van. Ensure fragile items are packed separately and handled with extra care.
Communication with Solicitors:
- Fund Transfer: Your solicitor will transfer the funds to the seller’s solicitor. Stay in contact with your solicitor throughout the day for updates.
- Completion Call: Once the funds are transferred and legal completion is confirmed, both solicitors will inform their clients.
Timelines and Schedules:
- Morning Activities: Start early to ensure everything is ready for the movers. Expect the critical handover and final payment to happen before midday. Bear in mind in a long chain, this could run over to the afternoon.
- Afternoon Move: Typically, the physical move happens in the afternoon after all legalities are settled.
What Time Do I Need to Be Out of My House on the Moving Date?
Vacating your old property on time and by the agreed date is crucial to avoid any delays in the moving process on completion day. Here are some key points to consider:
Standard Timelines:
The usual time for vacating the property is by noon, but this can vary depending on the size of the property chain and any specific agreements made between the buyer and seller.
Flexibility and Agreements:
If both parties agree, alternative times can be arranged. Ensure that these are communicated and documented.
Inspection and Final Walkthrough:
Before leaving, thoroughly inspect the property to ensure nothing is left behind. Remember to check your fixtures and fittings documents to check that you haven’t removed anything included in the sale. Some people may leave curtain rails behind, whereas others may take them, for example.
Tips to Survive Moving Day
To make your moving day as smooth and stress-free as possible, consider the following tips:
Pack Your Moving Day Survival Box in Advance:
Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and food and drink for the day. Everyone, including your removals team, will want a hot drink and a biscuit!
Get a Childminder or Dog Sitter for the Day:
Dogs and young children are better being looked after elsewhere for the day.
Keep Your Mobile Charged and Nearby at All Times:
Stay connected for any necessary coordination or emergencies.
Keep Your Moving Paperwork Separate from Other Important Papers:
Ensure that documents related to the move are easily accessible.
Keep Valuable and Sentimental Items with You:
Do not pack valuables, such as jewellery, passports, or sentimental items, into the removals lorry. Instead, keep them with you for safety.
Know Your Movers and Run Through the Moving Plan:
Brief your removal team about the moving plan and any special instructions.
Have Cash to Hand for Tips and Food Delivery:
Prepare cash to tip the removal team and order food.
Plan for the Children and Pets’ Safety:
If you have pets, they must be shut away during moving time. The doors to your house will be open, and they could escape. Young children need constant supervision so that they don’t get in the way or get injured.
Inspect the Space You’re Leaving for Any Forgotten Items:
Conduct a final check of your old property to ensure nothing is left behind.
Do a Last-Minute Clean of Your Vacant Property and Lock It Up Tight:
You should do a deep clean of your property a few days before leaving, so a quick clean will suffice on the day. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving.
Reduce Your Stress With Excalibur Removals
Moving day can be hectic! However, when you come to the team at Excalibur Removals, we will provide a professional, reliable and experienced removals service to help you survive moving day! If you are planning to move house, we are here to help. Simply contact us today.