Preparing for Moving Day: Everything UK Home Buyers Need to Know
After months of viewings, offers, surveys and conveyancing, moving day finally arrives. It should be a day of celebration, but in reality it's often one of the most stressful days of the entire process. The keys haven't been released yet, the removal van is waiting, and there's still a long list of things to do.
A bit of preparation in the days and weeks beforehand makes a huge difference. Here is what you need to know.
The week before
Moving is much easier if you've sorted the admin in advance. Re-confirm the completion date with both your solicitor and your removals company. Notify your utility providers, local council, bank, employer, GP, dentist and any subscription services of your change of address.
Set up mail redirection with Royal Mail, it costs around £35 for three months and ensures you won't miss important documents during the transition.
Pack a "first night" box that stays with you, not on the van. Include a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, soap, towels, phone chargers, basic kitchen items, bedding and any essential medications. This box is the difference between collapsing into bed at 11pm with a clean towel and a cup of tea, or rummaging through 50 boxes trying to find the kettle.
Make sure your buildings insurance is in place from the day of exchange, not just from completion. While you don't legally own the property until completion, the legal risk transfers to you at exchange. If the property is damaged between exchange and completion, you are still legally obliged to complete the purchase, meaning you would be the one footing the bill for repairs. Most solicitors will insist on seeing proof of insurance before exchanging contracts.
Choosing a removals company
If you're using a removals company, get at least three quotes and read reviews carefully, the cheapest option is rarely the best. Check whether the quote includes packing materials, whether they are insured for transit damage, and what their policy is if completion is delayed on the day.
If you're moving yourself, factor in the cost of van hire, fuel, food for helpers, breaks, and a time contingency. Self-moves almost always take longer than expected.
The day itself
Completion typically happens between 12pm and 2pm, though if you are in a long chain it can often be later. Until your solicitor confirms that funds have transferred and the keys are released by the estate agent, the property isn't legally yours and you cannot enter.
Most people aim to be packed and ready to leave their old property by mid-morning, then wait nearby for the "keys are ready" phone call.
The first hour checklist
Once you have the keys and step through the door, do these five things before you start unloading the van:
Walk through the property visually and check that the seller has left it in the agreed condition and that all items included in the fixtures and fittings form are present.
Take clear photos of the gas, electricity and water meters immediately to ensure you aren't billed for the previous owner's usage.
Locate the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink), the fuse box and the boiler and thermostat controls.
Test all door and window locks, if the previous owners left multiple sets of spare keys, make sure they are all accounted for.
Flush the toilets and run the taps to check for any immediate leaks or drainage issues that weren't apparent during viewings.
What if completion is delayed?
Completion delays usually happen due to banking bottlenecks or issues further up the chain. If completion doesn't happen by the end of the working day, you typically cannot move in until the next working day.
This may mean a night in a hotel while your possessions stay locked on the removal van. Removals companies may charge an additional day's storage and labour, and these costs are usually unrecoverable. It is always wise to keep a small contingency fund specifically for this scenario.
The first weekend
Don't try to do everything immediately, the first weekend is for the basics. Make the beds first, you'll thank yourself later. Get the kitchen functional and create a sanctuary by unpacking at least one room where you can sit and relax away from the boxes.
You'll find things you didn't expect, a leaky tap, a hidden drawer of old manuals, or a friendly neighbour popping by. Take notes as you go. The first few weeks reveal a lot about a property, and keeping a list helps you stay organised as you settle in.
The full checklist
The Home Truths Guide includes a complete checklist of over 100+ questions, covering every stage of buying a home in the UK.
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