How to Handle a House Sale and Purchase on Completion Day: Essential Tips for a Smooth Move

Completion day is one of the most critical milestones in the house sale and purchase process. It's the day when the legal transfer of property ownership is finalized, and you move out of your old home and into your new one. With tight timelines and many moving parts, ensuring a smooth transition requires careful planning and professional assistance. This article will guide you through the steps to manage your move efficiently on completion day, highlighting the importance of hiring a professional mover to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Why Completion Day is Critical

Completion day is when the buyer's solicitor transfers the purchase money to the seller's solicitor, and ownership of the property is officially transferred. This means you must vacate your current home and have access to your new home, typically by early afternoon. It's crucial to understand the timing involved to plan your move effectively.

Key Timings on Completion Day

• 1 PM to 2 PM: You need to be out of your current home by 1 PM, with the latest deadline being 2 PM.
• 2 PM: Most of the time, the keys to your new house are released by 2 PM.

Understanding these timings is essential for coordinating your move and ensuring everything is done promptly.

Importance of Hiring a Professional Mover

To ensure a stress-free move, it is vital to hire a professional moving company. Here’s why:

1. Adequate Resources

A professional mover will provide enough vans and manpower to handle your move efficiently. This is particularly important on completion day, as delays can cause significant stress and complications.

2. Expertise and Experience

Professional movers have the expertise to pack, load, and transport your belongings quickly and safely. Their experience ensures that the move is handled with precision and care.

3. Timely Execution

Given the tight timeline, professional movers can ensure that you are out of your current home by 1 PM and ready to move into your new home once the keys are released. Their efficiency minimizes the risk of delays.

4. Stress Reduction

Moving can be incredibly stressful, especially on completion day. Hiring professionals allows you to focus on other important tasks, knowing that the logistics of your move are in capable hands.

Preparing for Completion Day

Weeks Before the Move

1. Confirm Dates: Ensure you have a confirmed completion date from your solicitor.
2. Book Movers: Book a reputable moving company well in advance. Confirm their availability for your completion day and discuss the specifics of your move.
3. Declutter: Start decluttering your home, donating, selling, or disposing of items you no longer need.
4. Pack Strategically: Begin packing non-essential items, clearly labeling boxes with their contents and the room they belong to in your new home.

Days Before the Move

1. Final Walkthrough: If possible, do a final walkthrough of your new home to ensure everything is in order.
2. Notify Utilities: Inform utility companies and other relevant organizations of your move. Arrange for final meter readings and ensure services are set up at your new home.
3. Overnight Bag: Pack an overnight bag with essentials for each family member, including clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents.

On Completion Day

Early Morning

1. Start Early: Begin your day early to handle any unexpected issues.
2. Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with your solicitor for updates on the transfer of funds and confirmation that the sale has been completed.
3. Final Checks: Ensure all items are packed and ready to go. Have essential items easily accessible.

Moving Process

1. Supervise Loading: When the removal team arrives, supervise the loading of your belongings onto the van. Provide clear instructions and ensure fragile items are handled with care.
2. Clean Your Home: After loading, do a quick clean of your old home. This is courteous for the new owners and often a contractual obligation.

Midday to Afternoon

1. Collect Keys: Your solicitor will inform you once the transaction is complete. Collect the keys to your new home, usually by 2 PM.
2. Supervise Unloading: Upon arrival at your new home, supervise the unloading process. Direct the removal team to place boxes in their designated rooms.

Post-Move

1. Check Utilities: Ensure all utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) are up and running.
2. Unpack Essentials: Focus on unpacking the essentials first. Set up beds, basic kitchen items, and toiletries to ensure you can comfortably spend your first night in your new home.

Moving house on completion day requires meticulous planning and coordination, especially with the tight timelines involved. By hiring a professional moving company with adequate resources and expertise, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move. Remember to stay organized, start early, and keep in close contact with your solicitor. With these steps, you'll be well-prepared to handle the challenges of completion day and enjoy your new home.