What Happens If Completion Is Delayed on Moving Day?

Moving day is supposed to be the moment everything finally comes together. The boxes are packed, the removal van is booked, you’ve finished the last-minute cleaning and you’re ready to collect the keys to your new home.

But what happens if completion is delayed?

Perhaps your solicitor is still waiting for the purchase money to arrive. Maybe there is a problem somewhere in the chain. Perhaps the buyer at the other end hasn’t completed yet, meaning your own purchase cannot go ahead.

Meanwhile, your removal team may already have arrived, your furniture may be loaded onto the van and you may be left wondering:

“Where do we go now?”

The good news is that a delayed completion doesn’t necessarily mean your move has fallen apart. Delays can often be managed, although they can be stressful and may involve additional costs or temporary storage.

In this guide, A&M Removals explains what completion means, why delays happen, what you should do if your removal van is waiting and what options may be available if you cannot get the keys to your new home on the expected day.

 

 

 

 

Quick answer: What happens if completion is delayed on moving day?

If completion is delayed, you generally cannot take possession of the property until completion has legally taken place and the keys have been released.

If your removal van is already loaded, you should contact your solicitor or conveyancer immediately to find out what is causing the delay and how long it is expected to last.

Depending on the circumstances, your removal company may be able to:

• Wait for a period of time
• Rearrange the unloading time
• Return later
• Move your belongings into temporary storage
• Arrange delivery to your new property when completion takes place
• Help you make alternative arrangements if the move has to be postponed

The exact options depend on the circumstances, your removal company’s availability and the length of the delay.

The most important thing is to communicate quickly with your solicitor, estate agent and removal company rather than waiting for the situation to resolve itself.

 

What does completion mean when you’re buying or selling a house?

Completion is the stage of the property transaction when the purchase or sale legally completes.

In a typical purchase, your solicitor or conveyancer transfers the purchase money to the seller’s solicitor. Once the seller’s solicitor confirms that the money has been received, completion takes place.

The keys can then normally be released and you can take possession of the property.

This is different from exchange of contracts.

Exchange of contracts

Exchange makes the agreed transaction legally binding, subject to the terms of the contract.

Completion

Completion is when the transaction actually takes place and ownership/possession changes according to the contract.

This distinction is important because you may have exchanged contracts and booked your removal company, but you still cannot simply move into the new property before completion has taken place.

Why can completion be delayed?

There are several reasons why completion may take longer than expected.

1. Money has not arrived

The buyer’s mortgage funds or other money required for the transaction may not have reached the solicitor in time.

2. A problem in the chain

If you’re part of a property chain, your completion may depend on another transaction completing first.

One delay further down the chain can potentially affect several other moves.

3. Banking delays

Large financial transfers can sometimes take longer than anticipated.

4. Last-minute legal issues

A solicitor may need to resolve an unexpected issue before confirming completion.

5. Missing information or documents

A transaction can sometimes be delayed because information required by one of the parties has not been received.

6. A problem with another transaction in the chain

If you’re buying and selling at the same time, your own move can depend on several other transactions happening in the correct order.

 

 

 

What should you do if completion is delayed?

The first thing is:

Don’t panic.

It can be incredibly frustrating when your removal van is waiting and you don’t yet have the keys, but the situation needs to be coordinated.

Step 1: Contact your solicitor or conveyancer

Ask:

• What is causing the delay?
• Has the money been sent?
• Has the other side received it?
• Is completion expected today?
• Is there an estimated completion time?
• Is anyone else in the chain causing a delay?

Your solicitor or conveyancer should be your main source of information about the legal transaction.

 

Step 2: Contact your removal company

Tell them as soon as you know there is a problem.

Don’t wait until the original completion time has passed by several hours.

A removal company may be able to adjust its plans, depending on availability.

 

Step 3: Contact your estate agent

Your estate agent may be able to communicate with the other parties and help establish what is happening with the chain.

 

Step 4: Keep your phone available

This sounds obvious, but completion day can involve multiple calls between solicitors, estate agents, buyers, sellers and removal companies.

Make sure your phone is charged and that important calls aren’t missed.

 

What if the removal van is already loaded?

This is one of the biggest concerns for people experiencing a delayed completion.

If your belongings are already loaded onto the removal vehicle, don’t assume they can simply be unloaded at the new property.

If you don’t legally have access to the property yet, the removal team cannot necessarily unload your belongings there.

Your options will depend on the circumstances.

 

 

 

 

The removal company may be able to wait

If the delay is relatively short, your removal team may be able to remain on site while you wait for confirmation of completion.

However, this depends on:

• How long the delay lasts
• The removal company’s schedule
• Vehicle availability
• The time of day
• Whether another customer’s move is scheduled
• Any additional waiting or overtime charges

It’s worth discussing this possibility with your removals company before moving day, particularly if you’re part of a long property chain.

 

Can a removal company wait for completion?

Sometimes, yes — but you shouldn’t assume that waiting will be unlimited or free.

Removal companies plan their working days around scheduled moves.

If completion takes longer than expected, your removal team may have another job booked later that day or may need to finish by a particular time.

Ask your removals company about its policy before moving day.

A&M Removals can discuss the practical options with customers if circumstances change on moving day.

The sooner we know about a delay, the more opportunity there may be to find a workable solution.

Who pays if the removal van has to wait?

There isn’t one universal answer.

It depends on the circumstances and the terms you’ve agreed with your removal company.

A delay could potentially result in additional charges if the removal team has to:

• Wait for a prolonged period
• Work beyond the originally agreed hours
• Return on another day
• Make an additional journey
• Store your belongings temporarily
• Rearrange another scheduled delivery

This is one reason it’s worth checking the terms of your removal quotation before moving day.

If you’re unsure what your particular removal contract says, speak directly to your removals company.

What happens if you can’t get the keys?

If completion hasn’t taken place, you may not be able to get possession of your new property.

That means you could have a situation where:

 

Your old home is empty → your belongings are on the removal van → your new home isn’t available yet.

This is where contingency planning becomes extremely useful.

Your removal company may be able to discuss alternatives such as:

Temporary storage

Your belongings can potentially be placed into storage until your new property becomes available.

Delayed delivery

Your furniture and possessions can be stored and delivered to your new property once completion has taken place.

Rearranged removal

If the move cannot proceed that day, the removal company may be able to rearrange the removal for another date, subject to availability.

 

Can my furniture go into storage if completion is delayed?

Potentially, yes.

Temporary storage can be a useful solution when there is a gap between leaving your old property and gaining access to your new one.

For example:

You complete your sale on Friday but your purchase cannot complete until Monday.

Rather than leaving your belongings in limbo, a removals company may be able to arrange storage and then deliver everything once your new property is available.

The exact arrangements depend on the storage provider, availability and your removal company’s terms.

This is why storage can be an important part of a contingency plan.

If you’re concerned about a possible delay, ask your removal company before moving day whether temporary storage could be arranged if necessary.

 

 

 

 

What happens if completion is delayed until the following day?

If completion cannot take place on the planned day, the practical arrangements may need to change.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will deal with the legal side and tell you when completion has actually taken place.

Your removal company can then work with you on the practical side.

Depending on availability, this could involve:

1. Loading your belongings as planned
2. Temporarily storing them
3. Waiting for completion
4. Rearranging delivery
5. Delivering your belongings when you have access to the property

The important point is that you should not arrange access to the new property or move your belongings in until you’re authorised to do so.

What if you’re already at the new property?

This can be particularly stressful.

You may have travelled to the property expecting to collect the keys, only to discover that completion hasn’t happened.

If you can’t legally take possession yet:

• Contact your solicitor/conveyancer
• Ask for an update
• Contact your removal company
• Don’t attempt to move into the property without the necessary authority
• Keep your estate agent informed
• Make a contingency plan if the delay is significant

If you’re waiting with children, pets or elderly relatives, you may also need to think about somewhere comfortable to wait while the situation is resolved.

 

What if the removal van has nowhere to go?

This is where planning ahead can make a huge difference. If the delay is likely to be significant, speak to your removal company about possible alternatives. Depending on the circumstances, these could include:

Temporary storage

Your belongings are stored securely until the property becomes available.

Returning to the property you’re leaving

This may or may not be possible depending on your legal position and whether you’ve already handed over the property.

Staying elsewhere temporarily

If your belongings are safely stored, you may need somewhere to stay overnight until completion.

Rearranging the delivery

Your belongings can be delivered once the new property is available.

What should you do before moving day to prepare for a delay?

You can’t control the conveyancing process, but you can prepare for the possibility of something going wrong.

Ask your solicitor what happens if completion is delayed

Don’t be afraid to ask.

Find out:

• How will they contact you?
• Who should you call on completion day?
• What happens if funds don’t arrive?
• What happens if someone else in the chain is delayed?

Ask your removal company about its delay policy

Find out whether:

• Waiting time is charged
• Storage is available
• Delivery can be rearranged
• Weekend delivery is possible
• There are additional charges for returning another day

Keep an essentials bag with you

Don’t put absolutely everything on the removal van.

Keep essential items with you, including:

• Phone and charger
• Important documents
• Medication
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• Basic food and drinks
• Children’s essentials
• Pet supplies
• Keys
• Important contact details

Keep some money available for unexpected costs

Hopefully you won’t need it, but a delay can sometimes create additional expenses.

 

 

 

 

What should you keep with you on moving day?

Your removal van should contain your household belongings, but there are some things you should normally keep with you.

Consider keeping:

• Passports and important documents
• Wallet/purse
• Mobile phone
• Chargers
• Medication
• Keys
• Jewellery and valuables
• Essential children’s items
• Pet supplies
• Basic toiletries
• A change of clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Cleaning essentials
• Important paperwork

Don’t put anything you absolutely need that day into a box that you won’t be able to access easily.

Who do you need to tell when you’re moving house? We have a full list here…

 

 

What can A&M Removals do if completion is delayed?

A&M Removals has been helping customers move home for more than 36 years, so we understand that moving day doesn’t always go exactly according to plan.

Our role is to handle the practical side of your move and, where possible, help you find a workable solution if circumstances change.

Depending on availability and your individual circumstances, we can discuss options including:

Removals

Our removal team can help with the transportation and handling of your furniture and belongings.

Packing

If you’re using our packing service, we can help take some of the pressure out of preparing for the move.

Storage

If there is a gap between leaving your old property and gaining access to your new one, ask us about available storage options.

Distribution and delivery

Where appropriate, we can discuss arrangements for getting your belongings to you once your new property is ready.

The key is to tell us as soon as possible if you think completion is going to be delayed.

The more notice we have, the more opportunity there may be to look at alternatives.

Can completion be delayed after exchange of contracts?

Yes, a transaction can still encounter problems between exchange and completion.

However, after exchange, the parties have entered into a legally binding contract, so the consequences of failing to complete can be significant.

 

If you’re concerned about a delayed completion, speak to your solicitor or conveyancer about the legal implications.

A removals company can help with the practical logistics, but your solicitor is the appropriate person to advise you about your property contract.

What happens to the removal company if the property chain breaks?

A broken chain can make moving day considerably more complicated.

If another transaction in your chain fails to complete, your own move may be affected.

Your solicitor should explain what is happening and what your options are.

From the removal side, you may need to consider:

• Waiting
• Temporary storage
• Rescheduling
• A later delivery
• Alternative accommodation

Don’t make assumptions about what the removal company can or cannot do. Call them as soon as you know there’s a problem.

 

 

 

 

 

Moving day completion delay checklist

If completion is delayed, work through this list:

☑ Contact your solicitor/conveyancer

Find out exactly what is causing the delay.

☑ Ask for an estimated completion time

Even an approximate update can help with planning.

☑ Contact your removal company

Tell them what is happening immediately.

☑ Contact your estate agent

They may be able to help communicate with other parties in the chain.

☑ Keep your phone charged

You may receive several important calls.

☑ Don’t attempt to access the new property without permission

Wait until you’re told completion has taken place and the keys can be released.

☑ Discuss storage if necessary

Temporary storage could provide a solution if the delay becomes significant.

☑ Keep essential belongings with you

Don’t put passports, medication, chargers and other essentials somewhere inaccessible.

☑ Keep calm

Completion delays are stressful, but they don’t necessarily mean your move has failed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can completion happen later in the day?

Yes. Completion does not necessarily have to happen first thing in the morning. The timing depends on the transaction, the solicitors involved and whether funds and required confirmations are available.

 

Can I move into my new house before completion?

You should not assume that you can. Your solicitor or conveyancer should confirm when completion has taken place and when you can take possession.

 

What happens if my removal van arrives before I have the keys?

Contact your removal company immediately. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to wait, rearrange the delivery or discuss storage options.

 

Will a removal company wait for delayed completion?

It depends on the company’s availability, the length of the delay and the terms of your booking. Always discuss this with your removals company.

 

Will I have to pay extra if completion is delayed?

Potentially. Additional costs can arise if a removal company has to wait for an extended period, make another journey, provide storage or rearrange a move. Check your removal company’s terms.

 

Can my belongings be put into storage?

Potentially, yes. Temporary storage can be a practical option if you have left your old property but cannot yet access your new home.

 

What if completion is delayed overnight?

Speak to your solicitor and removal company immediately. Depending on the circumstances, your belongings may need to be stored and delivered when completion has taken place.

 

What if I’m in a property chain?

A delay elsewhere in the chain can affect your own completion. Your solicitor should keep you informed about what is happening.

 

Should I contact my removal company before contacting my solicitor?

Your solicitor should deal with the legal completion, while your removal company deals with the practical logistics. If you know there is a delay, contact both as soon as possible.

 

Can A&M Removals store my belongings if completion is delayed?

A&M can discuss available storage and delivery options with you. Availability and arrangements depend on your individual circumstances, so contact the team as soon as possible if your completion is delayed.

 

What is the difference between completion and moving day?

They’re related, but they’re not the same thing.

Completion is the legal stage of the property transaction when the purchase/sale completes.

Moving day is the practical process of leaving one property and moving your belongings into another.

Ideally, completion happens in time for the removal process to proceed smoothly. But if completion is delayed, the legal transaction and the physical movement of your belongings can become temporarily disconnected.

That’s why having a removal company that can discuss alternative arrangements can be so useful.

 

 

 

 

Final thoughts: don’t let a completion delay ruin moving day

A delayed completion can feel like a disaster when you’re standing beside a fully loaded removal van waiting for the keys.

But there are practical options.

The most important things are to:

Stay in contact with your solicitor.

Tell your removal company immediately.

Keep your estate agent informed.

Don’t assume you can access the new property before completion.

Ask about temporary storage if necessary.

And, before moving day, find out what your removal company’s policy is if completion doesn’t happen when expected.

At A&M Removals, we know that moving house is about more than simply loading a van and driving from A to B. Sometimes plans change, and having a practical plan B can make all the difference.

If you’re planning a move in York or across Yorkshire and would like to discuss your removal requirements, get in touch with A&M Removals for a no-obligation quote.

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