How does Moving Day work in the UK?
If you are buying, moving day is set by completion. GOV.UK sets completion out in four steps, after contracts are exchanged and the agreement is legally binding.
- Money. Your solicitor or conveyancer transfers your money to the seller.
- Documents. You are sent the legal documents that transfer ownership.
- Seller out. The seller moves out and leaves the home as the contract agreed.
- Keys. You get the keys from the seller or the estate agent.
Who moves first on completion day?
The seller moves out before the buyer gets the keys. Selling and buying on the same day? You do both halves: load at the old home, then wait for the keys to the new one. Tell the surveyor both completion times, so the day is planned around the wait.
What time do I need to be out of my house on Moving Day?
By the time your contract sets. GOV.UK says the contract covers when the sale will complete, so ask your conveyancer for the time in writing, then give it to the removals team at the survey.
Moving to or from Poole Quay between April and October? Check the Quay closure hours and where the van can park before you fix a time.
How long does buying a home take? About 5 months on average
About 5 months on average, more in a chain (GOV.UK), and an offer is not binding until exchange. Ask at the survey how long loading and unloading take for your home; a long move can run over two days.
How it works
Book the survey now, fix the date when you exchange
A rough window is enough to book the survey. Fix the date once exchange fixes completion.
- A rough window
- Survey at home or by video
- Date on the quote
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Ring with a rough window
Send the two postcodes, the size of the move and a phone number. Give a rough date or window if you have one.
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Mention the completion time
At your home or on a video call. Mention the completion time if you know it, and anything that is not coming.
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Confirm the date in writing
Once exchange fixes completion, give the removals team the date, and check the written quote carries it with both addresses and the packing.
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How long before moving house should you start packing?
About four weeks out for a family home, starting with the rooms you use least. A flat may need less. Working backwards from the date keeps the last week for the essentials.
- Four weeks out. Clear what is not coming, then pack the loft, the garage and the spare room.
- Two weeks out. Books, ornaments and clothes out of season.
- The last week. Most of the kitchen, and the essentials box.
- The day. Beds stripped, fridge emptied, the essentials box kept with you.
Clearing out first? Poole Recycling Centre turns some vans away
Sort before the survey, so the quote covers only what is coming. For anything going to the council's recycling centre in Poole, on Nuffield Road, the van rules decide how you get it there.
- Your own van, up to 3.5 tonnes. Allowed with a council van permit.
- A hired van, up to 3.5 tonnes. Allowed for hires of up to 3 days, with the hire agreement and proof you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.
- A Luton box van. Not allowed on site, hired or not.
- A van towing a trailer. Not allowed on site either.
You do not need to book a visit. Take ID that shows you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, such as a Council Tax bill or a photocard driving licence. The site takes furniture and mattresses; see a member of staff on arrival with a sofa, an armchair or dining chairs.
Who needs to be notified when you move house?
Start with these three official ones, then the rest of your list.
- DVLAChange the address on your driving licence, free, and on your log book. You can be fined if you do not tell DVLA.
- BCP Council TaxTell the council straight away, whether you are moving within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole or out of the area. Have your account number ready.
- The electoral registerUpdate your address through the register to vote service.
- Everyone elseYour bank, employer, doctor, dentist, energy, water and broadband suppliers, and your post.
Do you get a day off for moving house in the UK?
That is between you and your employer, so ask as soon as exchange fixes the completion date.
What are some moving essentials?
One box that travels with you, not in the van. Pack it last and open it first.
- Phone chargers and medicines.
- The kettle, mugs, tea and toilet roll.
- Documents for completion, and the new home's keys once you have them.
- First-night bedding, a change of clothes, and tools for putting the bed back up.
Do you tip removal men? It's your choice
Cash shared between the crew, or drinks and food through the day, both work as a thank you. There is no set amount, so pick what feels right for the day you had.
In a chain? Completion picks the day for you
If you have a choice, ask at the survey whether a different date changes the quote, and avoid booking anything else for that afternoon.
Questions
Three things people ask about the day itself
Rather ring?
Will the boxes be collected after the move?
Yes, box collection after the move is offered. Ask for it at the survey so it goes on the quote.
What if my sale completes before my purchase?
If you have a storage unit of your own, the crew can move things into it between the two dates. Tell the surveyor about the gap, so the quote covers each leg.
Can the beds be taken apart on the day?
Yes, if required. List every bed and wardrobe that needs taking apart at the survey, so the quote and the time allowed include them.
Sources for this page, read in November 2026:
- GOV.UK: Buying a home
- GOV.UK: Change the address on your driving licence
- GOV.UK: The electoral register and the open register
- BCP Council: Poole Recycling Centre
- BCP Council: van permit scheme
- BCP Council: change your Council Tax address
Got a completion date coming up?
A window is enough to start. Send it on the form, or ring, and the survey is booked around it.