Moving house any time soon? Well, to navigate this serious milestone properly, you should set a timeline for the moving process. How long does it take to move house depends on a number of external factors, including but not limited to:

• The property chain situation
• The length of the mandatory legal process
• Your arrangement with the moving company

In any case, you need to have a clear idea what the complete timeline is going to be, including the average time it takes to move house. In that way you will be in a position to set your expectations accordingly, and reduce the stress and strain of the process.

Timeline Step #1 – Preparation for the Move

Two-three weeks before the moving day you’ve set, you are going to need to make some crucial arrangements:

• Go through all of your possessions and get rid of anything you will not be needing at your new place
• Look at man with van removals companies in your area and book well in advance
• Pack your belongings following a strict system, so that you know exactly where everything is
• Notify utility and service providers about your upcoming change of address
• Check for snagging surveys for new properties that are available
• Consider conducting a property survey to identify any potential issues with your new home before moving in

While it is possible to delay these tasks to the last moment, taking a proactive approach to the moving process will help you make it a smoother, more stress-free experience.

Timeline Step #2 – Hiring Professionals

Getting the right professional help for your upcoming move will be crucial for the successful outcome of the whole endeavor. The experts that you need by your side include:

• Removals Companies
• Mortgage Broker – if you will be buying a house or apartment, and not renting
• Local estate agents
• Licensed conveyancers CLC, or conveyancing solicitors who will go through the legal process for you. It is important to select conveyancers who are verified and comply with the standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to guarantee a reliable legal service during property transactions.

It’s best to start looking for those early on in the process. The really good ones are often booked for weeks in advance.

Timeline Step #3 – Take Care of Legal Process and Financial Matters

This stage comes about a week – or best two – before your desired moving day, and involves crucial steps in the buying process. By this point, you need to make sure that your financial matters are in order. You need to have enough money to cover your security deposit and the rent fees for the first couple of months, as well as paying all pros who will be helping you. If you will be buying a property, make sure there is no mortgage approval delay in the last minute that will prevent you from getting a mortgage approval in time.

Navigating the conveyancing process can be complex, so ensure you are aware of all the legal steps involved. Property chains can make moving house more challenging and can lead to delays due to various issues, such as mortgage approval problems or changes in seller decisions.

Once you are certain your finances look the way they should, confirm the completion date of your project. Call the landlord/seller of the house, as well as the moving company so that you are sure everyone involved is aware when you plan to relocate.

Signing the contracts is when the sale becomes legally binding. The same goes for a rental contract, so make sure that the ink is dry on the contracts well before your moving day. This last week before your move is when you need to check for any additional requirements, such as the ones involved with getting a leasehold property, and address any potential legal issues.

Timeline Step #4 – Packing Your Stuff

Now that you have all your paperwork sorted out, you should already have the keys to your new property. That is the moment when you need to start packing your possessions for the move. There are several really important steps to follow here. First, make sure that all boxes are property labelled to help you with the unpacking after you arrive at the new address.

Not only that, but if you have fragile or high-value items, make sure it is clearly stated so on the boxes. In that way, the removal company people will know how to handle them. Double-check all arrangements that you’ve made with the removal company to guarantee nothing less than smooth sailing come moving day.

Timeline Step #5 – The Actual Moving Day

The completion day of your house removal timeline is when the transferring ownership process for the house is complete. You can expect to collect your keys, get to your place and wait for the movers to bring your boxes. All that is left is to settle down and enjoy yourself. Start exploring the local amenities right after unpacking, so that you can feel at home right away.

Can you move house in 6 weeks after becoming a home buyer?

In theory, moving house or another type of property is possible within four weeks of completion of the property search. However, the practice shows that the average time to move house once an offer has been accepted is more like six weeks. You should except a number of factors and delays to prolong that period, so make sure you set your expectations low. Delays happen, but sooner or later you will no longer be a home buyer. You will be updated from a first time buyer to a first time home owner status.

So, how long does it take to move house?

The short answer to that tricky question is anywhere between 8 and twelve weeks, depending on the complexity of the property transaction. One of the most important factors that can prolong it so much is if the property is part of a property chain. However, many factors can prolong the whole ordeal to up to six months. That means that there are multiple owners of the property that you need to coordinate with to purchase or rent it. If you are buying a house, you will also need a conveyancing solicitor who works fast enough and has a lower work-load, so that you don’t have to worry about delays in getting your mortgage approved.

About the Author:

Kim Jacobs

Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.