04/09/2026
This information is normally hidden in the jargon…
🚨 SELF-MOVERS SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF! 🚨
If you’re moving yourself, it’s helpful to plan. You are contracted to vacate the old property by 12pm, whether or not you have received the keys to your new property.
If you’re still at the property after 12pm, and the property has completed, the removal company waiting to move the new owners in may need to charge waiting time, which could then become your responsibility.
If the delay means the incoming removal company cannot complete its move that day, there may also be additional removal costs, such as the cost of returning on another day.
Most professional removal companies would aim to have the property fully loaded by 12pm.
However, as most removal companies understand, moving days don’t always go exactly to plan. A degree of flexibility is usually allowed, with some companies being prepared to wait until around 1–2pm, depending on the circumstances and how the move is progressing.
After this point, waiting charges would normally begin to apply, particularly where the delay is impacting the removal company’s ability to carry out its next job.
If you’re a self-mover and want to avoid these charges, here are our top tips:
If a professional removal company has quoted you for one van, get two.
If they have quoted you for two vans, get three.
Please remember, professional removal companies have all the equipment and experience needed to stack their vans to their full potential, meaning they can often carry considerably more than someone moving themselves for the first time.
A little extra planning could save you a lot of money and stress on moving day. 🚚📦
Sorry for the long post, but this information that should be given to you by your solicitors and estate agents 
Safe travels 
