In an ideal world, everything would fall into place seamlessly—contracts exchanged weeks in advance, a confirmed moving date, and a clear timeline to follow. But as anyone who has ever moved house in the UK knows, reality often looks very different.
Last-minute exchanges, where contracts are signed just a day or two before completion (or even on the same day), happen more often than you’d think. While it’s not impossible to move under these circumstances, it does add extra stress and makes securing your removal slot more difficult.
At Callum’s Removals, we’ve helped plenty of customers navigate these tricky situations. In this blog, we’ll explain what happens when exchange is delayed, what the risks are, and how to manage your move as smoothly as possible.
What Happens If You Exchange Just Before Moving?
Normally, exchange of contracts happens weeks before completion, giving everyone involved time to prepare. But when exchange is left until the last minute, things can feel more uncertain:
• Your moving date isn’t legally confirmeduntil exchange has happened.
• Removal companies may already be booked up, making last-minute availability harder to find.
• If there’s a delay in funds transferring, it could cause issues collecting your keys on moving day.
For removals companies like ours, the biggest challenge is the lack of certainty. Customers booking without an exchanged contract risk losing their slotif another confirmed move takes priority. That’s why we always advise against waiting too long to exchange if possible.
The Risks of a Last-Minute Exchange
If you’re in this situation, here are the main risks to consider:
1. Removal Company Availability
Most professional removals companies get booked up weeks in advance, especially for popular moving days (Fridays and weekends). If exchange happens too late, you may struggle to find availability.
2. Potential Delays on Completion Day
Even with an exchange the day before, everything needs to run smoothly on completion day. The most common delays include:
• Bank transfers taking longer than expected
• Sellers or buyers in the chain facing unexpected problems
• Late key release, meaning you can’t access your new property on time
3. Cancellation or Rescheduling Fees
Removal companies need certainty to plan their schedules. If a move is cancelled last-minute due to an incomplete exchange, customers may lose their deposit or face rescheduling fees.
How to Reduce Stress When Exchange is Last-Minute
Sometimes, you don’t have a choice—last-minute exchange happens, and you just have to work with it. Here’s how to make the process easier:
1. Book Your Removals Early (Even If It Means Taking a Small Risk)
If you have a moving date in mind but haven’t exchanged, it’s often worth securing your removals slot with a deposit. Yes, there’s always a risk that things may change, but waiting too long could mean no availability at all.
2. Keep in Touch With Your Solicitor
Your solicitor is key to ensuring a smooth exchange and completion. Regularly check in to confirm everything is on track, and ask them to prioritise releasing funds early on moving day to avoid delays.
3. Understand Your Removal Company’s Waiting Time Policy
At Callum’s Removals, we offer flexibility for key delays where possible. But if things go beyond a reasonable waiting period, rescheduling may be required. Always check what options are available.
4. Have a Backup Plan in Place
If something does go wrong, it helps to have a contingency plan:
✔ Short-term storage – If completion is delayed, storing your belongings overnight can be a lifesaver.
✔ Flexible accommodation – If you can’t move in as planned, knowing where you’ll stay for the night helps reduce stress.
Final Thoughts: Is It Possible to Move with a Last-Minute Exchange?
Yes—it happens all the time. But it does require a bit of faith, flexibility, and preparation.
At Callum’s Removals, we always recommend exchanging early whenever possible, but we understand that’s not always in your control. If you find yourself in a last-minute exchange situation, don’t panic—we’re here to help.
📞 Need advice on moving with short notice? Give us a call—we’ll talk you through your options.
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