Keys to new house on moving day? Were they left for you or did you pick them up?

[CutesyUserName]

We are moving about 3 hours away next week. We've got removals booked who charge waiting time if access is not available at a reasonable time (usually about 2pm). Given the size of the move, I don't suppose we'll get there much before 1pm.

The estate agent is a 45 minute drive beyond the new house, and they hold a key.

If our vendor has already left by the time we get there, would it be unreasonable to request they leave a key hidden somewhere (or with a neighbour) so that once funds are confirmed we can get in. Otherwise it's an hour and a half round trip to pick up keys from the agent.

@good96 The only person we know (new area for us) will be at work until 6pm, nowhere near the estate agents, unfortunately. Not the sort of job they can nip out from either (doctor).

@NewFriendlyLadybird Ours is already a two day removal. Pack us up the day before (40ft lorry) then return next morning in a 3.5t van to collect last bits and we set off on the journey.

If it goes over time for the movers, they'll stay in hotels overnight (our cost, fair enough) and come back on the 3rd day to finish off.

I think I'll talk to the vendor and failing any joy, DH can go pick up the key while I stay with the movers at the house and we'll just have to suck up the potential extra costs involved.

I arranged with the EA to send their office junior to meet us with the key when the solicitor confirmed all was good.

Collected the keys each time as the vendor will have the same problems you do. At my recent move time I was filthy and stank rescuing some cheap rubbish movers in a heat wave. But 45 minutes I would hope someone might be able to pass them on. I think 2pm is very optimistic to be in and landing the van anyway. I'd budget for the overnight being needed and see anything else as a bonus