MOVING DATE -Arghhh

[abracadabra1980]

Has anyone experienced the moving date being suggested, then changed, then discussed again, then kind of confirmed, then changed again. Every time we seem to agree a date, I try and book cleaners and a removal company and I have to cancel them or rearrange. There only 3 in the chain; my buyers and the vendor are out of their own properties and have either moved into rental (owned personally by them)/sheltered accommodation and I really don’t care - the longer the better for me so I’ve been the least bothered. Is this normal?

Estate agents can be a bit premature in suggesting completion dates, before anyone is actually ready to exchange. It’s best to ignore the estate agents. Your solicitor will tell you when the chain is ready to exchange, and only at that point should you set a date.

Yep, totally normal.
Dont book anything until exchange has happened. That's the point at which the date becomes fixed.

Thank you so much. The estate agent was pressurising me for dates back in June. I didn’t understand why they were getting involved asking me directly - I’m sure I didn’t have this hassle last time I moved but it was 20 years ago and I can’t remember. My solicitor has alarmed me today, by saying ‘oh the date can change right up to the date before completion’. I just don’t get how anyone can be sorted or organised, or ever get moved if this is the case, unless she was referring to paperwork and I’ve misunderstood. I presumed completion meant all paperwork was complete and the moving date universally agreed.

Yes, we had several dates agreed, which then were no longer acceptable apparently, although we were happy with any of them. In the end, our buyer put his foot down with his buyer, otherwise it would have dragged on for another month.

It’s embarrassing now - I’ve got people volunteering help, and I’ve booked a deep clean (twice now) and she’s been lovely about it but now I’m going to have to cancel her again. Family are willing to help (I live alone) but all work and it’s peak holiday season so are constantly asking me what they need to do, and when. My DC emptied some of my kitchen cupboards for a ‘July’ move, and I’m now needing to use stuff again so it’s back in the kitchen. Very frustrating.

Unfortunately, it is very common for dates to change frequently. I work in removals - our policy is we only take a confirmed booking once exchange has taken place. The completion date is set once exchange has occurred. I would suggest keeping in regular contact with removals (so they can advise you of their availability).

Ignore the estate agents, nothing can happen until the solicitors are ready. We exchanged the day before moving this time and 3 days before that we had to just hope it happened and pay our movers upfront, such a stressful week!

Yeah - I had a set of dates that came and went. Turned out there were issues down the chain which delayed things for a couple of months. None of my removers would accept a booking until exchange has been confirmed. Hoping to get dates next week - otherwise I fear my Vendor will walk. Just hope someone can take the booking as understand August/September is busy for removers - I did get 4 quotes!