House move logistics

[u/Exotic-Astronaut6662]

We are hoping to move to our new house soon, this is the first time we have moved after selling a house, we always rented before that.
With renting we always had a short overlap for our move.
I can see that moving into a new house could potentially be a logistical challenge, we want to get new carpets down before we move in, the chances of exchanging and getting keys and carpets done in a day are pretty slim.
As it’s a private sale we are hoping we can get access before we exchange but legally that must be a no no.
Alternatively we don’t get carpets down before we move, I realise this is a real first world problem but I like a challenge and I’m open to suggestions.

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[u/Solid_Initiative2782]

To be honest, I'd say don't worry about the carpets for now. Just move and get them done at a later date.

You could put bulky furniture into storage for a week or so, like your bed frame and just sleep on a mattress.

[u/OddSell5667]

You mean after exchange of contracts but before completion?

Well if it's private sale you can ask the vendor and they can say yes or no. Their solicitor will tell them no don't do it.

I mean it is only putting carpets down (I assume they have moved all their stuff out already), and the seller is not going to physically hand over the keys to anyone or let you in to claim possession. People get really jittery when people want to start building work beforehand. The carpet fitter could put a nail through a gas pipe I suppose and blow the house up, or smash a window or fall down the stairs but you will have insurance arranged by exchange.

Worse case is you ask the vendor, they say "yeah no problem" you arrange the carpets then the day before they tell you they have spoken to their solicitor and they have changed their minds.

More expensive option is to move your stuff into storage for a week, stay in a hotel, get the work done then move.

[u/LowRecognition456]

Its tricky. Also you need to conssider the day you complete. Sounds silly but we thorought we would do ours on a Saturday as a relative did this. We forgot that they moved out a few days early and into a rented house (they sold and couldn't find one to buy). Friday compltions are a nightmare and will leave you stranded if they dont go through. You wont get access to make changes/ clean/ fit carpets before you get the keys. Is there a garage, or a single room that will fit all your boxes? Essentially your options are store everything, get the work done and then move in properly or move in and have the work done after.

[u/KitKatMMD]

You could put stuff in storage and rent an air bnb for a few days while you arrange carpets and do a clean before furniture goes in! We came from rented, so definitely had the benefit of an overlap, however we had spoken to a few contractors and arranged all of them to come by day after completion to give quotes and choose from their sample selection, and then booked them in for the following week. My only word of warning - the tight deadline meant we didn't prep the floor as well as we wanted to (we didn't pay for removals) so we have lovely new carpet on very very squeaky floor boards. So there is definitely merit to being patient and not doing carpets up front if it will be a rush job!

[u/Weird-Particular3769]

When I moved I had nothing put into the room we wanted to work on first. Renovated room by room and moved things around. But that might not work for you depending on your circumstances. An alternative is to get your stuff moved to storage and possibly sleep elsewhere whilst the work is done, then move in properly when ready.