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Residential Property Specialist “Completion” is the moment your property transaction becomes legally final.
On completion day, your solicitor transfers the remaining purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once those funds are received, ownership officially passes to you. The seller’s solicitor then dates the transfer deed and authorises the estate agent (or seller) to release the keys.
In simple terms: completion day is when you get the keys and can finally move in.
Why you need a completion day checklist
Completion day can feel hectic, even overwhelming. There are moving parts, tight timings, and a lot at stake. A well-planned completion day checklist helps you:
- Stay organised
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Reduce stress on moving day
- Ensure nothing important is forgotten
Below is a practical, easy-to-follow checklist to guide you.
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What to do before completion day
Preparation is everything. The more you organise in advance, the smoother your move will be.
Book and plan your removals
- Compare quotes and check availability early
- Consider flexibility on your moving date to reduce costs
- Confirm whether packing, dismantling, and reassembly are included
Handle restricted or hazardous items
Most removals companies won’t transport flammable or hazardous materials (e.g. paint, petrol, gas canisters). Plan ahead to safely dispose of or transport these yourself.
Arrange additional services
Think beyond the move itself:
- Plumbing appliances (washing machine, dishwasher)
- Reassembling furniture
- Broadband installation
Deep clean your new home
If possible, arrange a professional clean between the seller moving out and your arrival. It’s much easier before your belongings are inside.
“Olivia guided me through a particularly complex sale with professionalism, clarity and real determination.”
Don’t forget storage areas
Lofts, garages, sheds, and cellars are often overlooked. Start packing these early—they usually take longer than expected.
Notify utilities and update insurance
- Inform gas, electricity, and water providers of your move
- Update or arrange buildings and contents insurance from completion day
Cancel local services
Settle and cancel services such as:
- Milk deliveries
- Window cleaning
- Gardening
- Newspaper subscriptions
Plan for children and pets
Moving day is busy and stressful. Arrange childcare or pet care where possible.
Sort medication and essentials
Ensure you have enough medication and essentials to last through the move.
Use up perishable food
Run down fridge and freezer contents in advance—and defrost in time.
Redirect your mail
Set up a mail redirect with Royal Mail to avoid missing important post.
Inform friends and family
Send your new address to key contacts ahead of time.
Gather all keys
Collect every set of keys:
- Doors and windows
- Garage and outbuildings
- Spare sets held by others
Pack an overnight essentials bag
Include:
- Important documents
- Chargers
- Toiletries
- Basic tools
- A change of clothes
Keep this with you—not in the removals van.
Prepare key contact numbers
Have useful numbers handy, such as:
- GP and pharmacy
- Vet
- Local taxi services
Your Completion Day Checklist
This is where preparation meets action.
Label and organise boxes
Clearly label boxes by room and priority. This makes unloading far quicker and less stressful.
Charge your phone
Keep your phone fully charged—completion updates often come through your solicitor or estate agent during the day.
Take final meter readings
Before leaving your old property:
- Record gas, electricity, and water readings
- Take photos as evidence
Oversee the removals’ process
- Ensure all items are loaded
- Check and sign the inventory carefully
- Keep a copy for reference
At your new home:
- Direct movers clearly
- Check items against the inventory
- Report any damage immediately
Take meter readings at your new property
Again, take photos of all utility meters as soon as you arrive.
After you move in: First-day priorities
Once you have the keys, it’s tempting to do everything at once—but pace yourself.
Check the property condition
Make sure everything is as expected, and nothing has been left behind or removed unexpectedly.
Focus on essentials first
- Set up beds
- Locate the kettle and basic kitchen items
- Check heating and hot water
Leave full unpacking for later
You’ll likely be tired. Order a takeaway, relax, and tackle unpacking the next day.
Final thoughts: Make completion day easier
Completion day doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear checklist and a bit of forward planning, you can turn what feels like a chaotic day into a smooth, well-managed transition into your new home.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, your conveyancer is there to guide you—don’t hesitate to ask questions.