Your Complete Moving House Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers
Selling your home can feel like a big task, and without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether this is your first time selling or you’ve done it before, having a step-by-step timeline can help things run more smoothly. At Harrison Homes, we’ve put together this practical guide, so you’ll know what to expect at each stage of your move.
1. Initial Planning (4–6 Months Before Moving)
- Decide to Sell Start by confirming that selling is the right decision for you. Consider your reasons for moving, your financial goals, and the timeline that suits you.
- Get a Property Valuation Book a market appraisal with a local estate agent (like us). We’ll provide an honest, up-to-date valuation and help you understand your options.
- Speak to a Mortgage Advisor If you're buying onward, it’s worth checking what you can borrow and getting a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) early.
2. Preparing Your Home for Market (3–5 Months Before Moving)
- Declutter and Clean Create a sense of space by removing personal items, tidying rooms, and giving everything a good clean. A fresh, neutral environment appeals to more buyers.
- Make Minor Repairs Fix anything that could raise concerns in a survey, such as dripping taps, scuffed walls, or broken door handles.
- Gather Paperwork Start collecting things like title deeds or proof of ownership, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), building work documentation such as planning permission or guarantees, and property information forms. Your estate agent can help with this.
3. Instruct an Estate Agent & List Your Property (3–4 Months Before Moving)
- Choose an Agent Select an experienced, local estate agent who understands your market. Look for great communication, quality marketing, and a transparent fee structure.
- Photography & Marketing Professional photos, floorplans, and a strong listing description make all the difference. At Harrison Homes, we’ll make sure your home is showcased at its best.
- Launch to Market Once live, your property will appear on major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. You’ll begin receiving viewing requests, and we’ll handle all of this for you.
4. Viewings & Offers (2–4 Months Before Moving)
- Prepare for Viewings Keep your home clean and well-presented. Our team will give you notice of all viewings and can conduct them for you if preferred.
- Review Offers When offers come in, we’ll advise you on their strength, including buyer position, timescales, and financial readiness, not just price.
- Accept an Offer Once you accept an offer, your property is under offer, and the legal work begins.
5. Conveyancing & Surveys (1–3 Months Before Moving)
- Instruct a Solicitor Choose a conveyancer early, ideally once your property is listed, so they’re ready to act when you accept an offer.
- Complete Property Forms You’ll be asked to complete several forms including the TA6 (property information), TA10 (fixtures and fittings), and TA7 (leasehold info, if relevant).
- Home Survey The buyer will likely arrange a survey. If issues are raised, we’ll help you navigate any negotiations or requests.
- Enquiries & Searches Your solicitor will handle enquiries from the buyer’s side and respond accordingly. Be prepared for back-and-forth questions during this stage.
6. Exchange Contracts (1–4 Weeks Before Moving)
- Agree Completion Date Once both sides are happy, contracts are signed and exchanged. At this point, the sale is legally binding and the completion, or moving date, is fixed.
- Book Removals With a date confirmed, book your removal company or van hire. Good movers can get booked up quickly, so don’t delay.
- Start Packing Begin packing non-essential items first. Label boxes clearly and keep important documents safe and accessible.
7. Completion & Moving Day
- Final Meter Readings Take readings for gas, electricity, and water on the day you leave and notify your utility providers.
- Hand Over Keys We’ll collect your keys and hand them over to the new owner once we receive confirmation from your solicitor that the transaction is complete.
- Celebrate! That’s it, you’ve officially moved out. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, we hope it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Thinking About Selling?
At Harrison Homes, we don’t just list your property, we guide you through every step. If you’re considering a move, contact our team today for friendly, expert advice and a free, no-obligation valuation.