Moving day timeline

The short answer

A typical moving day starts early with final packing and the removal van's arrival, but the exact handover time depends on when funds clear between solicitors and keys are released, which is often late morning or into the afternoon. Building slack into the schedule, rather than assuming an exact key collection time, reduces stress if the legal side runs a little later than expected.

Morning: loading the old property

The removal van typically arrives early, often between 7am and 9am, to begin loading. This is also when final meter readings should be taken, and any last cleaning or handover notes for the outgoing property should be finished before the crew leaves.

Midday: waiting for keys

This is often the least predictable part of the day. Funds transfer between solicitors can take until late morning or early afternoon, and keys are usually only released once this is confirmed. It is sensible to plan a flexible lunch stop or activity for this window rather than driving straight to the new property expecting immediate access.

• Confirm with your solicitor when funds are expected to clear
• Keep in contact with the removal firm about likely arrival time at the new property
• Have a plan for children or pets during the waiting period

Afternoon and evening: unloading and settling in

Once keys are collected, unloading usually takes a few hours depending on the size of the property and access. Setting up beds and the kitchen essentials first makes the first night considerably more comfortable, with full unpacking left for the following days.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Removal firms sometimes charge extra if waiting time for keys runs significantly over an agreed allowance, so check this in the quote

What to do, in order

1. 1Finish final packing and take meter readings before the van arrives
2. 2Load the removal van and do a final check of the old property
3. 3Wait for confirmation that funds have transferred and keys are released
4. 4Travel to the new property and begin unloading
5. 5Set up beds and kitchen essentials first
6. 6Take meter readings at the new property on arrival

Local detail for the Lothians

• Removal vans working in central Edinburgh should check whether a parking suspension is in place for the full likely duration, including any waiting time
• Tram works or roadworks near the city centre can add unpredictable delays, so building extra travel time into the schedule is sensible
• For moves to or from rural East Lothian, allow extra travel time given longer single-track approach roads
• Households moving within the Lothians, such as from Edinburgh to Musselburgh or Dalkeith, often find the travel leg is short enough to fit two runs into the same day if needed

Common questions

What time will I get the keys?

There is no fixed time; it depends on when funds clear between solicitors, so plan for some flexibility around midday.

What should I unpack first?

Beds, bedding, kitchen essentials and toiletries are the priorities for the first night; the rest can wait until the following days.

Related pages

• Date of entry and keys

  How the Scottish date of entry works, and what happens on the day keys are handed over.

• Moving home checklist

  A week-by-week plan covering everything from instructing a solicitor to collecting the keys.

• Removal companies

  What removal firms typically charge, what affects the price, and questions worth asking before booking.