So, you’ve lined up your Expert Removals crew, packed up your life, and are ready to glide effortlessly into your new home. There’s just one problem: the keys haven’t materialised. You’re stuck in a limbo that makes purgatory look like an all-inclusive holiday.
Before you start Googling “legal consequences of breaking into my own house,” let’s talk about what you can do to keep your sanity intact while waiting on those elusive keys.
Why Is This Happening? (And Who Can We Blame?)
In the grand, bureaucratic nightmare that is property transactions, delays happen. Here are the usual suspects:
- Solicitors dragging their feet – The paperwork pile-up is real.
- Previous owners are still clinging on – Maybe they’re emotional, or maybe they just can’t find the cat.
- Bank transfers taking their sweet time – That last-minute deposit clearance could be the villain of your moving day.
- Last-minute legal snags – A missing document, an undisclosed attic full of bats, you name it.
Now that we’ve established this isn’t your fault, let’s get proactive.
Step 1: Call Your Movers (Before They Call You)
Your moving company (yes, that’s us, Expert Removals) deals with this a lot. We get it. And while we can’t personally strong-arm your estate agent into coughing up the keys, we can:
- Reschedule – If the delay is a few hours, we can adjust loading times.
- Offer temporary storage – We can safely hold your belongings until you get access.
- Hold tight – If it’s a short delay, we might be able to keep the moving truck on standby.
According to industry stats, 24% of homebuyers experience key delays on moving day. So, if it feels like the universe is against you, know that you’re not alone.
Step 2: Check If There’s a Holding Agreement
Some contracts allow you to move in before the final money shuffle happens. It’s called a licence to occupy (Caretaker Agreement) – essentially, a legal loophole that lets you in without technically owning the place yet. Your solicitor might have forgotten to mention this in between invoicing you for emails. Give them a nudge.
Step 3: Plan Your Temporary Options
If the delay is stretching into days rather than hours, you have options:
| Option | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Airbnb | €100-200 per night | High, but pricey |
| Stay with friends/family | Free (unless they charge rent) | Awkward but practical |
| Short-term storage | €30-50 per week | Safe & reliable |
| Van parked overnight | €0-50 (depends on permit) | Only if absolutely necessary |
Based on data from property transactions, around 9% of home movers end up requiring short-term accommodation. If you belong to this unlucky group, having a backup plan (or at least a toothbrush in your hand luggage) is crucial.
Step 4: Keep the Moving Day Chaos Under Control
You’ve planned, prepped, and now you’re just waiting – which is, objectively, the worst. Here’s how to make that waiting game slightly less painful:
- Snacks and caffeine – Your patience and energy levels will run low. Prepare accordingly.
- Charge all devices – A dead phone is a stress multiplier.
- Keep your essentials separate – An overnight bag with PJs, toiletries, and a change of clothes will save you from rummaging through boxes.
- Communicate with all parties – Stay in touch with the movers, estate agent, and solicitor so you know what’s happening.
Fun fact: A survey by Compare My Move found that 30% of homebuyers reported extreme stress on moving day. (Shocking, right?)
Step 5: What Happens If the Delay Is More Than a Day?
If it’s clear you won’t be getting in today, the next logical step is securing your belongings. Expert Removals offers short-term and long-term storage solutions, so you’re not forced to play Tetris with your furniture in a friend’s garage.
Emergency Checklist:
✅ Arrange storage if needed
✅ Book a backup place to stay
✅ Ask your solicitor for updates (and then ask again)
✅ Keep the movers informed
✅ Don’t murder anyone (as tempting as it may be)
Step 6: What If You Need to Reschedule the Move?
If the delay drags on longer than a season finale cliffhanger, it might make sense to reschedule. Here’s how to handle it:
- Check the rescheduling policy – Most movers (including us) will work with you if the delay is unavoidable.
- Confirm storage options – If you need to move out but can’t move in, secure a place for your stuff.
- Negotiate with your seller/landlord – See if you can extend your current stay by a day or two.
Statistically speaking, 14% of moves are delayed due to issues in the property chain, so while it feels personal, it’s just business.
What NOT to Do (Seriously, Don’t)
- Don’t take it out on your movers – We want to get you moved. We’re just as frustrated as you are.
- Don’t storm the estate agent’s office – Satisfying? Probably. Helpful? Not so much.
- Don’t leave your stuff unsecured – Theft and damage are real risks.
- Don’t drink too much out of frustration – You don’t want to wake up to find you’ve panic-bought a timeshare.
Final Thoughts: The Keys Will Come
Moving house is a rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, panic, rage, and eventually relief. The key delay saga will pass, and soon you’ll be knee-deep in unpacked boxes and wondering why you own so many mismatched mugs.
Until then, stay calm, stay informed, and remember—Expert Removals has your back. We’ve handled every moving disaster under the sun, and we’re here to make sure yours is as smooth as possible (even when the universe conspires against you).
Now, take a deep breath, grab a coffee, and keep that phone charged. Your keys will show up—eventually. And when they do, we’ll be ready.
Need last-minute storage or rescheduling? Call Expert Removals today. We’ll make sure your move stays on track (or at least doesn’t turn into a complete meltdown).
