Don’t Book Your Movers for Closing Date! Here’s Why
If you’re buying a home, it’s natural to feel excited and want everything to run smoothly. After months of paperwork, waiting, and planning, the final step- moving in-feels like the big moment you’ve been waiting for. But here’s a word of advice based on experience, that will save you a ton of stress and headaches: don’t schedule your movers to arrive early in the morning on closing day.
Why? Because You Don’t Officially Own the Property Yet
On closing day, your lawyer needs to receive the mortgage funds from your lender, send the balance to the seller’s lawyer, and complete the legal transfer of ownership. Only once those funds are received, verified, and keys are released do you officially own the property.
That process doesn’t happen first thing in the morning and it can often take until 5:00PM or later! If your movers show up at 9AM ready to unload, you might be stuck paying them to wait… or worse, scrambling for a place to keep your stuff until you get the keys.
Delays Happen, Even When Everyone’s Organized
Even with the best preparation, closings can be delayed for reasons outside you and your lawyer’s control:
Your lender may release mortgage funds later than expected.
Your lawyer may need to wait for documents signed by the vendor or opposing counsel.
Your lawyer may need to wait for the proceeds from the sale of your other property if you have a sale and purchase closing on the same day.
The seller’s lawyer might have several closings to process that day.
Bank wires and title registrations can take longer than anticipated.
These are routine parts of the closing process, but they can easily push key handover time into the late afternoon.
What You Should Do Instead
Save yourself stress and expenses:
Book your movers for the day after your closing because those extra 24 hours can make all the difference between chaos and calm.
Keep your schedule flexible and avoid booking utility setups, deliveries, or tradespeople until you have confirmed possession.
Stay in touch with your lawyer and agent throughout closing day for updates. They’ll let you know the moment your deal officially closes and the keys are ready for pick-up.
Your closing day should be exciting - not stressful. By giving yourself a bit of cushion and avoiding early morning movers, you’ll save yourself unnecessary headaches and possibly thousands of dollars in unecessary fees.
Contact me if you need a referral to a great moving company!
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