It’s late summer, and the school term is right around the corner—but you’ve still got a move to make. Whether you’ve just found the perfect family home or need to relocate quickly for work, a last-minute move before school starts is possible—with the right planning, the right mindset, and the right support.
One of the most important things you can do? Appoint a responsive, experienced local conveyance professional who can move quickly and help keep your timeline on track.
Here’s how to plan a smooth, fast home move—even when the clock is ticking.
1. Choose the Right Week to Move
Most schools across the UK return in early September. If you’re aiming to move before the term starts, you’ll want to:
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Pick a move-in week at least 7–10 days before school begins
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Allow time to settle into your new home and area
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Visit the new school in advance, if possible
Even a short buffer makes the transition easier for your children—and gives you breathing space to finish unpacking and settling in.
2. Secure Local Conveyance ASAP
If your sale or purchase is still in progress, the speed of your move will largely depend on your solicitor. That’s why it’s critical to choose a local conveyance provider who is:
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Familiar with the area and any regional complexities
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Proactive with communication
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Able to fast-track necessary searches and documentation
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Experienced in handling quick completions
At The Move Exchange, we make it simple to connect with local conveyancers who understand your urgency—and act on it.
3. Simplify and Prioritise Your Packing
With time short, focus on speed and efficiency:
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Declutter as you go – no time to move what you don’t need
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Pack room by room and label boxes clearly
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Set aside an “essentials” box for each family member (clothes, school supplies, chargers, etc.)
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Pack school uniforms, shoes, lunchboxes, and paperwork in a separate, easily accessible bag
If needed, consider using professional packers to save time and avoid stress.
4. Update School and Medical Records Promptly
A last-minute move means important admin needs to be sorted quickly.
To-do list:
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Notify your child’s current school and provide a forwarding address
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Register with a new GP and dentist in your area
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Update your address with HMRC, your bank, and utility companies
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Contact your local conveyance solicitor regularly to ensure no delays on your end
The more organised your paperwork, the easier the legal process will be.
5. Focus on Essentials After Moving In
There won’t be time to decorate or rearrange the whole house straight away—and that’s okay. Focus on:
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Setting up bedrooms and school spaces first
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Ensuring the kitchen and bathroom are functional
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Establishing a school-day routine as soon as possible
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Letting your local conveyancer know you’ve moved in (so they can close off any final tasks)
Remember: your move doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be practical for now.
Bonus Tip: Ask About Expedited Conveyancing
Some local conveyance providers offer fast-track services or prioritised file handling for urgent moves. This may come with an additional cost but can save days or even weeks in some cases.
When comparing conveyancers, ask:
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What is your average completion time?
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Can you fast-track urgent transactions?
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Will I have a direct point of contact?
Choosing the right legal support can make or break a last-minute move.
Move Fast, Move Smart
Moving house at the last minute—especially before school starts—can feel overwhelming, but it’s absolutely achievable. With a focused plan, streamlined packing, and a reliable local conveyance expert, you can complete your move in time and start the new school year feeling settled.
Need help fast-tracking your move?
👉 Use The Move Exchange to connect with trusted local conveyance providers who can act quickly and keep your move on schedule.
