You’ve packed your boxes, booked the removals, and are ready to move — then you find out your move-in date has been delayed. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of moving house, but it’s also one of the most common.
Delays can happen for many reasons, from slow paperwork to last-minute repairs, but they don’t have to derail your plans. With some quick thinking and practical steps, you can stay calm, organised, and in control.
Here’s what to do if your move-in date is pushed back and how to protect your belongings in the meantime.
1. Find Out Why the Delay Happened
The first step is understanding the reason behind the delay. Knowing what caused it can help you estimate how long it will last and what your next steps should be.
Common causes include:
- Delays in the property chain
- Slow mortgage or solicitor paperwork
- Repairs or maintenance not completed on time
- Previous owners or tenants not moving out as planned
- Unexpected issues during survey or handover
Ask your estate agent or solicitor for a realistic timeframe. If it’s only a few days, you might manage by staying with family or friends. For longer delays, storage will likely be your best option.
2. Communicate with Everyone Involved
Once you know what’s happening, let everyone connected to your move know — removals companies, landlords, estate agents, and anyone helping you.
People to contact quickly:
- Your removals or van hire company
- Storage provider
- Employer (if you booked time off work)
- Utility providers and broadband company
- Landlord or letting agent
Keeping everyone in the loop prevents confusion and extra costs. If your removals can’t go ahead as planned, ask if they can deliver your items to temporary storage instead.
3. Secure Temporary Storage for Your Belongings
When your move-in date is uncertain, short-term storage is often the easiest solution. It keeps your belongings safe, dry, and accessible until your new home is ready.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, you can arrange free collections and removals on short notice, and store your items with no deposit required.
Benefits of using storage during a delay:
- Keeps furniture and boxes secure
- Frees up space if you’re staying elsewhere temporarily
- Lets you move out on schedule
- Avoids paying double rent or storage from removals firms
With 50% off your first 9 weeks, it’s a cost-effective way to manage unexpected delays.
4. Make a Temporary Living Plan
If your new home isn’t ready, decide where you’ll stay until it is. The key is finding somewhere convenient and affordable.
Short-term options include:
- Staying with friends or family
- Booking a local Airbnb or short-stay rental
- Negotiating an extension on your current tenancy
- Using a serviced apartment if you need more space
Keep essential items with you and store everything else in secure storage until move-in day.
If you’re moving with family, make sure you also have your essentials packed separately — bedding, school items, clothes, and toiletries.
5. Protect Perishable or Valuable Items
If you’ve already packed everything, check for items that shouldn’t sit in boxes for long periods.
Remove and keep with you:
- Perishable food or drinks
- Important documents or IDs
- Jewellery or cash
- Medications
- Electronics that might get damaged in cold or damp conditions
For everything else, our safe and secure storage units are monitored 24/7, clean, and designed to keep your belongings in great condition.
6. Keep Your Removals Booking Flexible
If your move is delayed by only a few days, try to rearrange your removals instead of cancelling completely. Many companies will let you reschedule without losing your deposit if you give enough notice.
If your delay looks longer, it might make sense to use our free van hire service instead, moving items into storage at your own pace.
Tips for dealing with removals companies:
- Keep communication open and honest
- Ask about rescheduling options
- Avoid last-minute cancellations if possible
- Confirm the new moving date once it’s certain
7. Review Utility and Address Changes
If your delay affects your move date by weeks rather than days, you may need to update your utility plans.
Check the following:
- Energy and broadband setup dates
- Redirected mail start date (Royal Mail redirection can be paused or extended)
- Council tax and TV licence address changes
- Delivery addresses for any upcoming orders
If your storage stay becomes longer than expected, visit our storage prices page to find the best size and rate for your situation.
8. Manage Costs During the Delay
Unexpected delays can lead to unexpected expenses. Keeping an eye on costs will help prevent extra stress.
Ways to stay within budget:
- Take advantage of storage discounts
- Avoid hotel stays where possible
- Ask for refunds or adjustments from delayed services
- Keep all receipts and track expenses for potential reimbursement
With cheap storage prices available, it’s often more affordable to store belongings than to pay for extra removals or accommodation.
9. Stay Organised and Positive
It’s easy to feel frustrated when plans change, but staying organised will help you move forward calmly.
Quick reminders:
- Keep documents and receipts together in a folder
- Stay in touch with your solicitor or estate agent
- Make checklists for what’s stored and what’s with you
- Treat the delay as extra time to prepare your new home
If you’re moving into a newly built or renovated property, use the time to double-check measurements, paint choices, or furniture plans before move-in day.
10. Final Thoughts
A delay in your move-in date can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to derail your plans. With a clear plan, flexible storage, and good communication, you can keep everything on track.
If you’re facing a moving delay in Manchester, Cheap Storage Manchester can help you manage it easily with free collections, secure storage, and affordable short-term options.
Visit our moving home page for more advice or get a quick quote through our contact page today.
