Exchange of contracts is the point in buying or selling a home in England when the buyer and seller swap signed copies of the contract. From that moment the sale is legally binding, and the completion date, when the money moves and the keys change hands, is confirmed.
Why it matters when you’re moving
Before exchange, either side can still walk away. After it, GOV.UK’s conveyancing guide says, “Usually, neither of you can pull out at this point without paying compensation.” Completion often follows “around 2-4 weeks later (though they can occur simultaneously)”, according to GOV.UK’s guide to buying a home.
That makes exchange the natural moment to fix your storage. Until then your dates can still shift; once you’ve exchanged, you know when you have to be out and when you can move in.
At Wigwam
You can book online up to two weeks before your move-in date. If your dates are still settling, you can reserve a unit for £10, which comes off your first payment when you move in.
When you book, you pay your first four weeks in advance, and your billing starts on your storage start date, not the day you booked. New customers don’t pay a deposit. Our minimum stay is two weeks, and after that your storage simply carries on until you give notice, which is normally 14 days.
If you booked online or by phone without visiting the site, you also have 14 days from our confirmation to change your mind, paying only for storage you’ve actually had.
If you exchange and complete on the same day, call us as soon as you know: moving in the same day can work if the size you need is free and your smart entry is set up.
If completion moves after you’ve booked, ring us on 0800 2545585 straight away and we’ll help you work out the best way forward.
Related terms
Related questions
- What happens after I book, and can I move in the same day?
- When will I be charged for storage?
- What are my cancellation rights for storage?
Further reading
- GOV.UK: Transferring ownership (conveyancing)
- GOV.UK: How to buy a home