End of term is the busiest time for student moves, so book early and plan around your last exam and check-out date. If exams overlap with moving, consider a partial move, storage or a later collection. This guide explains how to beat the rush and plan an end of term move in Southampton.
Every year, over a few weeks, thousands of students in Southampton do the same thing at once. They finish their last exam, clear out a room, hand back keys and try to find a van that is not already booked. If you have ever tried to arrange a move on the same day as the rest of your year group, you will know how it feels.
We move students across Southampton every year, and the end of term rush is the busiest and most predictable time of it. This guide explains end of term moving: when the rush happens, how to book early and confirm the time, what to do if your exams overlap with your move, how halls and house handovers work and a checklist to work through. It is general advice, and it is honest about the things that depend on your university and your accommodation.
When does the end of term rush happen?
It follows the academic calendar. Students leave halls and houses as their exams finish, and that clusters into the weeks after the last teaching and assessment period, with the busiest days being those when most people finish and most tenancies end. Our guide to student moves covers other times of year as well.
We have not listed dates here, because they change each year and differ between universities. The University of Southampton publishes its term dates and exam dates on its website, and Solent University publishes its own, so check the current dates on the relevant site, and check your accommodation contract for your check-out date. Then work back from there.
Book early and confirm the time window
Popular days fill first, and the popular days are the ones when most students finish. If you know your dates, book as soon as you can. We recommend booking at least one to two weeks ahead for a normal move, and for the end of term it is worth booking earlier still. If you cannot book early, call anyway, because availability changes.
- Pick a day, and a backup day if you can.
- Ask for an arrival window, and confirm it in writing.
- Tell us your check-out time, and the time you can get into the new place.
- Tell us about the stairs, the parking and what you are moving, so the plan is realistic.
- Share the van with housemates, if you are moving to the same place.
If your date is flexible, tell us. A day or two either side of the busiest date is often easier to book. We work seven days a week, including weekends, and we handle short-notice student moves where we can, though we cannot promise it. Our guide to last-minute removals explains what is realistic.
Moving during exams
Exams and moving do not mix well, and many students face exactly that clash. You may have one more paper to sit after your check-out date, or a house that needs to be empty while you are still revising. There are usually options.
- Move after your last exam. If you can, this is the simplest option, though it may be the same day as everyone else.
- Do a partial move. Pack most things, and move them before the exams, keeping only what you need to revise and sleep.
- Use storage. Store your belongings over the summer, or during the exam period. We offer storage solutions, so ask us what is possible for your dates.
- Ask a friend or family member. Someone you trust can meet the team, hand over keys and check the house on your behalf, if your landlord or accommodation provider agrees.
- Talk to your accommodation provider. Some providers can adjust check-out times, or offer help for students with late exams, so ask early.
Tell us about your situation when you ask for a quote, and we will do what we can to fit around it.
Halls and house handovers
Handover rules differ between halls and private houses, and between providers, so check yours. In general, it helps to know the following.
- Check-out date and time. When you must be out, and whether there is a check-out inspection.
- Cleaning. What standard you need to leave the room or house at, and who checks it.
- Keys and fobs. Where and when to hand them back, and what happens if you are late.
- Move-out arrangements. Some halls have set move-out slots, trolleys and parking arrangements. The University of Southampton, for example, publishes information for its halls, so check with your own provider.
- Photographs and meter readings. Take dated photos of every room and the meters before you go.
We have kept this to general advice, because each provider has its own rules. Read your contract and your provider's instructions.
Beating the rush: practical tips
- Decide your moving date before you start packing, and work back from it. It stops the last week turning into a scramble.
- Ask your housemates for their dates early. One late finisher can hold up a shared van, so know who is free when.
- Book the day before the busiest one if you can. A day earlier or later often means a quieter street and an easier booking.
- Pack as you go. Anything you will not need before your last exam can be boxed weeks ahead.
- Think about what you need to keep for revision, and keep it apart from the rest.
- Sort your unwanted things early, because collections and donation points fill up at the end of term too.
If you are moving out of Southampton, and not just between houses, tell us the distance and the address, because a longer journey affects the plan. We cover Southampton, the surrounding parts of Hampshire and long-distance moves across the UK.
An end of term checklist
- Check your term dates, your last exam and your check-out date.
- Book your move, and confirm the time window in writing.
- Arrange storage if you need it, and check the terms.
- Pack and label your belongings, and dismantle any furniture you own.
- Sort what you no longer need. Our guide to what to do with things you do not want at move-out explains your options.
- Clean, photograph and check every room, and read the meters.
- Hand back the keys as agreed, and update your address.
Summary
- End of term fills up first, so book early.
- Plan around your last exam.
- Use storage or a partial move if dates clash.
- Confirm times in writing.
FAQs
The end of the academic year, when most students finish their exams and hand back keys, and the weeks around September. Check your university's term dates and your check-out date, and book early.
You can, with planning. Options include moving after your last exam, a partial move, storage or asking someone to hand over keys. Talk to your accommodation provider early.
We recommend at least one to two weeks ahead for a normal move, and earlier for the end of term, because popular days fill first.
Talk to your accommodation provider, who may be able to help, and consider storage, a partial move or a friend who can hand over keys.
We offer storage solutions. Ask us what is available for your dates, and the terms, when you get a quote.
One Last Thought
Planning an end of term move in Southampton? Call K2 Swift Removals on 023 8111 3116 or 07356 097791 and we will give you a straight, free quote.
