Relocating can be one of the most thrilling yet overwhelming experiences of your life. While the excitement of a new home is a great motivator, the actual process of moving can lead to complete paralysis due to the overwhelming logistics involved.
One of the bigger decisions you will be making is when to make that move. The time of year can make a significant difference to removal costs and availability, as well as the weather and how the move itself will proceed.
We have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you decide on timing, specifically the best/new time of year to move house in the UK, considering the pros and cons of each season.
Summer: The Peak Moving Season
The summertime, and specifically the school breaks (July and August), is considered peak moving season. For many families, it’s a no-brainer. They want to be moved in before the start of the new school year.
Pros:
- Weather: The weather is typically much warmer and drier, making packaging and moving your items a lot easier. You also have less chance of your furniture or boxes being ruined by rain.
- Longer Daylight Hours: Longer daylight hours mean you have more time to do everything you need to do, from packing up to unpacking at your new place. This can be a real nice perk on a long moving day.
- Convenience for Families: Relocating over the school break allows for less disruption to your children and gives them time to settle in a new place and school before term begins.
Cons:
- Increased Costs: During the busiest time of year for removal companies, prices will also be higher and less flexible for you to book their service. You will have to book in advance to get the reputable firm of your choice.
- Increased Competition: The real estate market is at its busiest during summer, so you may be competing with more buyers and sellers, and there could be a potential for bidding wars.
- Traffic and Congestion: Roads can be busier during holiday periods, which could delay your removal team and add to the stress.
Autumn: The Shoulder Season
As the summer rush fades, autumn offers a more relaxed moving experience.
Pros:
- Lower Costs: With less demand, removal companies will likely run cheaper prices and be more available. Our routes are less busy, so we can plan new routes that better align with your schedules.
- More Choice: You have a higher chance of finding a move-in date that is beneficial for you with less demand in the autumn months.
- Great Weather: Early autumn is still pleasant for the weather, not too hot like summer or too cold like winter.
Cons:
- Unpredictable Weather: As the months progress, you can expect the weather to be increasingly unpredictable, especially in relation to rain, wind and colder temperatures.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: You will have shorter days which means you will have less time to move in daylight. It may mean that you will have to be more organised or will need to book a bigger team to allow enough time on the job.
Winter: A Quieter, Riskier Period
Choosing to move between November and February can be one of the hardest things to do, but it can also have some unexpected benefits.
Pros:
- Lowest Cost: This is usually the quieter time for the removals sector in general so that you can get the best rates, and in many cases, last-minute bookings are more readily available.
- Less Competition: The property market slows down, which means that if you are buying, you may find less competition from buyers, and as such, could potentially get a better deal.
- Speedier Process: With fewer people moving, the overall process for conveyancing and completing the transaction can sometimes be quicker.
Cons:
- Weather: The weather can be quite Chaotic. We’ve got snow, ice, torrential rain, and storms that could cause long delays and risk movement entirely.
- Shorter Days: Even with the best planning, a winter move is highly dependent on daylight. Once darkness falls, everything changes.
- Logistics: Weather can complicate the ability for larger vans to use the roads, and icy paths can become unsafe or dangerous.
Spring: The Reawakening of the Market
Spring is a popular time for moving, offering a good middle ground between the challenges of winter and the frenzy of summer.
Pros:
- Improved Weather: The weather is generally on the upswing. The days are getting longer, and temperatures are rising, making for a much more pleasant moving experience than in winter.
- New Market Listings: Spring often sees a surge in new properties on the market, giving you a wider choice if you are looking to buy.
- Increased Energy: The longer, brighter days can make you feel more motivated and energetic, which is a definite plus for a strenuous moving day.
Cons:
- Higher Demand: As the market picks up, removal companies become busier and prices may start to increase as you get closer to summer.
- Renewed Competition: You may face more competition from other buyers and sellers as the property market reawakens.
Our Verdict
While there’s no single perfect time to move house, the ideal season depends on your priorities. Regardless of when you decide to move, thorough planning is key. Make sure to get quotes from reputable removal companies well in advance and prepare for all eventualities, especially with the unpredictable UK weather!