"We've been tracking this trend for over 12 years and were a little surprised to find that this year, we think homeowners are still favouring the end of August weekend to move, despite it not being a Bank Holiday this year"
- Paula Higgins - HomeOwners Alliance
Analysis of more than 650,000 removal quotes found August has been the most popular month to move home for the last 12 years and this year will be no different, according to new research from HomeOwners Alliance and reallymoving.
The most popular day to move home this year
Research shows that there are about 1.9 million moves a year in the UK, equating to over 5000 a day. However, this year, the data shows we'll be seeing more than 20,000 moves in just one day - Friday 30th August - making it the busiest day to move. This is four times more than the daily average.
Looking at the most popular months and days to move, this translates into more than 220,000 moves in the month of August alone and over 550,000 people moving on Fridays over the course of the year.
Last year a survey of removal firms by reallymoving also found that 18% of removal companies are willing to offer mid-week deals and negotiate on price to encourage movers to move at a less busy time.
How to avoid delays on moving day
Suggest an alternative day of the week. Savings are possible, as we know 1 in 5 removal firms are willing to negotiate on price. See our guide to house removal costs.
If you're going to be moving this August, remember things are not only busier but it is traditionally a time to take holidays. Get quotes for removal firms as soon as possible and appoint them after exchanging contracts. Here are more tips on how to find the right removal company.
Choose a removal firm you trust and have a rapport with. Talk through what would happen if a delay occurred. For example, do they have emergency storage? Be aware of the different things that may impact the cost of your move, like access or extra services.
Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins, says: "We've been tracking this trend for over 12 years and were a little surprised to find that this year, we think homeowners are still favouring the end of August weekend to move, despite it not being a Bank Holiday this year.
"Conveyancers will be super busy so home movers need to make sure they understand the process and what happens on the day of completion. Ensure everyone up and down the chain aims to complete and have keys released by 1pm so you have enough time to get moved.
"Without the extra day off work to get the unpacking done, homeowners will want to read our moving house checklist. that sets out what to do before you move, between exchange and completion and on moving day itself to help things run smoothly."
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, adds: “Moving on the busiest day of the year will mean more competition for services, so ensure you’re well prepared and everyone in the chain knows you’re working towards that date.
"People often leave removals to last, but it’s advisable to book well in advance and ask them to come to your house to assess the volume of your belongings, to ensure you have the right sized van and moving team on the day. You won’t be able to confirm the booking until you’ve exchanged contracts, but keeping in regular contact with them will give you the best chance of securing your first choice removals team.”
