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August is the busiest month for moving and has been for 12 years running, with one day in particular proving incredibly popular, according to data.
More than 20,000 moves are expected on Friday, August 30, 2024, four times the average, according to HomeOwners Alliance and Reallymoving.
Moving is a stressful, time-consuming and expensive process. With the help of experts, we reveal eight tips to speed up the process.
Stressful: Moving is a notoriously stressful, expensive and time-consuming affair.
When do the British move?
There are around 1.9 million house moves in the UK each year, which equates to 5,000 a day, according to the Landlords Association.
An analysis of 650,000 moving quotes found that August has been the most popular month to move for more than a decade.
January and February are the least popular months for moving companies.
Friday is the most popular day to move. Over the course of a year, 550,000 people moved on Fridays, according to the Homeowners Association. Sundays and Tuesdays are the days when the fewest moves are made, according to the results.
The number of moves is expected to rise to around 20,000 on a single day, August 30, the results suggest. For the whole of August, more than 200,000 moves are expected.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the Landlords Association, said: ‘We have been following this trend for over 12 years and were a little surprised to find that this year, we believe homeowners are still preferring the late August weekend to move, despite it not being a bank holiday this year.
‘Lawyers will be very busy, so those moving should make sure they understand the process and what happens on completion day.
‘Make sure everyone up and down the chain aims to complete the job and hand over the keys by 1:00 p.m. so they have enough time to move in.’
Monthly changes: August is the busiest month for property moves, data shows
Busiest days: Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days to move house.
How to save money and reduce stress when moving
Property experts and This is Money outline eight ways to help make the moving process less expensive, stressful and time-consuming.
1. Plan ahead
Buying a property is a very complex task and moving is the final step in what can be a long journey.
Rob Houghton, CEO of Reallymoving, said: ‘Moving on the busiest day of the year will mean more competition for services, so make sure you are well prepared and that everyone in the chain knows you are working towards that date.
‘People often leave moving to the last minute, but it’s wise to book well in advance and ask them to come to your home to assess the volume of your belongings, to ensure you have the right size van and removal crew on the day of the move.
‘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 removal team.’
2. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays
It’s a good idea to try to avoid moving on Fridays or Saturdays. These are the busiest days and moving companies may charge more at peak times.
Ray Velmi, chief executive of I Like To Move It, told This is Money: “If you can, you should avoid moving on a Friday or Saturday. This is because traditionally many solicitors prefer to complete house sales on a Friday, making it a busy day for moving companies.
‘Many companies do not operate on Saturdays, and those that can often charge a higher rate because labor costs are higher on Saturdays.’
She added: “If you have control over the time of year, keep in mind that April to September is the busiest time for moving companies. Planning your move in advance between October and March can help you save money.”
3. Get multiple moving quotes
Don’t settle for the first moving company you find. There are many, but not all of them are right for you. It’s also essential to read reviews about the moving companies you’re considering. Recommendations from family, neighbors, or friends can be helpful.
Velmi said: “You should try to get at least three moving quotes. This will allow you to compare your options and select the right moving company for you.”
He added: “When comparing quotes, make sure they offer the same level of service. Ask what exactly is included in the quote, how many people and vehicles will be used, and whether there will be additional charges in case of delays or problems.”
4. Negotiate with moving companies
Just as you would haggle over an insurance policy or broadband package, never be afraid to negotiate with moving companies.
Velmi said: ‘During peak season, most moving companies do not change prices due to high demand and because they do not want to compromise on the service provided.
‘However, during the off-season, companies tend to be more accommodating with discounts, so it’s definitely worth a try.’
She added: ‘You can also ask your moving company if they can help provide some of the labor on moving day. You may be able to reduce the budget if you reduce the number of people the moving company needs to bring.
‘Also ask how many vehicles they plan to use and how many items they would have to eliminate to use one less vehicle.’
5. Consider doing it yourself
Moving doesn’t always have to be done by a moving company. You may want to have more control over the process and better control costs.
Velmi said: ‘If your move is small and mainly involves boxes, and you can hire and drive a large van, you could save a few hundred pounds by opting to do it yourself.’
However, this will not be a suitable approach for all movements.
Velmi added: “If you have a property with two bedrooms or more, moving house on your own could be very stressful. You would need to pack all your belongings into boxes, dismantle and reassemble furniture and ensure that furniture and valuables are adequately protected to prevent damage.”
That said, if you can pack your belongings yourself, you could save money. This can be one of the most expensive and time-consuming elements of a move. Label all boxes with the room they should go in and a description of what’s inside.
6. Don’t spend too much on boxes
Velmi told This is Money: ‘The cost of moving boxes can add up quickly and some boxes cost a lot.
‘You can often find cheap or free boxes at local stores, Facebook and Freecycle groups, or through family and friends.’
Boxes are important – you can find cheap or free boxes at local stores, Facebook and Freecycle groups, or through family and friends.
Check the condition of the boxes and make sure they are suitable for the weight they will support.
Velmi added: ‘You can pack clothes and soft items in black garbage bags – the movers won’t judge you! You can also pack clothes, towels or blankets in boxes to help cushion and protect your more delicate belongings. This can also help you save money on bubble wrap.’
7. Make a moving day checklist
To ensure your move goes smoothly, make a list of everything you need to do and review it on moving day.
Mail will need to be redirected to your new address. Old keys must be left at the real estate office. You may be asked for certain documents on the day of the move.
You will also need to know where the main water supply to the new property is and where the gas and electricity meters are. Making a list of all these points can be very useful.
8. Have the essentials on hand on shopping day
You will need certain essential items for the first few nights in your new home. Prepare one or two boxes with all the items you will need.
Velmi said: ‘Items such as toilet paper, mobile phones, cleaning products and chargers should always be kept close at hand, so that you can have them on hand when you need them.’
She added: ‘You may want to keep your kettle and some mugs handy, as well as tea bags, coffee, milk and sugar, so they’re on hand when you need a break.
‘Having your bedding ready for the first night can be helpful. This will ensure you don’t have to rummage through boxes looking for sheets and duvet covers.’
Temporary furniture and a television may also be helpful for the first few nights.