When is the Best Time of Year to Move House in the UK?

It is worth noting that no time of year is ever going to be “easy” when it comes to moving house; however, there are definitely certain times of the year that are easier than others and allow you to move to a new home with as minimal stress as possible.

At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we have years of experience helping people move in every season, which means we’ve seen first-hand which times of year can work in your favour and which might be more challenging.

To make planning your move simpler, we’ve put together this guide on when we think is the best time of year to move house in the UK. In fact, around 100,000 people move house every month in the UK, and the average Brit moves eight times in their lifetime, so it’s no surprise that timing plays such an important role in the process.

Key Points:

• Spring offers fresh starts, longer days, and school holidays, but Easter closures and allergies can be drawbacks.

  
  

• Summer is the most popular time to move thanks to school holidays and longer days, though it’s also peak season, hotter, and more competitive.

  
  

• Autumn provides mild weather and easier booking, but school terms starting may add pressure for families.

  
  

• Winter is quieter with less competition for movers, but bad weather, shorter days, and festive closures make it harder.

  
  

• Mid-week moves are usually cheaper and less stressful than Fridays, and avoiding the very start or end of the month can also reduce demand.

Moving in the Spring

You may think that spring is the most popular season to move house, but it actually comes in second place. Many people choose this time of year because it feels like the right moment for a fresh start and new beginnings. Spring is also a great time for viewing properties, as the natural light often makes homes look their best.

Another advantage is the Bank Holidays and school breaks that fall during this season. These give families the chance to plan a move without clashing with the school run, and the long weekends provide extra time to unpack, settle in, and get organised.

That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that the Easter holidays can cause delays. Some removal companies and related services may be closed, which could make arranging a last-minute move more difficult.

Finally, be aware that allergies can be an issue in spring. Moving stirs up dust, and combined with pollen in the air, this can trigger reactions for those who are sensitive. With one in four people in the UK suffering from hay fever, this is something worth planning for if your household is affected.

Moving in the Summer

The most popular time of year to move home is summer, and there are several reasons for this. One of the biggest is that children are off school for an extended period, giving families more time to get organised without the added stress of school routines.

Another benefit is the longer days, which provide more daylight to move everything out and into your new home. The weather is also generally more reliable, making the process that bit easier.

It is worth noting, however, that summer is peak season for moving. This means services are often more expensive, and it can be harder to book a company at short notice. August is the single busiest month for UK moves, accounting for around 12% of all relocations, and costs during these peak months can be up to 20% higher than quieter times of year.

You also need to consider the heat. Higher temperatures can be uncomfortable for those moving and may even damage certain items.

Lastly, competition for properties tends to be stronger in summer, which can make it more challenging to secure your new home.

Moving in the Autumn

One of the most common months to move is September. The weather is usually still mild, and the days remain fairly long and light, giving you plenty of time to get everything done without the discomfort of peak summer heat.

Moving in autumn also tends to make it easier to book a removal company, as demand drops compared to the busy summer period. This can be a real advantage if you’re working to a deadline or have limited time to plan. September consistently ranks among the top moving months as many families aim to relocate just before or after the start of the school term.

The main drawback is that the new school year begins around this time. For children, starting a new term can already feel unsettling, and adding a house move on top may increase stress for them.

Moving in the Winter

When you think about how winter is in the UK, it makes sense that not many people choose to move during this season. The weather is often bleak, cold, and wet, and the days are shorter than at any other time of year. Moving in winter can even be risky, especially if you need to travel long distances on icy or snow-covered roads.

You also have Christmas and New Year to contend with. Many businesses close for at least a week during the festive season, which can make it harder to secure the services you need and may mean waiting longer for your move.

Another drawback is that fewer people tend to sell their homes in winter, so you might find there are limited properties available and fewer choices when it comes to finding your ideal home.

Best Days and Times of the Month to Move

Aside from the season, the day of the week and time of the month can also make a big difference. Friday is the most popular moving day in the UK, with nearly 28% of moves taking place then, as it gives people the weekend to unpack. However, this popularity can mean higher demand and less flexibility. If you’re able to move mid-week, such as on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll often find it easier to book the services you want and sometimes at a lower cost.

It’s also worth thinking about the time of the month. The very beginning and end are typically busiest because of tenancy agreements and mortgage completions, so choosing a date in the middle can help avoid the rush and reduce pressure on moving day.

Plan Your Move with Confidence

Whilst we’ve looked at the different seasons and what they might mean for your move, the most important thing to remember is that the best time is the one that works for you, your family, and your circumstances. Moving is always easier when you take your own situation into account, plan ahead, and think about how to minimise the impact on daily life while settling into your new home.

One way to make the process simpler is to get in touch with us here at Pinnacle. As experts in all aspects of moving, we can take care of the details for you, as well as packing and storage, so your move is as stress-free as possible. Based in Horsham and South London, we’re perfectly placed to help customers across West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and the wider South East, though we also handle moves nationwide.

The key is to contact us and book early, giving yourself plenty of time to prepare. This ensures you’ll have access to our services when you need them and the confidence that everything is in place for moving day.