What is the best time of year to move house?
December 19, 2018
When it comes time to move house, planning for your big day typically starts weeks - or even months - earlier. Factors such as having to find a new property, apply for a mortgage, hire a conveyancer, book a surveyor, and so on will all take time - and that's before the effort you'll need to put into packing everything up.
One of the most important factors to decide in advance is the time of year you want to move house. Factors like weather and the availability of local removal companies could help or hinder your plans, so it will help to give yourself as much time and freedom as possible to arrange everything for a suitable time.
You may need to wait for the right time to sell. Alternatively, if you are renting, you will need to consider the end date of your contract. Regardless, the right amount of forethought should allow you to avoid serious problems.
Here is what you must consider when choosing the best time of year to move house.
What is the most popular time of year for moving house?
Generally speaking, summer is the most popular time of year for moving house as the warm weather makes moving more pleasant (and less dangerous), while rain or snow can quickly complicate things. Just ensure you book early, as summer tends to be the busiest time of year for professional removal companies.
Equally, if you're moving with a family, you have to factor in the school holidays happening, which may mean you have to factor childcare into any move.
How to choose when to move house
Looking at the most popular time of year for moving house is one thing, but it is also essential to consider your own circumstances. The best time for one mover might be completely inconvenient for another.
Here are the most important factors to consider:
Major holidays
Trying to move house around Christmas time can be problematic, not just because of the number of people on the road or the stress of organising the holiday, but because wet and slippery conditions can also make moving treacherous. That being said, free days off work and bank holidays can create valuable opportunities to move house without using too much vacation time. It is also worth noting any engagements you have during the holiday seasons, such as work Christmas parties, to avoid clashes.
Moving with children
Having to move house with children can be difficult. Uprooting them from the environment they are used to can stress them out, especially if you do not give them enough time to adjust to the idea. It is also essential to keep the structure of the school year in mind. For example, the summer holidays can give them ample time to say goodbye to friends and make new ones once they arrive at your new locale. However, there are also other holidays you can take advantage of, such as the half term in spring, summer and autumn.
Jobs
You should know your job better than anyone - are certain times of the year busier and, thus, more complicated to book off? If so, that could factor into when you should move. Either way, book the time off early to plan for any potential complications. Of course, if you leave your job for the sake of your move, this shouldn't be too much of a problem - just be sure to start looking for a job in your new locale as soon as possible.
Weather
Rainy, snowy or frosty weather can create hazardous conditions for carrying and transporting heavy belongings, and the last thing you want is for your removers to injure themselves or break your possessions. As such, try to avoid winter and potentially spring (though, UK weather being what it is, it can still be rainy in July/August). It is also worth remembering that moving during warmer weather can be tiring - so keep a water bottle close.
Remover availability
As mentioned, the time of the year is everything. If you're moving in summer, booking late may mean scrambling to find a mover who can fit you into their busy schedule. Equally, moving in less-than-ideal weather may see you struggle to find someone who will come and move you. If you can, mitigate this threat by planning well ahead.
Timings
Remember, it isn't just the removers that are busy during the summer. The time of year can be just as bad for conveyancers, mortgage providers, surveyors, etc. You could easily drag your move beyond your preferred dates and times if you aren't careful.
Best time of year to put a property on the market
In choosing what time of year to move house, it will be worth remembering that you won't be the only person looking for a new place to live. It would be best to consider what time of year to put your current property on the market, as specific periods will have more potential buyers looking to book viewings which can easily make a difference - especially if you need to sell your house before securing a new home.
As we've explained earlier, spring and summer are the most popular times of year for buyers and renters. During periods with less demand, you may need help raising interest in your property in time for your chosen moving date.
In a situation like this, it is vital to hire the right help. An estate agent can advertise your property in all the right places, including many popular websites. Hiring a cleaner and professional photographer to show off your property at its best can also be worth hiring. But, most importantly, give yourself as much time as possible, or you could find yourself tempted to agree to a terrible deal just to be able to move on time.
Want to read more? Check out our other guides, including the best day of the week to move or move house.