Moving house is a major life event, and timing can have a huge impact on everything from the cost and availability of removal companies to your own stress levels. The common wisdom suggests summer is the ideal season, but is that really the case?
The truth is, every season has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The “best” time to move depends entirely on your personal priorities: are you looking to save money, avoid disrupting your children’s schooling, or simply have the best possible weather on moving day?
This definitive seasonal guide breaks down the pros and cons of moving throughout the year in the UK, helping you create a strategy for a smoother, more successful relocation.
The Short Answer
- For the lowest cost and best availability: Late autumn and winter (excluding the Christmas peak) are your best bet.
- For the best weather: Summer offers the longest days and the highest chance of sunshine.
- For a good balance of weather and cost: Spring and early autumn are often the sweet spots.
Now, let’s dive into the details.
Moving in Winter (January – March)
Often overlooked, the winter months can be a surprisingly strategic time to move.
The Case for a Winter Move:
- Significant Cost Savings: This is the quietest period for the housing market and removal companies. With lower demand, you’ll find more competitive pricing on removal services and may even have more negotiating power on your house purchase.
- Greater Flexibility: Removal companies have more availability, making it easier to book your preferred date, even at short notice. This is a huge advantage if your completion date is uncertain.
- More Focused Attention: With fewer clients to juggle, your solicitor, estate agent, and removal company may be able to provide a more focused and attentive service.
The Challenges:
- Unpredictable Weather: The biggest drawback. Moving amidst ice, snow, or heavy rain is challenging and can cause delays. Shorter daylight hours also mean less time to get everything done.
- The Post-Christmas Lull: The run-up to Christmas is chaotic, and the property market slows to a crawl over the festive period itself, which can stall progress.
Winter Storage Strategy:
Winter is the perfect time to use self-storage to get ahead. Rent a unit in late autumn to pre-pack non-essential items, Christmas decorations, and presents. This clears huge amounts of space, making your home feel bigger for viewings and reducing the packing burden closer to moving day.
Moving in Spring (April – June)
As the weather improves, the property market begins to bloom.
The Case for a Spring Move:
- Pleasant Weather: Spring often provides the perfect balance—not too hot for heavy lifting, and not too cold or wet. Your garden will also be looking its best, boosting “kerb appeal” for viewings.
- Good for Families: With children in school for most of the term (bar the Easter holidays), you have child-free days to focus on packing and organisation.
- Energy and Optimism: There’s a natural sense of energy in the spring that can make the daunting task of moving feel more manageable.
The Challenges:
- The Market Heats Up: Spring is a popular time to sell, meaning more competition from other buyers. Removal companies start to get busier, so you’ll need to book further in advance.
- Bank Holiday Disruptions: The cluster of bank holidays in spring can disrupt the schedules of solicitors and removal companies.
Spring Storage Strategy:
Use a storage unit to prepare for the peak summer market. Declutter your entire home and garden, moving excess furniture into storage to make every room look as spacious as possible for viewings.
Moving in Summer (July – September)
Traditionally the most popular season to move, but this popularity comes at a price.
The Case for a Summer Move:
- Best Weather & Longest Days: You have the highest chance of a dry, sunny moving day and plenty of daylight to get the job done.
- Ideal for School-Age Children: The long summer holidays provide a window to move and settle into a new area without disrupting the school term or worrying about school runs on moving day.
The Challenges:
- Peak Prices & High Demand: This is the most expensive time to move. Removal companies are in high demand and often fully booked months in advance.
- Holiday Delays: It’s not just you who goes on holiday. Your move can be slowed down by solicitors or other key people in the chain taking their summer break.
- Intense Competition: The market is at its most frantic, which can lead to higher property prices and more stressful bidding situations.
Summer Storage Strategy:
A storage unit is crucial in summer, primarily for providing a buffer. If there’s a delay in your property chain—a common occurrence in the busy season—a unit provides a secure place for your belongings, saving you from a last-minute panic.
Moving in Autumn (October – December)
Autumn can be an excellent compromise, offering many of the benefits of other seasons.
The Case for an Autumn Move:
- The “Sweet Spot”: The market has cooled from the summer frenzy, but the weather is often still mild and pleasant. You may find better availability and prices for removal services.
- Motivation to Settle: The desire to be settled in a new home before Christmas can be a powerful motivator for all parties in the chain to keep things moving.
The Challenges:
- The School Year: For families, moving after the school year has started can be disruptive, especially if it involves changing schools.
- The Race Against Winter: As you move into November, daylight hours shorten and the weather becomes more unpredictable, creating a sense of urgency.
Autumn Storage Strategy:
Use a unit to store all your summer and garden items (BBQ, patio furniture, lawnmower). This instantly makes your garden look tidier and clears out your shed or garage, showcasing valuable storage space to potential buyers.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best time to move is when it’s right for you and your circumstances. However, by understanding the seasonal trade-offs, you can plan strategically. If saving money is your top priority, brave the winter. If a smooth process for your children is key, aim for the summer holidays but be prepared for higher costs.
No matter when you decide to move, planning well in advance is the key to reducing stress and ensuring a successful relocation.