Relocating and wondering when the cheapest time to move home is in the UK?
Moving house in the UK is not only a huge headache, but it is also one of life’s most significant expenses.
However, there are a few clever ways to keep costs under control.
One of the most effective ways is by carefully choosing the timing of your move.
The property market has seasonal highs and lows, and removal companies adjust their prices accordingly.
By picking the right month, day, or even week, you could save hundreds of pounds and enjoy a less stressful experience.
While many people focus on the logistics of packing or finding the right removal firm, timing is the secret weapon that often gets overlooked.
With a bit of forward planning, you can move when demand is lower, availability is greater, and prices are more negotiable.
Why Seasonality Matters
The cost of moving house is heavily influenced by the time of year.
Summer is the most expensive season, particularly August, as families often take advantage of the long school break to relocate.
This surge in demand drives up removal rates and limits availability, often to such an extent that it can be challenging to hire a professional removals company without forward planning.
In contrast, winter offers the best opportunities to save.
January and February are traditionally the quietest months for removal firms, meaning you are more likely to secure a competitive price and the date you want.
Spring and autumn strike a balance, with milder weather and steadier demand, but avoiding peak summer remains the best way to cut costs.
If your circumstances allow, targeting the quieter months will almost always save you money.
The Cheapest Days of the Week
Not only does the season matter, but so too does the day of the week you choose to move.
Fridays and weekends are notoriously popular, as many people prefer to take the least amount of time off work as possible.
However, this convenience comes at a premium, with removal slots often booked weeks in advance and prices inflated.
By contrast, moving midweek is far kinder on your wallet. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular, tend to be quieter, giving you more negotiating power and smoother service.
Sundays can also work out cheaper, though most firms won’t operate on Sundays.
If saving money is a priority, flexibility with your working schedule can make a noticeable difference to the final bill.
The Best Time of the Month
Another factor often overlooked is which part of the month you choose for your move.
The beginning and end of the month are traditionally the busiest, as many rental agreements and completion dates fall at these times.
Plus, as moving home is such a high expense, moving close or soon after payday just gives you a little more financial flexibility.
That is why removal companies are stretched so thin at this time, and prices reflect that surge in demand.
By booking your move for the middle of the month, you can usually find greater availability, calmer schedules, and potentially reduced rates.
Removal teams will often be less rushed and more focused, ensuring a smoother service overall.
If your move date isn’t locked in by contracts, aiming for the mid-month window is a smart strategy for keeping costs manageable.
Plan Around School Holidays
School holidays have a huge impact on moving costs and is the most popular time to move home, particularly during the summer.
Families with children often plan their moves around these breaks, which means July and August are among the busiest and most expensive times to relocate as potential movers vie for bookings.
Even half-term weeks can see a noticeable increase in demand, pushing prices higher.
Though some people have no choice, if you do not have to plan around school schedules, aim for term-time instead.
Not only will you sidestep peak-season pricing, but you’ll also find roads less congested and removal teams more readily available.
A quieter moving environment means less stress and a more efficient process, so avoiding holiday periods is one of the simplest ways to save.
Booking Early Always Pays
Regardless of when you move, one rule always applies: book as early as you can!
Removal firms often offer better rates to those who plan ahead, while last-minute bookings leave little room for negotiation.
Securing your date several weeks or even months in advance gives you plenty of time to compare quotes, check credentials, and make sure you’re working with a reputable, accredited company.
It also reduces the risk of hidden costs creeping in if availability runs low.
Whether you’re moving in winter to save money or in summer out of necessity, forward planning almost always leads to a smoother experience and a healthier balance sheet.
Move the Smart Way with Barnes of Lincoln
Choosing the cheapest time to move home in the UK is all about balancing flexibility with forward planning.
By avoiding peak summer months, steering clear of school holidays, and booking mid-month and midweek where possible, you can cut costs and enjoy a far calmer moving experience.
The key is to plan ahead and work with a trusted removals company who knows how to make the process seamless from start to finish.
At Barnes of Lincoln, we understand that moving isn’t just about transporting boxes, it’s about making the transition to your new home as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Our experienced team offers competitive rates, flexible scheduling, and a full range of services, from careful packing to secure storage.
Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to take the pressure off and deliver a move that suits both your needs and your budget.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how Barnes of Lincoln can help you relocate the smart way, without overspending.
Our outstanding Barnes of Lincoln bloggers have created several articles offering practical advice for people moving home, here are two that you may find helpful:
