Friday 30th August is set to be the busiest moving day of the year with over 20,000 home moves expected. Analysis of 650,000 removal quotes from 201-2023 found August has been the most popular month to move home for the last 12 years.
The research has been conducted by HomeOwners Alliance and reallymoving who found that August see around 12% of total home moves in years. September (10%) and July (10%) are the next busiest months, and nearly a third of moves (32%) happen late summer/ early autumn.
Friday remains the most popular moving day, Saturday (16%) or Monday (15%) are the next most popular days to move. Friday is by far and away the most popular day of the week to move. More than a quarter (29%) select Friday for their move. Tuesday (10%) and Sunday (5%) are the least popular.
Commenting on the data, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins, says:
“We’ve been tracking this trend for over 12 years and were a little surprised to find that this year, we think homeowners are still favouring the end of August weekend to move, despite it not being a Bank Holiday this year. Conveyancers will be super busy so home movers need to make sure they understand the process and what happens on the day of completion. Ensure everyone up and down the chain aims to complete and have keys released by 1pm so you have enough time to get moved.”
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, adds:
“Moving on the busiest day of the year will mean more competition for services, so ensure you’re well prepared and everyone in the chain knows you’re working towards that date. People often leave removals to last, but it’s advisable to book well in advance and ask them to come to your house to assess the volume of your belongings, to ensure you have the right sized van and moving team on the day. 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 removals team.”
The busiest moving days of the year
| Most popular days to move (past 12 years) | Average % of movers 2011 – 2023 | |
| 1 | Last Friday in August | 1.061 |
| 2 | Last Friday in June | 1.014 |
| 3 | Last Friday in September | 1.003 |
| 4 | Last Friday in July | 0.975 |
| 5 | Last Friday in November | 0.854 |
| 6 | Last Friday in October | 0.842 |
| 7 | Last Friday in March | 0.744 |
| 8 | Last Friday in May | 0.740 |
| 9 | First Friday in September | 0.739 |
| 10 | Middle Friday in December | 0.699 |
