Moving house is one of life’s biggest upheavals. Get the timing wrong, and you could end up scrambling to find a place to stay, dealing with removal company delays, or even paying for two properties at once.
But when is the right time to start planning your move? Should you wait until your home is sold, or should you get ahead before accepting an offer? Making the right decision could save you time, money, and stress.
Let’s break down the key factors to consider so you can move at the perfect time.
1. Consider Market Conditions
The housing market plays a big role in determining the best time to move.
- Spring and Summer: These are peak selling seasons. Families prefer to move during school holidays, and properties often sell faster. If you sell quickly, be prepared to move sooner than expected.
- Autumn and Winter: The market slows down, but serious buyers remain. If your house takes longer to sell, you may have more time to plan your move.
📌 Tip: Research your local property market. How long do homes in your area typically stay on the market? This will give you a better idea of how much time you have to prepare.
2. Align Your Move with the Sale Process
Your moving date should align with key stages of the sale:
- Offer Accepted: Once an offer is accepted, start packing non-essentials.
- Surveys and Contracts: During this phase (usually 4-12 weeks), declutter and prepare for removals.
- Exchange of Contracts: This is legally binding. Moving plans should be finalised.
- Completion Day: Money transfers, keys are exchanged, and you must vacate the property.
💡 Example: If your contract exchange is set for 1st June with completion on 15th June, you need to be fully packed by early June.
3. Avoid the Pitfalls of Moving Too Soon or Too Late
- Too Soon: Moving before completion can leave you in limbo if there are unexpected delays.
- Too Late: Leaving packing and moving arrangements until the last minute adds unnecessary stress and expense. Removals companies such as Surrey Removals can handle the packing and moving for you making the whole process easier.
✅ Best approach: Plan in stages. Start packing early, but don’t book a moving company until contracts are exchanged.
4. Factor in Your Next Property
Are you moving straight into a new home, or will there be a gap between selling and buying?
- Buying at the same time? Aim to complete both transactions on the same day to avoid extra costs.
- Renting temporarily? Factor in rental availability and storage costs.
- Staying with family? Ensure they can accommodate you for the right length of time.
📌 Example: If your new home won’t be ready for three months, you may need a short-term rental and a storage unit.
5. Choose the Right Moving Day
Some days are better for moving than others:
- Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday): Removal companies have more availability, and banks are open for any last-minute transactions.
- Fridays: Popular but risky. Delays in payments can mean you’re left waiting for keys over the weekend.
- Bank Holidays & Weekends: Often more expensive and busier.
💡 Best day to move: A mid-week completion can reduce costs and stress.
6. Plan for Unexpected Delays
No matter how well you plan, things can go wrong.
- Keep emergency funds for hotel stays or additional storage.
- Have a backup plan for removal delays.
- Ensure you have a “moving day essentials” box with important documents, toiletries, and a kettle!
📌 Example: A buyer’s mortgage funds could be delayed, pushing your move back by 24 hours. Having a backup plan prevents unnecessary stress.
7. Get Your Paperwork in Order
To avoid last-minute headaches:
- Update addresses with banks, utilities, and subscriptions.
- Redirect mail through Royal Mail.
- Notify your employer if you need time off work.
- Check council tax and utility final bills.
✅ Best practice: Create a checklist to tick off each item as you go.
Final Thoughts
The best time to plan your house move is as soon as your home goes on the market. Anticipate the timeline, book movers early, and be flexible in case of delays. By staying organised, you can avoid stress and make your transition to a new home as smooth as possible.
📢 Question for you: Have you experienced a moving day disaster? What would you do differently next time?
