The busiest moving day of the year
One Friday in August, 23,000 house moves, and not much room for error.
Part of the excitement of buying your next home is looking forward to the day when you can move in and start making all the changes and decorating to your own choices and tastes.
Of course, there’s a lot that needs to happen between your offer being accepted and you getting the keys to move in. There’s the legal side of things, getting a survey done so you know what remedial work might need to be budgeted for, the utilities at both ends that need to be sorted out, and you’ll need to tell everyone (work, friends, family, gym membership) that you are moving. And so the list goes on.
One aspect of the whole moving process is deciding when would be best for you to move.
Why Friday is the favourite
Of all the days of the week, Friday is by far the most popular, mainly because it gives you the weekend to get sorted, relax a bit and prepare for the next week at work or school. According to research by the HomeOwners Alliance in conjunction with reallymoving, more than a quarter (29%) of those planning to move choose a Friday as the optimal day, with Saturday (16%) and Monday (15%) the next most favoured choices. Perhaps understandably, Sunday (5%) is the least popular.
But what about the time of year? The most popular month is August, followed by July and September as the next most popular either side of it. Correspondingly, the least popular months are January and February. For a wider look at how these patterns played out last year, see our round-up of 2025’s moving trends.
And when it comes to the busiest day of the year to move, that’s coming up very soon: Friday 28 August.
What the research says
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said of the research findings:
“Moving home is stressful enough without competing with nearly 23,000 other households for removal firms, conveyancers and estate agents. Anyone moving on Friday 28 August should book early, confirm arrangements across the chain and have a contingency plan in case of delays. Where possible, choosing a quieter day earlier in the week could mean less pressure, greater choice and potentially better value.”
And Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, added:
“Demand for removal firms will be exceptionally high, so preparation is vital. Ask your removals company to assess everything you need to move, either in person or through a detailed video survey, to make sure the right sized vehicle and team are booked for the day.”
How to prepare if you’re moving on the day
The HomeOwners Alliance sets out some useful points of advice:
Consider moving on another day. Choosing a day other than Friday might give you some flexibility in your moving itinerary. Bear in mind, too, that the popularity of the Friday completion may increase the chance of lengthy chains and delays.
Book your removals team early. Once you know your completion date and you’ve exchanged contracts, book your removals to lock in your chosen day.
Be aware of the property chain. The longer it is, the greater the chance that something might impact your plans. Keep abreast of everything by staying in touch with your solicitor and estate agent.
Talk to your solicitor. Keep in contact with your conveyancing solicitor throughout completion day so you know what’s going on and that your move is all in place to happen.
Prepare a back-up plan. This is often overlooked, but think about the important things you’ll need with you (wallets and purses, phones, chargers, medication, car keys, passports and driving licences) and what to do if there’s a delay in receiving your keys. It’s also worth having food and drink with you as sustenance while you wait.
Key to the success of the transaction is appointing a solicitor. Whoever your move is with, look for a value-for-money firm that provides a focused, quality service while keeping a firm control on expenditure.
Get your conveyancing moving
Call us now on 0800 0387 007, free from mobiles, to start your transaction moving today. All our quotes are fixed price, with disbursements confirmed upfront, and we offer a no completion, no fee guarantee, even if you’re gazumped.
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