How to Move House with Minimal Time Off Work

Moving house is exciting – but squeezing it around a full-time job? That can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Between packing, paperwork, cleaning and coordinating with your removals company, it’s no wonder most people assume they’ll need to book several days off just to get it all done.

But what if you didn’t have to? With some planning, clever timing and the right support, it’s absolutely possible to manage a house move without sacrificing all your annual leave. In this guide, we’ll explore how to minimise disruption, stay organised, and make smart use of your time and resources – so you can focus on the move itself, not the time it takes.

1. Start Planning as Early as Possible

The earlier you start, the more control you’ll have over your timeline – and the less likely you are to need last-minute time off.

Choose the Right Move Date

Aim to book your completion and moving date strategically. Fridays are a popular option – they give you the weekend to settle in and often only require one day off work. Better still, if your removals company offers weekend moves, you may not need to take time off at all.

Get Key Dates Locked In

Once your moving date is confirmed, mark it on your calendar and work backwards. Create a week-by-week checklist of tasks so nothing gets left until the last minute. Packing, admin, address changes – spreading these out means you won’t have to cram them into a single frantic day off.

2. Use Annual Leave Wisely

If you do need to take time off, try to limit it to the essentials.

• Consider a half-day before your move to do final packing and prep

• Use a single day off on moving day, then rely on the weekend to unpack and settle

• Request flexible working, such as working from home before or after the move, if possible

  
  

Many employers are understanding when it comes to moving house – especially if you’ve planned ahead.

3. Book a Professional Removals Company

If you’re trying to avoid days off work, this is the number one step that will save you time, stress and physical effort.

A professional home removals company can handle the heavy lifting (literally), giving you back hours – even days – of time you’d otherwise spend loading vans and making trips back and forth. Most companies also offer services like:

• Packing and unpacking

• Furniture dismantling and reassembly

• Storage solutions, if you’re between homes or waiting on dates

  
  

The less you have to do yourself, the less time you’ll need away from work.

4. Start Packing Early – and Smart

One of the most time-consuming parts of any move is packing. If you’re doing it yourself, begin several weeks before your moving date – and tackle it in stages.

Try the “One-a-Day” Approach

Pack one box per day after work or during your lunch break. This slow and steady method avoids burnout and means you won’t have to dedicate full days off to it.

Label Everything

Label each box clearly with its contents and which room it belongs in. This speeds up the unloading process – and means you won’t waste hours trying to find your kettle on day one.

Keep a Priority Box

Pack a separate box of essentials – kettle, mugs, phone chargers, work laptop – so you can get back to work quickly after the move without scrambling to find things.

5. Outsource Where You Can

When time is tight, outsource the time-consuming tasks – especially those that don't need your personal attention.

• Hire cleaners for the property you’re leaving to save a whole day of scrubbing

• Use professional packers if you don’t have time to box up your belongings

• Redirect post online rather than queuing at the Post Office

• Update your address with utilities, banks and HMRC digitally – most now let you do this in minutes

  
  

Each small task you outsource is another chunk of time saved.

6. Use Evenings and Weekends Efficiently

Not all moving prep needs to happen on a weekday. In the weeks leading up to your move:

• Declutter a little each evening

• Pack seasonal items and non-essentials early

• Run errands like collecting boxes or buying tape at the weekend

• Cancel or set up utilities in advance

• Create a moving day plan (who’s doing what and when)

  
  

It’s amazing how much progress you can make with just an hour or two a day – especially when you start early.

7. Consider Temporary Storage

If there’s a delay between moving out and moving in – or you’re downsizing – storage can give you breathing space.

A professional storage and home removals company will collect and store your belongings safely, then deliver them to your new home when you're ready. This can help split the move over two weekends, rather than requiring time off during the week.

8. Communicate with Your Employer

If you’re worried about needing time off, be open with your employer. Most are understanding when it comes to big life events like moving house – especially if you’re proactive and offer a clear plan. Depending on your workplace, you could ask for:

• Remote working days before or after the move

• Shift swaps or flexible hours

• A single day off rather than a week

  
  

Being transparent makes it easier to negotiate a solution that works for both of you.

9. Make the Most of Moving Day

When moving day arrives, efficiency is everything.

• Pack a “go-bag” with essentials – phone, snacks, keys, important documents

• If you’re moving on a Friday, try to finish work early or use just a half-day

• Leave unpacking until the weekend – focus on getting the basics sorted first (bed, kettle, Wi-Fi)

With a good removals team and proper prep, your move can be smooth, fast and finished well within the day.

Ready to Move Without the Time Off?

At Saint Removals, we understand that taking time off work isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer flexible weekend moves, full and partial packing, storage solutions, and friendly, efficient service that helps you get the job done – with minimal disruption to your work week.

Get in touch today to book a free survey and find out how we can help you move house on your schedule – not your employer’s.