How to Time Your Move to Save Money

Moving house isn’t just stressful – it can be expensive, too. But one of the simplest ways to keep your costs down is by carefully timing your move. Just like booking a holiday or buying train tickets, the date you choose can have a big impact on how much you spend on removal services, van hire, storage and even utilities.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to time your move for maximum savings, without compromising on a smooth experience.

Why Timing Matters

While moving costs vary depending on distance, volume and service level, timing is a major cost driver that many people overlook. Removal companies, like most service-based businesses, adjust their prices according to demand. That means peak dates will often be more expensive – and booked up well in advance.

If you’re flexible, strategic timing can lead to significant savings. Even shifting your move by a few days could mean better rates, more availability and a far less stressful experience overall.

Best Days of the Week to Move House

Weekdays: Cheaper and More Available

If you're looking to cut costs, Monday to Thursday is generally the best time to move. These days tend to be quieter for home removals companies, which means:

• Lower rates

• More flexible scheduling

• Less traffic on the roads

  
  

Avoiding Fridays can also help with logistics, completion days often fall on Fridays, so last-minute delays from other moves can have a knock-on effect.

Fridays: Popular but Pricey

Friday is the most common moving day in the UK, mostly because it gives people a full weekend to unpack and settle in. That also makes it:

• High demand – so book early

• Potentially more expensive

• More stressful if anything runs late and banks or solicitors close for the weekend

  
  

Weekends: Mixed Results

Saturday moves are common among renters or DIY movers – but fewer professional removals companies work weekends, or they charge a premium for it. Sundays are typically avoided altogether due to limited business hours and logistics constraints.

Best Time of the Month to Move

Avoid the first and last weeks of the month if you can. These are peak times for:

• Rental lease changes

• Tenancy agreements ending or beginning

• Mortgage completion dates

  
  

Instead, mid-month moves tend to be quieter and more affordable — especially if you’re booking storage or overlapping tenancy periods.

Best Seasons for Moving House

Summer: Convenient but Competitive

From late spring through August, the removals' industry enters its busiest period. Why?

• Families prefer to move during school holidays

• Weather conditions are favourable

• Rental turnover increases for students

  
  

As a result, prices are often higher and bookings fill up quickly. If you’re moving in summer, book at least 4–6 weeks in advance, or earlier if possible.

Autumn and Winter: Cheaper but Less Predictable

From September to February, demand drops. That’s great for pricing, but keep in mind:

• Shorter daylight hours affect timing

• Bad weather can slow down or complicate moves

• Christmas and New Year periods cause closures and delays

Despite the drawbacks, a mid-week, mid-month move in November or January could be one of the cheapest options of the year.

Spring: A Happy Medium

March to May offers a balance between availability and weather. It’s a great time to move if you want to avoid the summer rush while still benefiting from lighter days and milder conditions.

When Should You Book Your Removals Company?

Once you know your preferred moving date, book your removals company as early as possible. For peak times, this can mean 6–8 weeks in advance, or even more if you're moving in July or August.

Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but availability may be limited and prices will usually reflect the short notice.

If your move date isn’t confirmed yet (for example, if you’re waiting on completion), speak to your chosen home removals company about provisional booking or flexible cancellation policies.

Consider Flexible or Off-Peak Packages

Some storage and home removals companies (like us here at Saint Removals) offer:

• Mid-week discounts

• Off-peak rates for moves outside school holidays

• Flexible scheduling for clients who don’t need a fixed time slot

  
  

Ask about these options when getting a quote, it could help you save without compromising on service quality.

Think Beyond the Move Date

Timing your move isn’t just about removals. Coordinating other services around your moving day can also impact your budget. For example:

• Utility companies often require notice periods – give them plenty of time to avoid rushed (and expensive) callouts.

• Van and equipment hire is cheaper mid-week.

• Cleaners and decorators may charge less outside weekends.

• Storage units may have off-season promotions, especially in colder months.

  
  

By planning around your move date – not just the day itself – you’ll stretch your budget further and avoid unnecessary costs.

Final Thoughts: Smart Timing = Less Stress and Lower Costs

A well-timed move won’t just save you money, it can also make the entire experience smoother, calmer and more efficient.

If you're unsure when to book or how to get the best deal, we’re happy to help. At Saint Removals we offer no-obligation quotes and flexible services designed around your schedule – not the other way around.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you move house the smart way.