The Cheapest Time to Move House in the UK
Moving costs aren't fixed - the same move can vary by 15-25% depending on when you book it. Removal pricing is driven by demand, so the trick is to move when companies are quiet. This guide covers the cheapest day, month and season, and the dates to avoid.
If you have any flexibility on timing, this is one of the easiest ways to cut your bill. Pair it with our moving cost calculator to see your baseline, then time the move to beat it.
Cheapest Day of the Week: Mid-Week
- Cheapest: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Most expensive: Friday and Saturday
Fridays are the single busiest day because people want a weekend to settle in - so they cost the most and book up first. Mid-week moves are quieter, cheaper, and give you more choice of company.
Cheapest Month: Winter
- Cheapest months: January, February, November
- Most expensive months: June, July, August, September
Demand collapses after the summer moving season and again after Christmas, so winter is when companies discount hardest to keep crews working. The trade-off is weather - build in a little extra time for ice or rain.
Avoid Month-End
Property completions and tenancy changeovers cluster at the end of the month, spiking demand. A mid-month date (say the 8th-20th) is cheaper and far easier to book than the 28th-31st.
Avoid School Holidays and Bank Holidays
Summer holidays (late July-August) are peak family-moving season and the most expensive window of the year. Bank-holiday weekends also see a surge - everyone wants the extra day, so prices rise.
Stacking the Savings
The biggest discount comes from combining all three:
| Choice | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Mid-week vs Friday/Saturday | Cheaper |
| Winter vs summer | Cheaper |
| Mid-month vs month-end | Cheaper |
| All three combined | ~15-25% saving |
On a typical move that's often £100-£400 saved for nothing more than picking a better date.
The Cheapest Realistic Slot
If you have full flexibility, the cheapest time to move is a Tuesday or Wednesday in mid-January or November, mid-month, avoiding bank holidays. That's when removal companies are quietest and most willing to negotiate.
When You Can't Be Flexible
If your completion date is fixed (common when buying), you can still save:
- Book early - lock in a price before the date fills up.
- Get 3-5 quotes - prices for the same date vary 30-50% between firms.
- Benchmark with our calculator so you can spot overpriced quotes.
- Pack yourself and declutter to cut volume - see how to reduce moving costs.
Plan Your Timing Around the Cost
Start with a baseline figure from our free moving cost calculator, then choose the cheapest date you can. For more on lead times and booking windows, see when to book removals, and for the full budget picture read the average cost of moving house guide.