"If you must move on a busy day, confirm your removals firm early and have a backup plan in case of delays."
- Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance
Based on analysis of more than 700k removal quotes by the HomeOwners Alliance, August has been the most popular month to move house for the last 13 years.
A recent survey of removal firms found moving delays are usually caused by hold-ups in the transfer of funds by the conveyancer/banking system on completion day (88%).
This was followed by keys not being released in time by the estate agent or seller (69%), delays in the property chain causing a knock-on effect (67%), the seller not moving out on time (41%), and the client not being fully packed up and ready to move (14%).
Friday 29th August will be the busiest day to move in 2025, with 22,386 expected house moves.
“If you can, avoid the rush. Moving midweek or outside peak season can save you money and hassle. If you must move on a busy day, confirm your removals firm early and have a backup plan in case of delays,” said Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance.
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, added: “Moving on the busiest day of the year means there will be more competition for removal services, so make sure you’re well prepared and that everyone in the chain knows you’re aiming for that date.
“Ask the removals company to visit your home to assess how much you need to move, or as a minimum, do a detailed video survey over WhatsApp or FaceTime to make sure you get the right size van and team on the day.”
“For a smooth move – especially on the busiest day of the year – get a contract in place with your removal firm. This should include a survey and a clear move plan outlining what happens when, and the responsibilities of both you and the mover.
“A successful move depends on everyone doing their part,” concluded Ian Studd, director general of the British Association of Removers.
