August has been the most common month for house moves for the last 12 years, as movers attempt to settle into their new abode before the start of the school term in September, according to investigations by the HomeOwners Alliance.
However, its analysis also revealed the number of moves per day was expected to increase by nearly four times the normal level on 30 August.
But while moving house on the most popular day means you are in good company, the HomeOwners Alliance is also urging people to be cautious of setting this as the Big Day.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “It may appear sensible to move on a Friday, so you have time to unpack and settle in over the weekend before heading back to work. But we advise people to be exceptionally careful if they move on a Friday.
“On this particular Friday, 30th August, with even more moves expected to be happening than usual, it’s paramount that people are as organised as possible.”
Potential problems
Indeed, while delays can occur at any time, Higgins said the final day can still bring its fair share of problems. Indeed issues with transfer of fund are more likely because banks, conveyancers and removal firms are stretched to the limit.
Indeed, on the last Friday of the month bank transfers can get overloaded and it’s also peak time for conveyancing fraud.
Further digging by HomeOwners Alliance revealed there were 115,000 delayed moves annually, and one in five had moving day delays because sellers vacated their homes late or funds were not being cleared on time.
As a result a quarter of these homeowners incurred costs of more than £500 on average, which included removal firms cancellation charges and hourly waiting charges, storage fees hotel bills and late completion charges.
Tips on avoiding moving day delays
Suggest a mid-week move
Making this suggestion to all in your chain, pointing out the potential downfall of choosing to move on a busy day, could actually save you money too. Indeed, the HomeOwners Alliance said some removal firms offered mid-week deals on prices, something which it covers in this guide.
Organise an early mortgage transfer
If you have to move on a Friday, ask your solicitor to order the mortgage money from your lender the day before completion so it can be transferred first thing on the day of the move, the HomeOwners Alliance suggested.
Do not allow the transfer to take place later than 3pm, otherwise you will likely be stranded without keys to your new abode until Monday.
Get a good removal firm, well ahead of time
If you know you will be moving at a busy time, start getting quotes for removals firms as soon as possible – you want them ready to appoint immediately after exchanging contracts.
The HomeOwners Allliance offers a guide on how to find the right removals company.
They suggested choosing a removals firm you trust and have rapport with and don’t forget to ask them what would happen if a delay occurred. For example, do they have emergency storage if needed?
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, which supplied the data on moving homes, said: “Ensure your solicitor and everyone in the chain knows you’re working towards that date and book your removals firm well in advance, so you only need to confirm as soon as you exchange.
“It’s best to ask them to come to your house to assess the volume of your belongings. This ensures you have the right sized van and number of team members on the day of your move.”
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