August is generally a quiet month with schools closed, holidays in full swing and people taking much-needed downtime.
That is, except, for the housing market.
In fact, Friday 30 August is set this year to be the most popular to move home in 2024 with over 20,000 moves expected according to HomeOwners Alliance and reallymoving.
They analysed more than 650,000 removal quotes and discovered August has been the most popular month to move home for the last 12 years.
Fridays in general are the most popular day of the week to move, with 29% of households choosing this day compared to 5% opting for a Saturday.
But with these days and months attracting higher numbers of house purchase completions, it can create additional challenges for buyers and sellers.
As an added hindrance, the last weekend of August does not fall on a Bank Holiday which means home movers will have one day less to pack up, move and settle into their new home.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “Conveyancers will be super busy so home movers need to make sure they understand the process and what happens on the day of completion.
“Ensure everyone up and down the chain aims to complete and have keys released by 1pm so you have enough time to get moved.
“Without the extra day off work to get the unpacking done, homeowners will want to read our moving house checklist that sets out what to do before you move, between exchange and completion and on moving day itself to help things run smoothly.”
Another thing to consider, if you are moving in August, is that there will be more competition for services.
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, said: “Ensure you’re well prepared and everyone in the chain knows you’re working towards that date. People often leave removals to last, but it’s advisable to book well in advance and ask them to come to your house to assess the volume of your belongings, to ensure you have the right sized van and moving team on the day.
“You won’t be able to confirm the booking until you’ve exchanged contracts, but keeping in regular contact with them will give you the best chance of securing your first choice removals team.”
How to avoid home moving delays
Both the HomeOwners Alliance and reallymoving offered the following advice to movers keen to avoid moving delays
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Suggest an alternative day of the week
Savings are possible, as we know one in five removal firms are willing to negotiate on price.
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Obtain removal quotes early
If you’re going to be moving this August, remember things are not only busier but it is traditionally a time to take holidays. Get quotes for removals firms as soon as possible and appoint them after exchanging contracts.
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Make sure there’s a Plan B
Choose a removals firm you trust and have rapport with. Talk through what would happen if a delay occurred. For example, do they have emergency storage? Be aware of the different things that may impact the cost of your move, like access or extra services.
