The day you choose to move can make a £400+ difference to your final bill. That's not a typo - analysis of over 170,000 UK house moves shows Tuesday costs an average of £1,110, while Sunday averages just £717.
But it's not as simple as "move on Sunday to save money." There are trade-offs, and understanding them helps you make the right choice for your situation.
This guide breaks down the data so you can pick the perfect day, time, and month to move - and potentially save hundreds of pounds.
Day-by-Day Cost Breakdown
Here's what each day costs on average, ranked from cheapest to most expensive:
Why is Tuesday Most Expensive?
This surprised us too. The data suggests Tuesday movers tend to book larger, more complex moves (full houses vs flats), which drives up the average. Also, Tuesday completions are common for property purchases, when costs are less negotiable.
Why Sunday is the Cheapest Day
Low Demand
Only 2.7% of people move on Sunday. Companies lower prices to fill empty schedules.
Service Limitations
Banks, solicitors, and many shops are closed. Fewer people want to deal with the hassle.
Key Collection Issues
Getting keys from estate agents can be tricky on Sundays, putting people off.
Traditional "Day of Rest"
Many families prefer not to spend their Sunday moving house. Their loss, your savings!
Best Time of Day to Move
Early Morning (7am - 9am)
Best time to start
Less traffic - Faster journeys mean lower hourly costs
Cooler temperatures - Easier on the movers, especially in summer
Easier parking - Before commuters fill the spaces
Full day to unpack - Settle in before bedtime
Buffer for delays - If something goes wrong, you have time
Avoid: Afternoon/Evening Starts
Starting after 2pm means hitting rush hour traffic, finishing in the dark (winter), and potentially paying evening rates. If your move takes longer than expected, you might not finish the same day.
Best Week of the Month
The last week of the month is chaos. Most rental tenancies end on the last day of the month, creating a surge in demand. Everyone's competing for the same vans, same time slots, same everything.
Mid-month (week 2-3) is ideal. Demand is lowest, you'll have more choice of time slots, and you can often negotiate better rates. If your tenancy ends on the 31st, ask if you can move on the 14th and store items, or negotiate keeping the keys a few days into next month.
Pro tip: 1 in 5 removal companies offer mid-week, mid-month deals if you ask. It doesn't hurt to negotiate!
Best Month of the Year
Why Summer is Most Expensive:
- School holidays - families want to move between school years
- Better weather - no one wants to move in rain or snow
- University term endings - students all moving at once
- Longer daylight hours - more time for moving
- Property market peak - more completions happen in summer
Why Winter is Cheapest:
- Fewer people want to move in cold, dark months
- Removal companies have empty calendars to fill
- Property market is quieter
- Companies may offer discounts to stay busy
Winter Moving Tips
Moving in winter saves money but requires extra planning: protect items from rain/snow, book early starts to maximise daylight, and check heating works at your new place before the movers leave!
Real Savings Examples
1-Bed Flat Move, Hackney to Islington
SAVE £95Saturday, end of August, afternoon start
£280
Wednesday, mid-February, 8am start
£185
2-Bed Flat Move, Brixton to Peckham
SAVE £180Friday, last week of July
£450
Thursday, mid-January
£270
3-Bed House Move, Croydon to Bromley
SAVE £320Saturday, end of August
£850
Wednesday, mid-November
£530
Trade-offs to Consider
Cheapest isn't always best. Here's what to weigh up:
Sunday Moves
- • Cheapest day by far
- • Less traffic on roads
- • Neighbours less likely to complain
- • Banks/solicitors closed (key collection issues)
- • Limited shop hours if you need supplies
- • Some companies charge weekend rates anyway
Midweek Moves
- • Great prices (especially Wednesday)
- • All services open
- • More available time slots
- • May need to take time off work
- • Rush hour traffic if starting late
- • Less help from friends/family
Winter Moves
- • Significantly cheaper
- • More negotiating power
- • Wider choice of dates
- • Cold, potentially wet weather
- • Shorter daylight hours
- • Need to protect items from weather
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest day to move house?
Sunday is the cheapest day to move house in the UK, with an average cost of £717 compared to £1,110 on Tuesday. Only 2.7% of people move on Sundays, so removal companies offer lower rates to fill their schedules.
Why is Friday the most popular moving day?
Friday accounts for 28% of all UK house moves because it gives people the weekend to unpack and settle in before returning to work Monday. However, this high demand means Friday moves often cost more than midweek moves.
What is the cheapest month to move house?
January and February are the cheapest months to move house, followed by November. Summer months (June-September) are most expensive due to school holidays, better weather, and end of university term.
Should I avoid moving at the end of the month?
Yes, avoid the last week of the month if possible. This is when most tenancies end, creating peak demand. Moving mid-month can save 10-20% and gives you more choice of available time slots.
How much can I save by moving on a weekday?
Moving on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday instead of Saturday can save 20-30% on removal costs. Combined with moving mid-month in winter, you could save up to 50% compared to a Saturday move in August.
Is it worth moving on a Sunday to save money?
Sunday moves are cheapest but have trade-offs: limited access to services (banks, solicitors, shops have Sunday trading hours), potential issues with key collection, and some removal companies charge weekend rates. Weigh the savings against the inconvenience.
Ready to Book a Cheaper Move?
Call us for a free quote. We'll help you find the best day and time for your move - and we don't charge weekend premiums.