Rethinking the Best Day to Move to a New Home

You’ve exchanged contracts, the countdown is on, and now comes the deceptively simple question: when should you actually move? Friday? Saturday? A random Tuesday? Most people default to what’s popular, usually a Friday, but is popularity always a sign of wisdom?

It’s a decision that feels minor until it’s not. The day you choose to move can impact how much you pay, how much help you get, and even how many problems you face if things go wrong.

With demand-driven pricing, bank deadlines, and limited professional availability in play, selecting the best day to move to a new home might just be the most underrated decision in your entire property journey.

This isn’t just a logistics question, it’s a mindset one because what if the most convenient day on the surface actually makes your move harder underneath? 

Let’s challenge the default. Let’s explore the truths behind weekday and weekend moves so you can make a decision that suits your life, not just tradition.

Why Friday Might Not Be Your Friend

There’s a reason so many UK homeowners move on a Friday, about 28% of all moves happen then, according to Compare My Move. The logic is clear: complete on Friday, spend the weekend unpacking, and be ready for the Monday routine. But beneath the surface of this convenience lies a tangle of risk and rising costs.

Think about the “Friday completion cascade”, a scenario regularly cited by experienced estate agents. One delay early in the chain (say, a last-minute funds hiccup) can ripple through multiple households. With banks closing at 5pm and solicitors logging off, you could find yourself with a packed van, no keys, and nowhere to sleep and since few professionals are available over the weekend, any issue becomes a weekend-long stress-fest.

Then there’s demand, because everyone else wants Friday too, removal companies raise their prices. In major urban areas, on average a Friday move can cost 15–25% more than a midweek one. The logic; scarcity. 

And if you’re in London, where removal logistics already require tactical planning (think parking permits, congestion charges, building restrictions), those Friday crowds only compound the challenge.

The Midweek Advantage: Where Strategy Meets Sanity

Now imagine moving on a Tuesday; less traffic and lower costs and full access to professionals. This is the part of the moving puzzle that too many people overlook: weekday moves, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are not just cheaper but they’re smarter.

Removal companies have more availability midweek, meaning you can choose your time slot, your team, and often negotiate a better rate. Some firms report up to 15% discounts for moves between Monday and Thursday but the real win? The full working day of support.

Solicitors, mortgage advisors, and estate agents are all reachable which is critical if a surprise hiccup arises during completion. One missed phone call on a Friday afternoon can mean a weekend in limbo. On a Tuesday? That issue gets solved before lunch.

For chain-free buyers, a Thursday move offers a sweet spot: near-weekend recovery time paired with full weekday professional access. For families, it may mean taking kids out of school for a day, but the trade-off is a smoother and less stressful transition.

Weekends: The Appeal and the Price Tag

Still, there’s no denying the pull of a weekend move. No time off work, more friends free to help and kids not missing school. On paper, it’s a dream but the reality, particularly in busy markets like Manchester, Birmingham or the outskirts of London, it’s less ideal.

You’ll pay more, sometimes significantly more as removal quotes are rising by up to 25% on Saturdays and even higher on Sundays due to limited staffing. And remember, professional support all but disappears. If there’s a problem with a bank transfer or legal document, you’ll be stuck until Monday. That means one thing: have a backup accommodation plan.

Plus, the best removal companies get booked well in advance for weekends, meaning if you haven’t reserved early (three to four months ahead in London), you could be left with second-rate options or none at all.

A Deeper Insight: Moving Isn’t Just a Day, It’s a System

Here’s the often-ignored truth: the day of your move matters far less than how well you plan it. Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Sunday, your real advantage lies in preparation. That means early booking, paperwork readiness, and full clarity from your estate agents about your property chain’s timing.

And let’s not forget the subtle factors like banking hours, building rules, and even bridge weight limits in certain areas. These aren’t just annoyances, they can turn into showstoppers if ignored. Some buildings don’t allow weekend moves at all. Some city councils need five working days to approve parking permits. These details often matter more than whether it’s Friday or Saturday.

The Day You Choose Says Something Bigger

So, what is the best day to move to a new home? 

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it is thought-provoking. While Friday might seem like the default, a midweek move especially Tuesday through Thursday offers lower costs, higher support, and fewer headaches. The weekend? Viable, but at a premium.

More importantly, the day you move reflects how you approach the transition: reactively or strategically. The best day to move to a new home might not be the most popular—but with the right thinking, it can be the most effective.

Before you circle that Friday on your calendar, pause. Speak to your local estate agents too, whether they’re estate agents in London, Edinburg or anywhere in between as there may be regional or local specific nuances, such as parking restrictions, building regulations, or market customs, that could influence your choice. The best day to move isn’t just about what works on paper – it’s about what works where you are and what works for you.