Moving house is generally considered one of the most stressful things you can do in life – but it doesn’t always have to be.
From booking movers to working out mortgages, the task of moving to a new house or flat sometimes takes on the appearance of a military campaign rather than the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Whether you’re dipping your toe into the property market for the first time or are a seasoned home owner, picking the right time to buy a property can save you money and a lot of worrying.
Cheaper mortgages and government ‘Help To Buy’ schemes mean that people are increasingly organising that van hire, packing up and moving into a new home.
Not sure when to take the plunge? Find out the secrets of picking your moving dates below.
Save money on movers
Removal companies are typically quietest during late spring or just after the summer holidays. If you have control over when you can move then why not take advantage of these less busy periods to save yourself some money? Every penny counts when moving into a new house after all.
New house for the school year
Kids need stability in their lives. That’s why, if you have children, the summer holidays are the ideal time to move into your new house.
The six week break will give them time to acclimatise to the house and begin to settle into the new area or city you have moved to. Plus they won’t have to miss out on any coursework by taking them out of school during term, so everyone’s a winner.
Copy the pros
According to research, the best time to make an offer on a house is in January.
Typically, the winter weather means prospective buyers are thinner on the ground so you should face less competition for your dream home. The money people have spent over Christmas could also mean that you might pick up a bargain at the beginning of the year when sellers are worried about their finances.
It might not be fun moving house in wellies and a winter coat, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re saving money.
Take some advice
Scientists have calculated that the average person aged between 18 and 25 will now move house ten times during their life.
If you can’t choose which season you’re moving in, then experts recommend you should try for as close to the beginning of the month as possible, as removal companies tend to be less busy. With all those moves ahead of you, it makes sense to start saving now.
Avoid bank holidays
Whether booking a removal company or organising a one way van hire to complete the move, one thing you don’t want to be doing is travelling on congested roads.
Car use explodes over the bank holidays so do yourself and your nerves a favour and don’t plan a move to the new house on these peak traffic days.
Before other stresses take over
Moving house can be bad enough. Combining it with fellow stress-inducing episodes such as getting married or starting a family can be a recipe for disaster. One hurdle at a time.
