Why is summer the most practical time to move
If you're planning to move home, timing is everything. At Pickfords, we help thousands of households move every year and summer remains the most popular and often the most practical season to move. Whether you're staying in the UK or heading abroad, here's why summer is the ideal time to move, along with our expert tips to help you prepare.
1. School holidays make family moves easier

One of the biggest advantages of moving in the summer is the alignment with the school holidays. With most schools closing from mid-July to early September, families can benefit from:
- Minimal disruption to education: Children can finish the school year without interruptions and start fresh in their new school in September.
- More flexibility to settle in: A longer break gives families time to unpack, explore the new area and get organised before the new term starts.
- Easier scheduling: With fewer academic commitments, families have greater flexibility to coordinate their move.
2. Longer days and better weather

Summer offer more daylight hours, giving you extra time to pack, load and settle into your new home. Summer's milder conditions can help the moving process run even smoother and more predictable.
TOP TIP: Book your move early. Summer is the industries peak season so demand is high. Booking in advance helps secure your preferred move date.
3. Easier for international removals

Summer is also a great time to move abroad, especially to countries that are cooler or enjoy milder climates during the British summer. For example:
- Australia and New Zealand: It's winter in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning cooler weather for your move and you'll be able to settle in just in time for spring.
- Canada: Summer brings pleasant weather in most provinces, making it an ideal time to move and explore your new city.
- Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland): These regions enjoy mild and bright summer months, offering a more comfortable settling-in period.
International moves often involve school searches, immigration processes and job hunting - all of which are easier to navigate when institutions are open and operating during the summer months.
TOP TIP: If you're planning an overseas move, Pickfords' international moving experts can manage the logistics and paperwork, so you can focus on the transition to your new home.
4. Housing market trends favour summer months

According to property market trends, the UK housing market tends to peak during spring and early summer. This period often sees increased activity, with more properties coming onto the market, giving buyers a wider choice and a better chance of finding their ideal home. The heightened demand also tends to result in quicker sales and purchases, as well as faster conveyancing, with both buyers and sellers motivated to complete transactions before the end of the summer.
Practical tips for a summer move
Here a few practical suggestions for moving house during the warmer months:
- Book your removal company early: Summer is peak season, so secure your preferred move date as soon as you know your completion date.
- Plan around school schedules: Use the holiday period to move without disrupting your children's education.
- Arrange childcare on moving day: Keeping children safe and occupied allows you to focus on the move while our team takes care of the logistics.
- Inform relevant organisations: Notify schools, GPs, dentists and local councils of your move in advance.
- Use the extra time to settle in: The school break gives families time to unpack, explore the new area and adjust before term starts.
Planning a summer move? Let Pickfords help
With around 400 years of experience, Pickfords provides tailored removal services to make your summer move as smooth as possible. Whether you're moving across the UK or to another continent, our professional team can handle every aspect.
Contact us today to request a quote and book your move.