Moving house marks an exciting new chapter in life, but let's be honest, timing can make or break both your experience and your budget. If you are considering relocating this year but aren’t sure what time would be best for you and your family, then let this guide help you. From planning around school times to working within your budget, here is your comprehensive breakdown of the best time of year for moving in Australia.
What is the most popular month to move house?
As you may have guessed the most popular time of year for people to move in Australia is in the summer months between December - February. With the warmer weather on side and school holidays in full swing, many take it as the opportunity to start afresh somewhere new. In fact, January specifically is the most favoured month of all with the Aussie population being up to 50% more likely to move in January than in any other month (BD). For those who are not restricted by budget, January can be a great time of the year for moving as many often get breaks from work during the Christmas period, as well as the likelihood that you can avoid rainy weather (although Australia can be pretty unpredictable) which makes moving much easier.
Unfortunately, while the new year might seem like the perfect time for a fresh start, this popular moving month comes with a hefty price tag. Professional removalists are in peak demand during December and January meaning they often charge premium rates. Plus, here's the catch: unless you're incredibly organised and book months ahead, you might find yourself scrambling for available dates. So while January's "new year, new home" appeal is tempting, it's worth considering that sometimes swimming against the tide by choosing a less popular month could save you both money and stress.
What is the cheapest month of the year to move?
On the other end of the spectrum, we have both the cheapest and coldest time of the year to move - winter. Due to the dip in interest across the winter months for moving, winter can often be the time to find the best deals for moving house. Removalists and insurance companies often offer reduced prices to keep their trucks rolling through these quiet months which is great if you're on a tight budget. Also, for those moving between rental properties, you can often get more for your money during winter months with much more availability on the market.
Whilst winter has its obvious downfalls of being cold, wet and having shorter daylight hours (don’t remind us!), if you are able to brave the chill, your wallet may thank you for those extra few bucks.
Do School Holiday’s Matter?
For those with children, you may also be flitting between the idea of moving in or out of the school holidays. Although not always the most cost-effective time to move, school breaks can be a great adjustment period for children moving houses. The time off generally allows kids to properly get comfortable in their new surroundings, which can be extremely beneficial for their emotional well-being, particularly for those who are moving interstate and will more than likely have to start new schools.
However, if you’re moving locally then term time may be a better option. If children are not having to change schools or meet new friends then they generally need less time to settle into a new home and so having them in school on moving day could be greatly beneficial. Not only does moving on a school day mean you won’t have to organise childcare for moving day but it also gives you time to focus on transforming your new house into a home - without constant choruses of "I'm bored" or "What's in this box?".
So, what months are best to move house?
With all things considered, the best time to move is generally in springtime between September and October. Although the weather has started to improve during this time, it isn’t so hot that it’s exhausting to move in, plus you still tend to get relatively good discounts as the summer rush hasn’t quite started yet. Want another reason to love a spring move? You're safely dodging the Christmas holiday chaos! No one wants to juggle packing boxes while trying to remember where they stashed the holiday decorations. Plus, spring throws you a bonus card: school holidays are sprinkled in there, giving you the flexibility to choose whether you want the kids around or in class during the big day.
Of course, there are pros and cons to moving any time of the year, so the most important thing to do is really consider what would benefit you and your family most, now that you know the different advantages of each season.
Finally…
There really is no “perfect” time to move house - just as there is no perfect time to have a baby or start a new career but by choosing reputable removalists, you can at least relax knowing you’ve picked the perfect people to help.
At Holloway Removals and Storage, we are committed to providing excellent service at competitive prices for our customers. Come rain or shine, our dedicated removals teams are there to make your house move go as smoothly as possible.
Contact us today for a free consultation and moving quote with one of our trusted moving experts.
