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?
January is the most popular month to move house in Australia.
Overall, most moves happen during the summer period from December to February, with January standing out as the peak month. Australians are estimated to be up to 50% more likely to move in January than in any other month.
This is due to a few factors:
- The warmer weather makes moving physically easier
- School holidays lets families relocate with minimal disruption
- Christmas and New Year work breaks give people time to move and settle in
- Lower risk of rain compared to winter months (although weather can be unpredictable).
If you have the budget, January is a really convenient time to move thanks to the increased availability and favourable conditions.
But, January is also the most expensive time to move. Demand for professional removalists are peaks from December to January, which means they often charge higher rates. Plus, 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" is tempting, sometimes choosing a less popular month could save you both money and stress.
What is the cheapest month of the year to move?
Winter is generally the cheapest time of year to move house in Australia.
Because fewer people choose to move in the cold winter, removalists and related services usually reduce their rates to stay busy. This can mean:
- Cheaper removalist prices
- More flexible booking options
- Better rental availability, especially if you’re moving between rental properties
If you’re working with a tight budget, winter can be a great time to move. The colder weather, rain, and shorter daylight hours may not be that appealing, but the savings can be well worth it. In short: brave the chill, and your bank account may thank you.
Do school holiday’s matter when moving?
If you have children, school holidays can play a big role in choosing your moving date.
For many families, moving during school holidays makes sense. The kids have more time to adjust to a new home, neighbourhood, or even a new state. This settling-in period can be especially helpful for children who are moving interstate or starting at a new school.
That said, school holidays aren’t always the most cost-effective time to move.
If you’re moving locally and your children are staying at the same school, moving during term time can be easier. Having the kids at school on moving day means:
- Less disruption for them
- No need to organise extra childcare
- More time for you to focus on the move itself
Plus, you can unpack in peace! No need to constantly hear “I’m bored” or “What’s in this box?”
So, what are the best months to move house?
For many Australians, spring (September and October) is the sweet spot.
Spring is when the weather's good and there's no peak season pressure. It means:
- Milder weather that’s easier to move in
- Lower prices than summer, before demand spikes
- Fewer booking headaches than December or January
You also avoid the Christmas rush, which means no juggling moving boxes with holiday plans. And with school holidays falling around this period, you get the flexibility to choose whether to move during term time or a break.
Key takeaway
At the end of the day, there’s no single “perfect” time to move. Every season has its pros and cons. The best time is the one that works for your budget, your schedule, and your family’s needs. And now you know exactly how each season stacks up. By choosing reputable removalists, you can at least relax knowing you’ve picked the perfect people to help.
At Holloway Removals and Storage, we provide 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.
