The short answer is yes, it is possible to move home on a bank holiday, and there are some great reasons to do so.
Most people tend to move home on a Friday so that they have the weekend to settle in before work starts again on Monday.
But in reality, you can move any day of the week, you just need to get all parties to agree to the date.
If you are moving into a new rented home then it should be fairly straightforward, but if you are buying a home then it will require some planning.
The Cons of Moving on a Bank Holiday Weekend
Traffic jams and road closures are the obvious draw-backs to a Bank Holiday Home Move
#1 Traffic and Street Closures
When moving home on a bank holiday weekend be especially mindful that not only will traffic be heavier, so it will take you and the removal van longer to get to your new home, but that some celebrations could result in local road closures, making it impossible to get to your new home, if there is a street party for example.
#2 Parking
Many people visit relatives on bank holidays so also be mindful that parking, so that you can load and unload the removal van, could also be very difficult.
#3 Restricted Store Opening Times
Also, bear in mind that some stores may be closed, so if you need materials for a DIY task or to do a food shop, then check out opening times in advance of the move.
#4 Not Everyone Works Bank Holidays
You may also find that the apartment block manager does not work on bank holiday weekends, so if you have reserved the service lift for example, and there is a problem, there may be no one on hand to help you resolve the situation.
#5 The Move May Cost Move
Hiring a removal company may be slightly more expensive on a Bank Holiday, and if you are hiring a van to move yourself, then you may have to pay for extra days of hire if the rental company is closed on the holiday.
You may also like to read: Moving Myths Debunked. You can only move home on a Friday is just one of the 14 home moving myths we debunk in this article.
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That extra day or two will make moving so much more relaxed
#1 Less Chance of the Move Being Cancelled
There are often delays with bank transfers or the keys being handed over to the new homeowner.
By moving your completion date back a day you have a safety cushion of time so that the problems can be resolved and you will still have a long weekend in which to move.
#2 More Time to Move
The obvious advantage is that you can move into your new home at your own pace and the extra days you have will not eat into your annual leave allowance.
#3 A More Relaxed Move
When you are pressed for time then your stress levels will skyrocket and that is when accidents happen.
Moving over 3 or 4 days is far more relaxed, you have time to sort things properly and to set up your new home.
#4 Time to Get Rid of Packing Materials
This may seem insignificant, but there can be a huge amount of packing materials to dispose of after you move.
Normally when you move you end up living amongst piles of old packing materials for days, waiting for your next weekend off to go and dispose of them, whereas you will have time to get to the recycling centre over a bank holiday weekend.
#5 Time to Get Those Little Jobs Done
There will likely be a number of little jobs that need doing in your new home.
That extra day will give you the time to get them done.
#6 Time to Get to Know Your New Neighbourhood
If you are super-efficient and organised you may well get unpacked in a couple of days in which case you can spend some quality time exploring your new neighbourhood over the remaining bank holiday.
#7 A Great Time to Meet the New Neighbours
There are likely to be many local celebrations and events going on so this would be a great opportunity to meet your new neighbours in a relaxed and informal way.
You may also like to read: Ways to Move Home: Every Home Moving Option. In this guide, we look at each option you have for moving home so that you can choose the cheapest and best way in your particular circumstances.
Do Removal Companies Work on Bank Holidays?
Some Removal Companies work on Bank Holidays, but it won’t be cheap
Yes, most removal companies will work Bank Holidays, as will van hire companies if you are planning on moving by yourself.
Moving on a Bank Holiday weekend is very popular so you will need to book your move well in advance, and as you would expect, be prepared to pay a premium for moving on a bank holiday.
The best scenario for moving and making the most of your time over a bank holiday to get settled in is to arrange completion of your sale 2 days prior to the bank holiday weekend.
This is so that if there is a delay with transferring funds you still have a day before the holiday begins to complete the transaction.
It is also far less stressful and frantic if you move out one day and into your new home the next day.
You then move out of your home and the removal company puts your things into overnight storage for delivery on the first day of the bank holiday.
Of course, if you are moving long-distance then it may well take a day or two to travel to your new home so there is no need to pay for storage.
Possessions put into storage (or travel to the new home)
Thursday
Your safety net day if for whatever reason the money for the house purchase did not go through in time.
If all went to plan then this is a time to get your new home cleaned before you move in.
Friday
The removal company can deliver your things as early as you need so that you make the most of the holiday hours.
You now have 4 days to settle into your new home.
Or if you are moving yourself, then you have 4 days in which to transfer your possessions from storage to your new home.
Monday
Bank Holiday
You may also like to know the dates of the Bank Holidays this year so visit www.gov.uk
Can You Exchange and Complete on a Weekend?
Your solicitors and the banks have far better things to do on the weekend
Do exchange and completion have to be on a Friday? You can exchange and complete on any day of the week, but rarely on a weekend.
The reason is that all monies must be transferred to the seller’s solicitor before they can release the keys, and the vast majority of banks are closed or have reduced working hours at weekends.
The banking system that transfers the money between accounts (CHAPS) has a daily cut-off time of 15.30hrs, although if the buyers and sellers solicitors use the same bank then the transfer of monies can be done as late as 17.00hrs.
The vast majority of banks are closed by this time at the weekend.
Therefore, if you want to take advantage of moving on a bank holiday weekend then you should arrange to complete a day or two before the bank holiday starts.
Of course, it will rain. It is a Bank Holiday, so plan accordingly
The one thing that is always against you when moving home is time.
Moving over a bank holiday weekend gives you that extra bit of time that will make all the difference.
Having extra time to do things properly, and to move at your own pace without deadlines hanging over your head is invaluable.
Of course, you could give yourself that extra bit of time by moving completion day back from a Friday, any time during the year, but then you use up valuable holiday entitlement that could be used to enjoy your new home or garden or a new neighbourhood.
There are obviously pros and cons to every home moving option and only you know whether moving home over the bank holiday weekend makes sense in your situation.
But however, and whenever, you choose to move home, we hope it all goes to plan and you have a stress-free home move.
Don’t forget to check out our award-winning home moving blog for lots more useful home moving tips to save you time and money on your home move.
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