When you move can affect what you pay almost as much as how much you move. Removal companies, like hotels and airlines, have busy and quiet periods. If you can be flexible about the date, you may be able to book a better slot and keep costs down. This guide explains which days, weeks and months tend to be busiest in Bradford, and how to plan around them.
Why timing changes the cost
A removal company has a set number of crews and vans. On popular days, every team is booked and demand is high. On quieter days, there is more room in the diary. That is why the same move can be priced differently depending on the date, and why the busiest days are the first to go.
For a rough idea of how your move might be priced, try our moving cost calculator.
The day of the week
Fridays are the most popular moving day. Many house sales complete on a Friday, and people like having the weekend to unpack. Saturdays are popular too, because people do not need to take time off work.
Tuesday to Thursday tend to be quieter. If your completion date or tenancy allows it, a midweek move is often easier to book. Mondays sit somewhere in between.
The time of the month
The last few days of the month and the first day or two of the next are busy. Tenancies often start and end on the first of the month, and many people time their move around payday. Mid-month dates are usually less in demand.
The season
Summer is the busiest time of year. School holidays give families a window to move without disrupting lessons, and longer days and better weather make moving easier.
Late September is busy in Bradford in particular, because students arrive for the start of term at the University of Bradford and Bradford College. June and early July see students moving out. If you live near the university, around Great Horton Road for example, these weeks can also mean busier streets and less parking.
Autumn and winter, apart from the run-up to Christmas, tend to be quieter. The trade-off is shorter days and the chance of rain, ice or snow, especially on higher ground around places like Clayton and Queensbury.
Bank holidays and Christmas
Bank holiday weekends are popular, and the week before Christmas fills up as people try to move in before the holidays. If you plan to move at these times, book well ahead.
The time of day
Most moves start in the morning. Bradford Removal Service gives a 3-hour arrival time slot, and we are open 24 hours, 7 days, so ask if a different time suits you better. Avoiding rush hour on main roads such as Leeds Road, Manningham Lane and the M606 can make the day shorter, especially for local moves.
When you cannot choose your date
House purchases depend on completion day, which is often confirmed late. If you are in a chain:
- Tell your removal company the expected date as soon as you know it.
- Ask how they handle a date that moves.
- Get your packing done early so you are ready when the date is confirmed.
- Think about short-term storage if there is a gap between moving out and moving in.
Our quotes are valid for 3 months, which gives some flexibility if dates change. Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the move carry no charge, apart from any materials or set-up costs.
Book early
Whatever date you choose, booking early gives you the widest choice. It also gives you time to sort out parking, which matters on narrow terraced streets where a van may need space outside your door.
More ways to cut costs
Timing is one part of the picture. Our guide on how to save money on your move covers decluttering, packing yourself and getting an accurate quote. For local moves within the city, see our local moves page.
When you have a few dates in mind, ask for a free quote through our quote form or call 08000862860. Mention any dates you can be flexible on, and we can tell you which works best.
Planning a move in Bradford?
Get a free, no-obligation quote, or try the cost calculator for a rough idea first.
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