Student Moves: Best Day & Time in London? | Man & Van
- The London Man And Van
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Moving to a new place as a student in London can be an exciting but daunting experience. Finding the right accommodation is only half the battle; orchestrating the actual move, particularly considering London’s notorious traffic and logistical challenges, requires careful planning. A crucial aspect of this planning is choosing the optimal day and time for your student move. Let's dive into how to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
What’s the Best Day of the Week to Move in London?
Generally speaking, weekdays are preferable to weekends for student moves in London. Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be the busiest for removals companies, resulting in higher prices and potentially limited availability. Choosing a weekday often translates to significant cost savings and greater flexibility in scheduling.
Why Weekdays are Usually Better
- Lower Demand: Fewer people are moving during the week compared to weekends, meaning removal services are less likely to be overbooked.
- Better Pricing: As demand decreases, so do the prices. Companies like The London Man And Van frequently offer more competitive weekday rates.
- Easier Parking: Although parking in London is always a challenge, securing a spot for your moving van can be slightly easier on weekdays, especially outside of peak hours.
- Less Traffic Congestion: While London traffic is almost always present, weekend traffic is typically more leisure-driven and unpredictable, whereas weekday traffic has somewhat predictable patterns.
Specific Day Breakdown
Monday: A decent option as many people are returning to work after the weekend, so demand might be slightly lower than other weekdays.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Generally considered the best days for moving. These days offer the lowest demand and, therefore, the best deals.
Friday: While still a weekday, Fridays tend to be busier as people look to start their weekends early. Expect slightly higher prices than Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Optimal Time of Day for Your Student Move
Timing is just as crucial as choosing the right day. Moving during off-peak hours can save you time, money, and stress.
Avoiding Rush Hour
London's rush hour is notorious. Typically, avoid moving between 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. These are the times when the roads are most congested, leading to delays and increased costs if you are paying an hourly rate.
The Sweet Spot: Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon
The ideal window for a student move is usually between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Traffic is generally lighter, and you have ample time to complete the move during daylight hours. Starting early also gives you time to address any unforeseen issues that may arise.
Afternoon/Evening Moves
If a morning move isn't feasible, an evening move after the rush hour (after 7:00 PM) can be considered. However, be mindful of parking restrictions that might come into effect later in the evening, and ensure you have adequate lighting for unloading.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Move Day and Time
Parking Permits and Restrictions
London’s parking regulations are strict. Before your move, investigate parking permits and restrictions in both your old and new neighborhoods. It’s often necessary to obtain a temporary parking permit for the moving van. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines. Check out our blog post Man And Van Parking in London: Permits & Options for more details.
Building Management and Lift Access
If you are moving into or out of a building with a lift, coordinate with the building management in advance. Reserve the lift for a specific time slot to avoid delays and inconvenience to other residents. Also, inform them about the moving company's arrival time.
Distance and Travel Time
Consider the distance between your old and new residences. Longer distances require more time, so factor this into your scheduling. Account for potential delays due to traffic and road closures.
Budget and Removal Company Availability
Get quotes from several removal companies, such as The London Man And Van, and compare their weekday and weekend rates. Book your preferred company well in advance, especially if you plan to move during peak season (late summer/early autumn). It is often advantageous to book well in advance. Explore the benefits of quicker bookings in this blog post: Man and Van London: Move Fast! (Booking Lead Times).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can only move on a weekend?
If a weekend move is unavoidable, book your removal company well in advance and be prepared to pay a premium. Consider moving on a Sunday afternoon, as it's often slightly less busy than Saturday.
How far in advance should I book my student move?
Ideally, book your move at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during peak season (August-September). This gives you ample time to secure the best rates and availability.
What should I do if I encounter parking problems on moving day?
If you don't have a permit and cannot find legal parking, contact your local council or the removal company for assistance. They may be able to suggest alternative parking locations or temporarily suspend parking restrictions.
Are there any eco-friendly moving options available?
Yes, some removal companies, including The London Man And Van, offer eco-friendly options such as low-emission vehicles and sustainable packing materials. Inquire about these options when booking your move.
Choosing the "Student Moves: Best Day and Times" in London involves careful consideration of several factors, including day of the week, time of day, parking regulations, and building management policies. By planning and booking your move strategically, you can save money, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth transition to your new student accommodation. Remember to explore different options and select what works best for your specific needs and circumstances. With the right planning, your move to your new student accommodation in London can be a positive and stress-free experience. Contact The London Man and Van for reliable and efficient moving services tailored to your needs.
