The last Friday of August is famously known as the busiest moving day of the year, and 2023 has been no exception. In a recent interview on Nicky’s Price’s show on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, BBC Sounds, our very own Geoff Hartwell, Managing Director of Advanced Removals & Storage, met with producer Joe Selwood in Tewkesbury to share his insights on the challenges and trends impacting the moving industry this Summer.
Understanding the Current Moving Landscape
Geoff noted that this August has been particularly busy for moving, a trend expected to continue into the autumn and winter months. Many households delayed their moving plans earlier in the year, resulting in a significant surge now. The primary reason for this busy period is the alignment with school holidays. As Geoff explains, whether or not you have children or you’re directly involved in education, someone in the moving chain usually does or is, creating a concentrated period of activity during school breaks.
The Role of Storage in Modern Moves
A significant challenge highlighted by Geoff is the difficulty in aligning property chains. To bridge the gaps between sales and home readiness, short-term storage has become an essential service provided by Advanced Removals. This service allows homeowners to store their belongings temporarily until their new homes are move-in ready, smoothing out potential logistical issues.
Navigating the Disconnect Between Conveyancing and Removals
One of the critical issues Geoff was asked about is the disconnect between conveyancers and the removals industry. Conveyancers may set dates without considering the availability of removal services, leading to last-minute scrambles. Geoff’s advice to those planning a move is to secure a removal company early in the process to ensure everything aligns smoothly on moving day.
Advice for Prospective Movers
For anyone looking to move, Geoff recommends starting the planning process early. Obtaining multiple removal quotes and having a mover booked before finalising the completion date are essential steps. He also suggests methodically sorting through belongings and packing one room at a time to maintain organisation and reduce stress.
Demographic Trends in Moving
Geoff also touched on demographic trends, noting that there is a shift in mobility within the housing market. While younger, traditional homebuyers face challenges moving from semi-detached to detached homes due to high costs and limited availability, the largest demographic of movers includes those aged 45 and above. This group, often mortgage-free or with low mortgages, frequently moves to be closer to family, particularly children and grandchildren.
Listen to the Interview
The full interview is available on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, BBC Sounds, starting at 44 minutes into the programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0jh7plr
