When Is the Best Time to Schedule an Office Removal in London?

Choosing the right time to relocate your office in London can significantly affect cost, convenience, and productivity. With drivers spending an average of 101 hours in traffic each year and strict parking and congestion rules, timing your move wisely saves money and stress.

The best time to schedule an office removal in London is during mid-week mornings in winter or early spring, when traffic is lighter, removal companies are less busy, and costs are lower.

Here’s the direct breakdown:

• Best season: Winter (December-February) and early spring (March-April) are ideal because removal demand is low, which means better availability and lower prices. Summer is the peak season  –  higher rates and more competition for dates.
  
• Best day: Tuesday to Thursday. These mid-week days avoid the weekend rush and Monday congestion, making loading bays and parking more accessible in central areas like Westminster, Camden, and the City of London.
  
• Best time of day: Before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m., outside the Congestion Charge hours (07:00-18:00 weekdays; 12:00-18:00 weekends), to save up to £15 per vehicle per day and minimize downtime.
  
• Avoid: Month-end and Fridays, when business districts experience high traffic, parking dispensations are harder to secure.

Bhuiyan Removal has moved businesses across every London borough, and in this guide we explain how seasons, weekdays, time of day and local regulations influence the best time to schedule your office move.

Seasonal Demand And Cost Considerations

Demand for office removals in London fluctuates throughout the year. Removal companies tend to be busiest in summer and early autumn, making rates higher and dates harder to secure.

• Winter (December-February) – Low demand means lower prices. Onell Removals notes that winter and late autumn offer the most cost‑effective months to move. The weather can be cold, but professional movers will protect your equipment.
  
• Spring (March-May) – Milder weather and moderate demand. Prices remain reasonable, though Easter holidays can create short spikes.
  
• Summer (June-August) – Peak season for both residential and commercial moves. Onell Removals advises avoiding this period as demand peaks, making it harder to secure your preferred date.
  
• Autumn (September-November) – Early autumn stays busy, but mid‑September to November sees a drop in demand and better deals.

Month‑end Vs Mid‑month

Many businesses schedule relocations at the end of a lease or quarter. This creates high demand near the end of the month.

• Mid‑month moves often come with lower rates and better availability. London Man Van advises booking mid‑week during mid‑month for lower costs and more flexible slots.
  
• End‑of‑month moves require longer lead times (book 4-6 weeks in advance) and often incur higher prices.

Weekdays Vs Weekend

Deciding between a weekday or weekend move depends on your budget, building rules and tolerance for disruption.

• Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) – According to London Man Van, weekdays often cost less and offer better availability because demand is lower. They recommend moving mid‑week (Wednesday or Thursday) for the best combination of low rates, lighter traffic and a weekend to unpack.
  
• Fridays – Many companies finish early, making Friday afternoons a popular time. However, traffic can be heavy as commuters leave the city.
  
• Weekends – Convenient for staff because operations are paused. However, removal rates are usually higher and some buildings prohibit Sunday moves. Roadworks and closures can also disrupt Saturday deliveries.

Time Of Day

The time of day you move influences travel times and congestion charges.

• Early morning – Starting early allows movers to use cooler temperatures and quieter roads. Onell Removals highlights that early starts provide more time to unpack and settle in.
  
• Off‑peak hours – Avoid the Congestion Charge by moving outside 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and 12:00-18:00 on weekends. Early morning or evening moves reduce costs by saving £15 per van per day.
  
• Rush hour – London’s worst traffic occurs around 17:00-18:00, especially on the A40 Westway. Avoid scheduling moves during this window.

Lead Time: How Far In Advance To Book

Advance booking ensures the availability of your preferred removal company and vehicle size.

• Small office moves – London Man Van recommends booking 2-4 weeks ahead for local moves.
  
• Large or peak‑season moves – Book 4-6 weeks ahead during summer, school holidays, end‑of‑tenancy dates and December.
  
• Flexibility – Mid‑week dates typically require shorter notice, while end‑of‑month and peak‑season slots fill quickly.

Consider London’s Traffic And Regulations

London’s transport rules add another layer to scheduling.

• Congestion Charge and ULEZ: The £15 daily Congestion Charge applies 07:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 weekends. Plan moves outside these hours or budget for the charge.
  
• Loading restrictions: On single or double yellow lines with no kerb markings in the City of London, loading is allowed for a maximum of 40 minutes with continuous activity. Camden Council restricts loading to 20-40 minutes, depending on vehicle type and time of day. Failing to adhere can result in tickets.
  
• Permits and dispensations: TfL notes that businesses can sometimes request dispensations from parking/loading restrictions. Professional movers can handle these applications.
  
• Road congestion: Avoid major arteries like the A40 Westway during peak hour; The Guardian reports it as one of the city’s worst congestion points.

London Boroughs And Business Hubs

Different parts of London have distinct traffic patterns and business cycles.

• Square Mile – The historic City of London is densely populated with banks, insurance firms and law offices. Prime rents reached around £82.50 per square foot with premium spaces at £122 per square foot. Moves here should avoid normal trading hours.
  
• Canary Wharf (Docklands) – A regenerated financial district on the Isle of Dogs, home to the headquarters of banks and tech firms. It has excellent transport links via the Jubilee line, DLR and riverboats. Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening peaks.
  
• West End – Known for media and creative industries, with prime rents around £155-£160 per square foot. The area sees high pedestrian traffic during weekends.
  
• Secondary areas – Docklands and other suburban hubs have higher vacancy rates; K2 Space reports vacancies at a 20‑year high of 10.6% city‑wide. Moves here may be easier to schedule.

The table below summarises the best times to schedule your London office removal:

Factor	Recommended timing	Reason	Source
Season	Mid‑September to April	Low demand, cheaper rates	Onell Removals notes these months are cost-effective
Weekday	Wednesday-Thursday	Lower costs, lighter traffic, weekend to unpack	London Man Van reports weekdays are cheaper than weekends
Time of day	Early morning or after 18:00	Avoid the Congestion Charge (£15) and traffic peaks
Lead time	2-4 weeks (small moves), 4-6 weeks (peak season)	Ensures availability during high demand

Conclusion and Call to Action

The perfect time to schedule an office relocation in London depends on your priorities. For cost savings, avoid summer and end‑of‑month periods; choose mid‑week dates in winter or early spring. To reduce disruption, move early in the morning or outside Congestion Charge hours. Consider the unique traffic patterns of your borough and book well in advance.

Bhuiyan Removal can help you plan the optimal schedule for your commercial moving London project. Our team understands London’s seasonal demand, traffic patterns and building regulations. We’ll secure parking permits, supply packing materials and coordinate with your building manager so your move runs smoothly. 

Contact Bhuiyan Removal for reliable office removals in London and let us handle the timing for you.

FAQs

Question: Which month is best for office relocation in London?

Answer: Mid‑September to April is generally the best period because demand is lower and removal companies offer competitive rates. Avoid June to August when prices rise due to high demand.

Question: Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?

Answer: Yes. Weekdays (especially Wednesday and Thursday) typically have lower demand and cheaper rates. Weekend moves are convenient but more expensive, and some buildings restrict Sunday moves.

Question: How far in advance should I book a mover?

Answer: Book at least 2-4 weeks ahead for small office moves and 4-6 weeks for large or peak‑season moves. Early booking ensures you get your preferred date and time.

Question: How can I avoid the Congestion Charge?

Answer: Schedule the move outside the Congestion Charge hours (before 07:00 or after 18:00 on weekdays, or before 12:00 or after 18:00 on weekends). Alternatively, budget £15 per vehicle per day and include it in your quote.