6 Bizarre British Moving Superstitions

Because Packing Tape And Bubble Wrap Aren't Stressful Enough

Moving house is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s a time for fresh starts, new memories, and deciding where the sofa looks best. But along with the endless cardboard boxes and rolls of packing tape, the UK has a long, quirky history of moving traditions.

For centuries, we Brits have relied on folklore and old wives' tales to ward off bad energy and invite good fortune into our new homes.

Here are six of our absolute favourite British superstitions about moving house – and what they mean for your big move.

1. The Curse Of Number 13

It’s no secret that the number 13 is historically associated with bad luck, but did you know it actually affects the property market? Houses don’t like being number 13 – mostly because they're harder to sell. To get around this widespread superstition, there has been a massive proliferation of houses numbered ‘12A’ instead.

2. Leave Your Old Broom Behind

If you’re packing up your cleaning cupboard, leave the old broom exactly where it is. According to folklore, you should never take your old broom from your old house to your new one. The logic is simple: an old broom carries the literal and metaphorical ‘dirt’ and troubles of your past. To make a truly fresh start, you need a brand-new broom to sweep up new dirt!

3. Handle Mirrors With Extra Care

We all know that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, but this superstition is taken incredibly seriously on moving day. Shards of glass are bad enough when you're navigating a maze of boxes, but breaking a mirror while moving into a new house is considered a terrible omen for your time in the property. Eek. Wrap those mirrors in extra bubble wrap!

4. Watch The Weather (And The Calendar)

If you listened to tradition, scheduling your move would be a nightmare. Superstition dictates that you shouldn't move house on a rainy day, as it brings bad luck (a tough ask given the British weather!). Furthermore, moving on a Friday or a Saturday is also apparently cursed. Ironically, Friday remains the most popular day of the week to move in the UK, so we may all be pushing our luck!

5. Always Enter Through The Front Door

When you finally get the keys to your dream home, it can be tempting to rush in through the back gate or the patio doors. Don't do it! Superstition says you must enter your new property through the front door the very first time you walk in as the official owner. It’s all about setting intentions and boldly claiming that place as your own.

6. The Housewarming Party

Let’s not forget the best tradition of all: the housewarming party. Historically, a literal fire was lit to ‘warm’ the house and ward off evil spirits, and celebrations were held to ensure the new occupants would never go thirsty or hungry. Today, the tradition is much more likely to mean the new homeowners won't go thirsty (thanks to a fully stocked fridge) or bereft of trendy houseplants!

You Shouldn't Have To Rely On Luck To Get A Mortgage

While dodging rainy Fridays and buying new brooms might bring you peace of mind, there is one part of the home-buying process where you shouldn't have to cross your fingers and hope for the best: your mortgage.

Getting a great mortgage deal shouldn't involve magic, guesswork, or hidden fees. That’s where we come in.

As a 100% fee-free mortgage broker, we take the mystery and stress out of securing your dream home. We scour the market to find the most cost-effective mortgage rates tailored to your unique circumstances – and we do it all without charging you a single penny in broker fees.

We believe your hard-earned savings should go towards decorating your new space, buying that brand-new broom, and stocking up for your housewarming party, not paying unnecessary broker fees.

Ready to make your move? Leave the superstitions at the door. Get in touch with our expert team today to start your fee-free mortgage journey, and let’s make your dream home a reality!

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