Garden goods on the up: Gwynedd comes up smelling of roses despite widespread hosepipe bans

With hosepipe bans coming into effect for over seven million people across the UK in response to a record dry spring and summer, new data from AnyVan shows that Gwynedd has been making the most of the uncharacteristic warmth — with a 48% surge in demand  for the delivery of garden goods from the previous year.

Despite the Environment Agency reporting the driest spring in 132 years, AnyVan’s delivery data for the first half of the year suggests this hasn’t dampened people’s desire to invest in their gardens, using delivery services to move outdoor furniture and gardening equipment they are buying, selling or taking with them when moving homes.

AnyVan analysed almost 250,000 moves in 2024 and 2025 to uncover striking regional differences – with Southend-on-Sea (89%) , Swindon (86%) and Luton (66%) topping the tables. While areas like Stoke-on-Trent and parts of Scotland saw large year-on-year drops in outdoor item transport.

Gwynedd’s outdoor obsession is growing fast
Gwynedd secured seventh place nationally for growth in garden goods deliveries, with a substantial 48% year-on-year increase and 16% of local moves now involving garden items. This suggests a growing trend in outdoor living in the area, and with green thumbs spending thousands of pounds each year on gear for their gardens it’s no surprise there’s so much demand to move new and old garden furniture, or simply keep hold of their outdoor investments when they relocate.

Southend-on-Sea saw the biggest growth in outdoor item moves at 89%, followed closely by Swindon (86%), moving items like garden chairs, tables, BBQs and lawnmowers. Some are even taking the garden fence with them, alongside other less expected items like bird baths, trampolines, and greenhouses.

10 areas with largest increase in moves including outdoor items

Stoke-on-Trent takes a rain check on garden moves

In contrast, Stoke-on-Trent saw a steep decline of 58% in moving garden gear. Parts of Scotland, including North Lanarkshire (-47%), East Lothian and Midlothian (-41%), Glasgow (-38%) and Aberdeenshire (-32%) also saw noteworthy drops in moving garden furniture.

In Glasgow, less than one in every 20 moves includes outdoor items, reflecting smaller outdoor spaces, higher rental rates, and furnished rental trends. Fortunately, while people in Scotland are less likely to have access to a private garden, ONS data shows that over 50% of those living in Scotland are likely to be within five minutes walking distance of a park or playing field.

10 Regions with largest drop in  moves including outdoor items 

Angus Elphinstone, owner of AnyVan, commented: “The last few months have been absolute scorchers so far, and we’re moving more outdoor furniture than ever before at this time of year. Whether they’re picking up a new patio set, selling on a strimmer or taking their kids’ swing set to their new home, we’re able to help our customers make the most of the warm weather while we have it.”

Angus started AnyVan in 2009 to halve the number of wasted miles travelled by vans and make moving easy and affordable. He continues: “There’s been some big changes in regional moves of outdoor items, which just goes to show that our appetite for outdoor living is as changeable as the weather.”

For more removal information,  including the cheapest days to move in Gwynedd, visit AnyVan’s dedicated Gwynedd removals page here.