When deciding when to move, several factors come into play - weather conditions, budget, and family needs. But there are steps you can take to make your move seamless. Let’s look at the different times of the year to figure out the best time to move.
When is the Best Time to Move?
Winter
Winter is ideal if you want to save money on moving expenses. As demand drops off during this season, movers often provide lower rates.
Booking a moving company during this period may be simpler. They will have less competition and be more willing to work with you if you have specific dates in mind.
Be mindful that cold weather, snow, and ice can create hazardous driving conditions for movers and increase the cost of your move.
To avoid delays, it's best to plan ahead and adhere to strict timelines. Start checking the weather a week prior to moving day to ensure there are no blizzards or other unpredictable weather conditions that could cause delays.
Before your move, be sure to contact your movers a week in advance to make sure they have any special instructions regarding winter weather conditions. Doing this can help avoid delays and overbookings.
Spring
Spring is an ideal time for relocation as the weather is usually milder and more predictable. Additionally, it's not as busy as the summer moving season, making this a great time to list your home or find a mover.
Moving in the spring can be a great deal less expensive. With fewer movers in demand, negotiating for a lower price from your moving company will be much simpler.
Furthermore, spring is an ideal time for families with children to relocate. There are plenty of long weekends and holidays in the springtime, giving your kids plenty of space to adjust without disrupting their school or social lives.
Another important consideration when moving during spring is that there is often a lot of pollen in the air, which can cause allergies and sore throats for many people. If you're sensitive to this, cover boxes and furniture with tarps before moving into your new home.
Summer
Summertime is generally considered to be the most popular time for relocation across America, due to its ideal combination of warm temperatures, school breaks, and home-selling season.
Unfortunately, high demand for moving services also means higher rates. To save yourself from these costs, be sure to book your move well ahead of time.
However, there are a few steps you can take to guarantee a seamless move:
Begin your move early in the morning to avoid the heat
Consider hosting a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items before you relocate.
Select either a midweek or mid-month date.
Fall
When looking to move, whether you're moving into a new apartment or selling your home, fall is an ideal time for relocation. The weather is pleasant, demand for services drops off, and movers have less work on their hands.
However, it's essential to factor in the timing and individual circumstances when making your move. The ideal time depends on factors like whether you have children or a job change; additionally, take into account any family obligations that might affect timing.
School Schedules: If you have children, moving during the fall is the ideal time to make your move so their classes are not disrupted and they have an easy transition into their new school.
Competition: Depending on your local area, competition for housing and moving services may increase during the summer months, especially in college towns.
If you want to beat the rush and save some money, try scheduling your move in October. This allows for better rates to be negotiated and gives more freedom when booking rental trucks or trailers.
While the best time to move might be different for you than what is recommended above, it’s important to consider all the factors, if you can schedule your move when you want.