Are you thinking about moving and want to know the best time to take action?
There’s no definitive best month to move as everyone’s situation is different. That being said, it can be greatly simplified to a few factors.
January and February are best for getting deals. June, July, and August are best for convenience with April, May, September, and October being good balances of both deals and convenience.
If you want to take a deeper dive into what month will be best for you to move, read on.
What to consider when choosing your best month to move
Even if you’ve been planning your big move for months, there’s still one important decision to make: when to actually pull the trigger.
The month you choose can have a big impact on your budget, your schedule, and even the availability of moving services. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your move month.
For many people, the most important factor is the weather. If you’re moving during the summer, you’ll need to be prepared for the heat. If you’re moving during the winter months, you’ll need to be prepared for the cold. (Note: winter is generally when you’ll find the best prices.)
But no matter what season you choose, you’ll need to be prepared for rain, snow, or anything else Mother Nature might throw your way.
Another important factor is the school year. If you have kids, you’ll want to avoid moving during the middle of the school year if possible. Not only will it disrupt their education, but it will also make it harder to meet new friends and adjust to their new surroundings.
The summer break is usually the most convenient time to move, as it gives kids a chance to settle in before the start of the new school year.
Finally, you’ll also want to take into account the availability of moving services. The summer is typically the busiest season for professional movers, so you may have trouble booking a date that works for you. If possible, try to schedule your move for another time of year when demand is lower and you’re more likely to get the date and time that you want.
No matter when you choose to move, just be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get everything done. A little preparation can go a long way toward making your move a success.
Best time to move – pros and cons of each month
Moving is always a stressful experience, but the timing of your move can make a big difference in how smoothly the transition goes. Here is a look at the pros and cons of moving in each month of the year.
In January, many people are still recovering from the holiday season and may not have the time or energy to deal with a move. However, there are some advantages to moving in the middle of winter. For one thing, moving companies tend to be less busy and may offer discounts on their services. In addition, you are less likely to have to contend with bad weather during a winter move.
February can be a good time to move if you are looking for a fresh start after the New Year. However, it is important to be aware that February is typically one of the snowiest months of the year. This can make moving logistics more difficult and may increase the risk of damage to your belongings.
March is a popular month for moving, as many people want to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. However, this also means that professional movers are likely to be busier and rates may be higher. In addition, school-aged children may need to transfer schools mid-year, which can add to the family’s stress levels.
April is another good time to move, as the weather is generally more pleasant than in March. However, you may encounter some rainy days, which could delay or complicate your move. In addition, many people take their vacations in April, so you may have trouble finding friends or family members who are available to help with your move.
May is a great time to move if you want to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower rates from movers. However, summer storms can sometimes roll in earlier than expected, so be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast. In addition, Memorial Day weekend can make it difficult to book movers or find open storage units. In fact, a move between May and September (Memorial Day to Labor Day, to be more specific) can tend to move very chaotically.
June, July, and August are generally considered the peak moving season, as many people want to get settled into their new homes before the start of summer vacation. However, this also means that rates will be higher and availability will be lower for both movers and storage units. In addition, the summer heat can make packing and unpacking uncomfortable and increase the risk of damage to your belongings. So if you want to move in the summer months, plan your move in advance to keep from having cost and availability obstacles block your way.
September is a popular time to move due to favorable weather conditions and because many leases end at the end of August or the beginning of September. However, Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th, so there is always a risk that your move could be delayed or interrupted by severe weather conditions. In addition, many college students choose to move at the beginning of September in order to start school on time, which can make finding affordable housing difficult.
October is often considered one of the best months for moving due to mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. However, Halloween falls at the end of October, which can complicate moves depending on where you’re moving. It’s probably not a big deal (I moved into an apartment on Halloween once), but it’s worth asking about.
November is typically a slower month for professional movers, as the weather starts to turn cold and many people are focused on getting ready for the holidays, so you may be able to find lower rates during this time period. Just be sure to pack your belongings carefully to protect them from the cold and potential snow or ice.
December is one of the most chaotic times of year for many people, so it is not typically considered a good time to move. However, if you are able to find an available moving company and storage unit, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates. Just be sure to pack your belongings carefully to protect them from the cold and potential snow or ice.
The best time of year to move really depends on your individual circumstances. If you are able to be flexible with your moving date, you may be able to find lower rates and avoid the busiest times of the year. However, if you have a specific date that you need to move, be sure to plan ahead and book your services early to avoid any last-minute complications.
General moving tips
If you’re planning to move soon, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. Here are some general moving tips to help you get started:
1. Start by sorting through your belongings and deciding what you want to take with you and what you want to get rid of. This can be a difficult process, but it’s important to be ruthless in order to make the move go more smoothly.
2. Pack everything carefully, making sure to use plenty of packing tape and sturdy boxes. Label each box with its contents and destination room, so you’ll know where everything goes when you unpack.
3. Make a checklist of everything you need to do before the move, from hiring a moving company to notifying your utility providers of your change in address. This will help ensure that nothing is forgotten in the chaos of the move.
4. Stay organized and patient throughout the process. Moving can be stressful, but if you take it one step at a time and stay on top of everything, it will be much less overwhelming.
5. Timing is important. The time people move the most is the very beginning and end of the month. Mid-month moves are a great idea for these and other conflicts like holidays. As far as the best day to move, Monday-Thursday is slower than Friday-Sunday because fewer people (and more movers) have availability during the week, so early in the week is a great moving time. Moving on a Saturday or Sunday, in particular, can be trickier for scheduling supplies.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful move. Just remember to take your time and stay organized, and you’ll be in your new home before you know it.
What is your absolute best time of year to move?
Moving can be a daunting task no matter when you do it, but by understanding the pros and cons of each month, you can select the best time for you.
For the summer months, moving during peak season can raise your moving costs, but it may still be your ideal time as it’s the best season to move families who don’t want to pull kids out of school mid-year. It’s also when most leases begin and turnover is highest, so be the best time to find your ideal place to live.
The winter months, on the other hand, tend to be the cheapest time for relocation with fewer people moving, but trying to move in typical weather conditions can be hazardous. If getting a better deal is more important to you than the convenience and costs of the summer, a winter move could be perfect for you.
Maybe you want to move during the fall or spring months to get a blend of the two options. Apartment complexes may also provide more flexibility to your lease and end dates to line it up with the summer, getting you an even better rate. (For more apartment-hunting tips, check out this article.)
If you keep these in mind, you’ll be sure to have a successful move whether you’re moving in the middle of summer or during the holiday season. What’s most important is that you’re prepared for your move, no matter when it is.