Moving to a new place is exciting, but the moving process itself? That can be a bit overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is when to schedule your move. So let’s tackle that big question head-on: when is the best time to move?
The truth is, the ideal time depends on your specific situation. Are you planning a local move or looking at long-distance moves? Do you have school-aged children? Are you trying to find the cheapest time to move, or are you more concerned about having the perfect time weather-wise?
Let’s break down the best time to move by season, month, week, and even time of day to help you make an informed decision for your next relocation.
Best Season to Move
Each season offers distinct advantages and challenges when planning a move.
Summer Season
Summer is the peak moving season for good reason. The weather is generally reliable, school is out, and it’s often easier to take time off work. But this popularity comes with drawbacks:
Higher demand means professional movers are booked quickly. Higher costs are typical during this busiest time of year for the moving industry. The summer heat can make the physical work more challenging, and heavy traffic on moving day, especially in metropolitan areas, can cause delays.
If you’re set on a summer move, book your moving services well in advance and consider an early morning start to beat the summer heat.
Spring Move
Early spring to late spring might actually be the best time of year to move. The weather is mild with cooler temperatures than summer, and you’ll find better deals as it’s just before peak season hits.
Spring offers a good balance: the housing market starts picking up, giving you more options for your new apartment or home, but you won’t face the extreme competition of summer. For many families with school-age children, late spring (after the school year ends) provides a smooth transition before the peak moving season begins.
Fall Move
Early fall deserves serious consideration as perhaps the best season to move for many people. The weather is ideal, with comfortable temperatures for physical activity. As the peak season winds down, you’ll find lower rates from professional movers, more availability for your preferred move date, less demand for rental trucks and storage units, and a still-active real estate market.
Early fall to late fall represents a sweet spot where good weather meets reasonable prices. College students have already settled, and fewer people are relocating, giving you more negotiating power.
Winter Moves
Winter months (especially January and February) are typically the cheapest time to move. With significantly lower demand, you’ll find:
- Lower prices across the board
- More scheduling flexibility with moving companies
- Less competition for moving dates
- Better deals on real estate in many markets
However, winter moves come with challenges like cold weather, potential snow or icy roads, and fewer daylight hours. If you’re in a northern climate, a winter move requires extra planning, but the savings might make it worth considering.
Best Month to Move
If we get more specific, what’s the best month to move? Here’s a quick breakdown:
May is often considered the ideal time—warm but not too hot, before the extreme rush of summer, and after the school year for families with school-aged children.
September is another excellent choice when the peak moving season is ending, but before the holiday season begins.
January is typically the cheapest month to move, with lower rates and maximum availability.
The middle of the month to the end of the month tends to be less busy than the beginning, regardless of which month you choose.
Best Week and Best Day to Schedule Your Move
The best week to move is typically mid-month, when there’s less demand compared to month beginnings or ends, when leases typically turn over.
As for the best day of the week? Weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) generally offer:
- Lower costs than weekend moves
- More availability with professional moving companies
- Less traffic on the roads
- More flexibility with work schedules if you can take a day or two off
If your schedule allows, a mid-week, mid-month move date can save you significantly on moving expenses.
Best Time of Day for Your Move
The best time of day to start your move is early morning, ideally first thing after sunrise. This approach gives you:
- Maximum daylight hours to complete the move
- Cooler temperatures, even during summer
- A full day to unpack essentials at your new place
- Better alignment with typical business hours if you need assistance
Starting early is especially important for a long-distance move, as you’ll want buffer time for unexpected delays.
Making Your Decision
While knowing the best time of year to move is helpful, your circumstances might dictate other considerations:
- Work Schedules: Can you take time off during off-peak season for better deals?
- School Schedules: For families with school-aged children, summer break or winter holidays might be non-negotiable.
- Housing Market: Sometimes the right home appears, and you need to move regardless of whether it’s the “best” time.
- Financial Considerations: If saving money is a priority, flexibility with your moving date can lead to lower rates and better deals.
- DIY Move vs. Professional Moving Company: If you’re handling the move yourself, avoiding peak season becomes even more important for rental truck availability.
Related Article: Tips for Hiring Movers for a Smooth Move
Perfect Timing Makes Perfect Moving
The right time to move is whenever works best for your unique situation. However, if you have flexibility:
For the best price, choose winter months. For the best weather, choose late spring or early fall. For the best availability, avoid summer if possible. For the best day, pick a weekday mid-month. For the best time of day, start early morning.
Whether you’re planning a local move across town or coordinating long-distance movers for a cross-country relocation, timing can significantly impact your experience and budget.
Remember that the best way to ensure a smooth transition is to book your moving services well in advance, regardless of when you choose to move. This gives you time to compare quotes, secure your preferred date, and prepare properly for the big day.
By understanding the pros and cons of different times of the year for moving, you’re already on your way to making an informed decision that will help make your next move as stress-free as possible.
