The Best Times of Year to Move House and When to Avoid It
When you’re planning a move, timing can be everything. Whether you’re relocating across town or cross-country, choosing the best time to move can save you money, reduce stress, and even make the whole experience more enjoyable.
But just as there are ideal windows for relocation, there are also times best avoided. We’ll break down the seasons and months to consider, offer practical insights, and include tips like how to take advantage of off-season moving and how to handle relocations during peak summer.
Why Timing Matters
Timing your move affects more than just the weather it can impact availability, pricing, and the level of stress involved. Moving during high-demand periods might limit your options for professional movers or result in higher costs. On the other hand, choosing the right time can lead to smoother logistics, cheaper services, and better real estate deals.
The best time to move isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your priorities: budget, school schedules, job transfers, or weather preferences. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of moving during each season.
Moving in Spring
Pros:
Spring is often an underrated but excellent time to move. As the temperatures begin to rise and flowers bloom, the milder weather makes the physical act of moving easier. Roads are clear of snow, and it’s not yet uncomfortably hot.
Real estate markets typically pick up in the spring, meaning there’s more inventory if you’re buying or renting a home.
Cons:
The increase in housing demand can lead to slightly higher prices, and you may face competition when house hunting. Additionally, late spring (especially May) is considered the start of the busy season for movers, so prices and availability may start to change.
If you’re targeting a move in March or April, you’ll likely benefit from lower rates and greater scheduling flexibility. This is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the best time to move.
Summer
Pros:
Most people consider summer the best time to move, especially families with children. School’s out, the weather is predictable, and homes tend to sell faster. These factors make summer moves ideal for minimizing disruptions to routines.
Cons:
Summer is also the busiest and most expensive time to move. Movers are in high demand, especially from late June through August. Rates are higher, and you may need to book your preferred moving company weeks or even months in advance.
The heat is another factor. In many areas, the sweltering summer sun can make moving uncomfortable or even dangerous. Be sure to hydrate, wear breathable clothing, and take breaks. Check out these summer moving tips to keep safe and efficient.
Pro Tip: Book early and move during the week rather than weekends to beat the rush.
Fall
Pros:
Fall is widely considered one of the best times to move if you’re aiming for moderate weather, lower costs, and greater availability of movers. The moving industry slows down after the summer peak, leading to more flexible scheduling and often lower prices.
The weather in September and October is usually cool and comfortable, making it easier to load and unload trucks. Plus, with fewer people moving, it’s easier to coordinate real estate closings or lease start dates.
Cons:
Families with school-aged children may find fall moves inconvenient. By this time, kids are settled into their school routines, and moving can be disruptive. Weather can also start turning colder, especially in northern regions, making late fall moves a little trickier.
Winter
Pros:
If your priority is saving money, winter is your best bet. This is prime off-season moving time, with the lowest demand for moving services. That means lower rates, greater flexibility with scheduling, and often personalized attention from your movers.
Fewer people move in winter, so you might also find better deals in the housing market.
Cons:
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make moving difficult or even dangerous. There’s also the risk of delays and rescheduling due to weather conditions.
Additionally, winter days are shorter, giving you less daylight to work with. If you’re planning a move during December or January, keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan in case of weather disruptions.
Best Time of Month to Move
If you’re looking to optimize beyond just the season, consider when within the month you plan to move. The first and last weeks of the month are the busiest because that’s when most leases begin and end.
The middle of the month and midweek days are ideal. You’re more likely to find better rates and more flexible moving times.
Looking for a reliable team to help? Hiring experienced movers in Lakewood can streamline your move, whether you’re relocating in the dead of winter or the height of summer.
Worst Times to Move
Here are some timeframes that are often less than ideal for moving:
- Major Holidays: Moving during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or long weekends can be inconvenient, expensive, and stressful.
- End of School Year (Late May to Early June): This is a peak time for family moves, which leads to high demand.
- End of Month: As mentioned earlier, avoid the last few days of the month when leases roll over and movers are slammed.
- Extreme Weather Seasons: If you live in areas prone to hurricanes, snowstorms, or heatwaves, avoid moving during those peak conditions.
Off-Season Moving
Don’t underestimate the benefits of off-season moving. Beyond just lower costs, you may experience a smoother, less rushed process overall. Movers are more likely to offer flexible scheduling, discounts, and even extra services during their slower months.
Landlords and sellers may be more motivated to negotiate pricing or include perks just to close a deal. And because there are fewer people moving, you’ll deal with less traffic on the roads and fewer scheduling conflicts with utilities or service providers.
If you’re flexible with your timeline, off-season moving in the late fall or winter months can be a strategic and budget-friendly choice.
How to Survive the Heat
- If you must move in the summer and many people do follow these summer moving tips to protect yourself and your belongings:
- Start early: Begin your move in the early morning hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Stay hydrated: Moving is physically demanding, and dehydration is a real risk. Drink water frequently.
- Protect sensitive items: Electronics, candles, and other heat-sensitive belongings should be packed with care or moved in climate-controlled environments.
- Use sunblock and wear light clothing: Keep yourself cool and protected while loading and unloading boxes.
With proper planning and preparation, a summer move can be just as successful as an off-season relocation.
Climate and Real Estate Cycles
Not every region follows the same seasonal patterns. In places with milder year-round climates like California or the Pacific Northwest, seasonal weather may not be a huge factor. Instead, local real estate trends or job cycles might determine the best time to move.
In colder areas like the Midwest or Northeast, winter storms can seriously impact your plans. In hurricane-prone regions like the Southeast, you’ll want to avoid late summer and early fall.
It’s smart to research your local real estate market and climate trends to narrow down your ideal moving window.
When Should You Move?
So, what is the best time to move? That depends entirely on your personal priorities:
- Want to save money? Aim for off-season moving in winter or early spring.
- Need to coordinate with school? Summer may be your best bet just to prepare for peak-season pricing.
- Looking for balance? Fall offers great weather, good availability, and reasonable costs.
No matter when you move, a little planning can make all the difference. Hiring professional, trusted movers in Lakewood or your local area ensures your relocation goes off without a hitch regardless of the calendar. We handle every aspect of the moving process, from packing and loading to transport and delivery, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
The best time to move depends on your unique circumstances, but knowing the pros and cons of each season along with key strategies like summer moving tips and leveraging off-season moving will help you make the smartest decision.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine or saving dollars, there’s a perfect window for your move waiting to be claimed. Planning well, staying flexible, and hiring the right professionals will ensure your transition to a new home is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
