Updated Jan 5, 2023
Updated Jan 5, 2023
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Moving during the right season and time of the month can save you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars. Since moving is already a pretty expensive process, these savings can significantly impact your overall budget.
So, when is the best time to move, and how can you optimize any season for moving to your new home?
Most Americans move between May and September, so if you’re looking for options, the best time to move will probably be during the spring and summer months. These months also have optimal weather conditions and longer days to complete the job.
No matter which season you select for your big day, there will be pros and cons. This article will discuss the good and bad aspects of moving during each time and how you can optimize your move no matter what.
Pros of Moving in the Spring:
Cons of Moving in the Spring:
Pros of Moving in the Summer:
Cons of Moving in the Summer:
Pros of Moving in the Fall:
Cons of Moving in the Fall:
Pros of Moving in the Winter:
Cons of Moving in the Winter:
Summer is the most popular time to move because the weather is warm, kids are out of school, and leases are concluding. For this reason, June, July, and August aren’t your best options if you want a smooth, flexible, and affordable move.
We suggest moving in the months leading up to or following the summer season.
Consider an April move to get your home on the market for more and book a mover for less. You’ll likely have pleasant moving weather, too, depending on the location. An October move is another excellent option. The scorching summer heat will lose its edge, and you’ll steer clear of the hazardous driving conditions winter may bring.
This being said, you should avoid moving in the dead of winter – especially if you live in a severe winter climate. Former professional mover and moving crew leader Sean Donnelly warns homeowners of potential issues during the chilly season:
“Snow and ice are serious hazards for any worker, and most moving companies will hold you responsible for clearing all points of access to your home ahead of time,” he says. “Failure to do so could result in you being billed for your movers’ time, even if a move is delayed or can’t be completed on your scheduled day.”
Peak moving season is May through September. You may have trouble finding affordable moving services or trustworthy movers during this time because they’re likely booked to the brim.
Donnelly comments on what to expect for the industry’s peak season:
“During my years as a mover, our individual schedules were always full from May through September. We also noticed spikes in moving activity on weekends and at the beginning and end of each month,” he says. “This spike coincided with conventional work schedules and apartment leases.”
“Warm weather moves — particularly in the spring — are preferred by most,” Donnelly says. “I remember many clients remarking about the difficulty of booking a mover around this time.”
Avoid scheduling issues by booking well in advance if a summertime move is a must. Donnelly suggests planning your move for midweek or mid-month to ensure you get the service and date you want.
Without a doubt, mid-month is the cheapest time to move because rental leases typically end during the last few days of the month.
As a result, most renters are apartment hunting and trying to move during this time. So, if possible, choose to move during the middle of the month to save money. Moving companies will often be less booked up, more flexible, and have lower prices.
Once you’ve selected the season and month for your move, it’s time to dive a little deeper and decide on the day of the week to book. You already know that mid-month is optimal because movers will have more flexibility and less demand.
As it turns out, midweek is also the best time to plan your move.
Moving during the middle of the week is an excellent way to save money and stress. Most people move during the weekend to avoid taking time off of work. As a result, moving companies are in higher demand and often charge higher prices for moves on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best weekdays to maximize your choices for flexibility, lower prices, and lower demand. If you must move on the weekend, book your move far in advance to save money and have more options on the table.
If possible, choose to move during winter, fall, or spring to avoid the extreme temperatures and high prices you’ll likely encounter during a summer move. If you can’t choose the time of year to move, consider moving during the middle of the week or the middle of the month to save money and give yourself more flexibility.
Once your moving day is on the books, read our guide to stress-free packing to prepare for a smooth move and happy hauling.
A local move costs around $1,250, while a long-distance move can cost up to $5,000. Regardless of the distance, the cost of your move also depends on:
Early morning – between 8 and 10 a.m. – is the best time to move. Not only are movers less likely to be booked during this time frame, but they’ll also start their day with your project. This means they’ll be ready to jump into your move with well-rested muscles. Better yet, temperatures are cooler in the morning, which makes for better overall moving conditions.
Mid-month is the best time to move to get the lowest prices and most flexible bookings. Book a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday during the middle of the month for the best results.
Weather
You must consider the weather of your starting location, final destination, and everywhere in between. Heavy rains, icy roads, and scorching temperatures are all factors that can make or break a move.
Family
If you have a large family with several children, summer may be the best time to move despite the high temperatures and prices. Summer is undoubtedly the busiest for moving companies, so you should typically avoid booking during this time. However, it may be the only time of year when all of your children are out of school. You could wait until winter break to complete the move, but this brings a higher threat of unfavorable weather conditions.
Cost
If cost is a deciding factor for your moving capabilities, you’ll likely want to move outside of peak season. You may even want to consider a DIY move to save on booking fees and have more flexibility.
Holidays
Avoid moving on or around holidays to steer clear of paying a steep premium. Just as you don’t want to work on a holiday, neither do professional movers. For this reason, they can essentially charge what they want for holiday moving projects.
Planning your move in the off-season will also save you some financial stress. Holidays are expensive by default, so adding a move to that expenditure may cause unnecessary strain on your family budget.
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