

Timing is everything when planning a successful move. Picking the right time of year to move can make a difference. From saving money on moving costs to reducing the stress of tight schedules, there are plenty of benefits to being selective. Moving during less busy times of the year often results in better availability for moving services, smoother logistics, and greater flexibility. On the other hand, moving during a peak period can lead to higher costs and limited options that put unnecessary pressure on your schedule.
Understanding the pros and cons of moving during each season can help you determine the best time of year to move. Whether it’s a local move or a cross-country relocation, strategic timing makes your experience far more efficient and enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- Seasonal timing matters: The best time of year to move out of state or across town depends on your priorities. Winter offers affordability. Summer provides convenience for families. Fall balances cost and comfort.
- Cheapest months to move: November and December are typically the most budget-friendly months to move due to lower demand for moving services.
- Peak moving season challenges: Summer is the busiest time to move, leading to higher costs and limited mover availability unless booked well in advance.
- Optimal days for moving: Mid-week and mid-month moves are often less expensive and offer better availability compared to weekends or month-end moves.
- Additional factors to plan for: Family schedules, local housing market trends, and weather conditions play crucial roles in determining the best time to move for your unique situation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Move
When is the best time to move? Well, that depends on several factors impacting your experience and costs.
First and foremost, consider your schedule. Work commitments, school calendars, and family obligations play a major role in deciding when it’s most convenient to move. Families with kids might want to move during school vacations, such as the summer, to minimize disruptions, but professionals might have to align the move with job start dates or transfer timelines.
The availability and cost of long-distance moving services vary significantly based on season. Summer might be convenient for your kids, but it’s a peak moving period. The price you pay for your move will likely be higher in the summer. You may even have trouble finding a moving company that matches your preferred dates.
Don’t forget to consider the weather. Seasonal extremes like snowstorms or summer heat can complicate your move’s logistics and even damage your belongings.
Time your move strategically to align with other life changes, like selling your home. Timing your move with selling your house can help ensure a smooth transition that doesn’t require lengthy hotel stays or storage rentals.
What are the Best Months to Move?
If you’re looking for the cheapest months to move, November and December typically top the list. These months mark the off-peak moving season. Demand for moving services is often significantly lower compared to the summer rush. For this reason, moving companies and truck rental services can offer competitive rates.
Because fewer people tend to move during this slow season, you might have better flexibility in choosing a moving date and securing services. That can help reduce the stress of last-minute changes or limited options.
However, there are downsides to moving during late fall or early winter. Potential weather challenges like snow, ice, or freezing temperatures can complicate your moving process. To prevent setbacks, watch the weather and take extra precautions to protect your temperature-sensitive items during transit.
Moving During Other Times of the Year
Spring Moving: Pros and Cons
Spring is an excellent time to move because of moderate weather and increased daylight hours. These factors make loading and unloading easier. Mover availability still tends to be better than summer, which can make it easier to schedule.
It’s also a time when demand for movers starts to rise, especially as families or individuals plan for summer. This uptick might result in slightly higher costs than winter. There’s also the issue of unpredictable weather. Heavy rains or storms can introduce some challenges to your move.
Spring is a great time to move that offers a good balance between cost, convenience, and weather.
Summer Moving: Pros and Cons
Summer is the most popular time to move thanks to school vacations and generally favorable weather. Families prefer this season to minimize disruptions to their kids’ academic schedules. The long, sunny days often provide ideal conditions for packing, loading, and transportation. Movers and rental trucks are widely available during summer months, so scheduling isn’t usually a problem.
What is a problem, however, is the cost associated with peak demand. Moving rates tend to peak in the summer, and availability for the best-rated movers might be limited unless you book early. The heat of late summer can also make physically demanding tasks like loading and unloading more strenuous.
Fall Moving: Pros and Cons
Fall is an overlooked yet highly advantageous time to move. The milder weather and cooler temperatures make it less demanding than in the summer heat. You’ll also face fewer weather-related delays compared to winter or spring. Moving service availability is good and often more affordable, providing a balance of cost and flexibility.
It’s also a good time if moving before the holidays is a priority. That said, shorter daylight hours might require more careful scheduling, and early snowfalls might impact your move, depending on where you live.
If you’re looking for the best time to move out of state, fall strikes a great balance between cost, comfort, and convenience.
What are the Best Days of the Month to Move?
Planning your move is about more than picking a month. Even the specific day you choose can impact your cost and overall experience.
Weekdays are often the optimal time to move. Most people prefer to move on weekends to avoid taking time off work. Movers and rental trucks tend to see higher demand on Saturdays and Sundays. If you opt for a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can secure lower rates and better availability.
Avoiding the start and end of the month can save you money, too. These are peak moving periods due to lease renewals and month-end transitions. If you schedule your move in the middle of the month, you can avoid the competition of month-end movers. This can cut your costs and give you some added flexibility in securing a preferred moving company.
When is the Worst Time of Year to Move?
Summer might be one of the best times to move from a weather standpoint, but it’s still the most expensive because of high demand. Be prepared to pay more if you want to move during this peak moving season or book well in advance to secure your spot.
For those who think moving in winter might be a better way to save money, be mindful of moving during the holiday season. You might see less availability as moving companies close and take time off to celebrate. Your attempt to save money might backfire as you run into fewer available movers and tighter timeframes.
Other Considerations
Timing your move is about more than picking a season or month. Successful moves require considering other factors. Busy seasons mean limited availability and last-minute bookings will cost a pretty penny. Moving with kids requires being mindful of school schedules and routines, and timing your move with your lease’s required move-out and move-in dates is critical to avoid paying fines or fees.
Your local housing market can even play a role in the ease of your move. If you’re selling a home, high demand in your area might impact your closing date and when you can move. If several people are buying and selling homes in your neighborhood, mover availability can even be impacted!
Finally, factor in region-specific weather conditions. Moving in December means planning for snow or icy roads, while springtime movers could be derailed by a downpour.
Making the Right Move at the Right Time
Choosing the best time of the year to move can make all the difference for your relocation. Winter affordability, fall flexibility, or summer convenience all have their perks, but planning ahead is important no matter what time of year you move. Knowing how peak seasons, weather, and schedules can impact your move makes a big difference when planning.
Safe Ship is a trusted moving broker that helps customers optimize their timelines when shopping for and booking residential moving services. We find movers who can accommodate your unique needs with expert advice and tailored solutions for all seasons.
If you’re ready for a less stressful move, contact us today for a free moving quote to plan the perfect move at the perfect time.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What season is the best time to move?
The best season to move depends on your priorities. Fall and winter offer lower costs and greater availability, while spring can bring moderate weather that makes moving pleasant. Summer is ideal for families with school-aged children, but the higher prices can break a budget quickly. For many people, “When is peak moving season?” and the best time to move are often the same.
What is the most popular month for moving house?
June is the most popular month for moving because it marks the start of summer, and weather conditions are generally favorable. However, that high demand can make it more expensive and limit your options unless you plan well.
When is it the cheapest to move?
Winter months like December and January often offer the cheapest rates because they’re off-peak season. This allows you to take advantage of lower rates and better availability. Just be mindful of holiday closures.