What’s the Best Time of the Year for Moving?

When it comes to moving, there are all sorts of things you can do to streamline the process. From hiring a moving company to packing in advance and enlisting the help of friends and family, it’s easy to cut some corners and transform the process into one that’s downright enjoyable. But did you know that moving at a particular time of the year can help, as well?

While people tend to move either during the summer, when the weather is warm, or whenever they need to meet the confines of a lease or home sale, intentionally moving at a specific time of the year can help save you time, money, and effort.

What’s the Best Season for Moving?

Most people think of the summer, and rightfully so. In the summer, the weather is warm and typically dry, and the risk that your items will be damaged by moisture, snow, or hazardous roads is less. That said, however, summer is also peak moving season, and all services and goods come at a premium during this time. Because of this, people who want to save money on their move and have a bit of flexibility with their timeline can benefit from planning to move during other seasons.

Unless you live in a relatively dry climate, planning to move during the fall or spring is ideal. During these seasons, the pressure from the moving rush over the summer has worn off a bit, and companies are not stretched as thin as they were just a few months before. As such, you can save a significant amount of money on rentals ranging from trucks to boxes and hand carts.

What’s more, most activity slows or halts during these off-seasons, so moving companies may give you a deal on their movers’ services or sweeten the proposal by adding in extras, like discounted rentals or off-season rates.

Consider the Weather

Weather is a major factor. In addition to the fact that moving in inclimate weather is unpleasant, it can also be dangerous. Icy walkways and winter moving, for example, can spell disaster for a team attempting to lift a heavy couch.

With this in mind, it’s critical to consider the weather before you start your move. If you live in an environment where you will likely be schlepping your items around in snow, rain, wind, or frigid temperatures, think twice about making the choice.

While it’s always nice to save some money on your move, it’s far more important to ensure that your movers and your items get to your new home safely and in one piece.

If the seasons in your area don’t present dangerous weather possibilities, enjoy the flexibility the off-season can offer. In addition to saving money, you’ll very likely also enjoy better service, more perks, and a faster moving process.