What Is The Best Time Of Year To Move?

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante
Credit: Shutterstock / Sorapop Udomsri

Moving is stressful, whether you move in August, November, or May. But did you know that the time of year you choose to move can affect moving costs and availability when it comes to booking professional movers? So, what is the best time of year to move?

The best time of year to move is in the fall, winter, and early spring because of availability. It’s much easier to book professional movers during these months, as it’s the off-season. Summer is the worst time of year to move because that’s when prices are higher, and many people move during this time. 

Try to schedule your move 2 to 3 months ahead of time to get the best deal. It also helps to book your move for the middle of the week or month, as that can save you money. Follow along as we explore the time of the year when you can get the best deal and avoid stress. 


When Is The Best Time To Move?

During the fall, winter, and early spring are the best times of the year to move. That is the “off-season” for moving companies, as fewer people schedule professional movers during this time. This is one of the best ways to save money on movers

However, it’s hard to balance work and family life around moving and saving as much money as possible. Each season has its pros and cons when it comes to moving, such as:


Fall

Mid-September kicks off the off-season in the world of moving companies. College students have returned to school by this point and fewer people hire moving companies. Because of that, there is little demand for professional movers, which can lower the rate they charge. 

That said, autumn moves can be tricky if you move near big universities. It’s worth looking up the start dates for college students in the area to ensure you miss the rush. Aim for early fall before the weather becomes too cold and rainy to make the move as easy as possible. 


Winter

Besides the fall, winter is among the best and cheapest times of the year to move. The biggest downside of moving during the winter is that the weather is often harsh. This can add challenges, especially if you must make several trips to the truck. 

Driving a moving truck during the winter is also difficult if the roads are slick. However, that also explains why so few people plan to move during the winter. Weather forecasts change all the time, so it’s hard to plan a winter move too far ahead. That said, the savings are worth it for many people. 


Early Spring

Late spring marks the end of the off-season, so moving before mid-April is a great idea. April is one of the best months of the year to move. Many people consider the spring to have ideal weather for moving, as it’s right before it gets too hot.

You can also get incredible house listing prices during spring, as flowers bloom and your property looks great. The biggest challenge of a spring move for families is that children are still in school. You must also consider that it can rain a lot during the spring.

This can make it hard to load a moving truck and drive on slick roads. Even still, you can save money on moving costs if you move betweenin March, April, and mid-May. 


Summer

Summer is the most expensive time to move, in most cases. However, it’s also the best option for people with children, as they won’t have to take their kids out of school. Keep in mind that this is the peak of the moving season, so movers often charge inflated prices. 

That said, you won’t have to deal with cold weather, rain, and snow if you move during the summer. The days are also longer during the summer, which makes the process easier. Extreme heat is the biggest challenge besides inflated prices during summer moves. 


What Is The Best Time Of The Month To Move?

The middle of the month is the best part of the month to move. That’s because people often move at the beginning or end of the month. People often need to wait to move until a new apartment is available, and that’s typically at the beginning or end of the month.

This is also the time when homeowners often close on new home purchases. It can be hard to even schedule move-in dates at the beginning or end of the month for that reason. That’s especially true if you must schedule your move on short notice, which comes at a high price. 


What Day Of The Week Should You Move?

The middle of the week is the best time to move because it’s not as busy for moving companies. Most people work between Monday and Friday, so they don’t have time to move to a new home. Because of that, professional movers aren’t nearly as busy during the week as they are during the weekend. 

Aim to move on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to save money on moving expenses. Avoid moving on the weekend, unless you’re willing to pay premium prices. Professional movers work around the lock on the weekend, so it can be hard to even schedule a move.


How Far In Advance Should You Book A Moving Company?

The best time to book a moving company is 3 months in advance. However, you can book a moving company in as little as 2 months ahead of time and get a good deal. Booking a moving company 30 days or less before you move makes it difficult to schedule.

Professional movers’ schedules fill up quickly, so booking your move as soon as possible is a great idea. Movers often charge extra money if you book a move on short notice. That’s because they may need to scramble to assemble a moving crew and schedule a truck. 


Summing It Up

Anytime during the fall, winter, and early spring is the best time of the year to move. Moving rates are cheaper during this time, and it’s easier to schedule a moving company. These months are considered the off-season for moving companies, so they have more availability and lower rates. 


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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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