Moving to a new home or office is a significant event and the month of your move can play a crucial role in making the process smooth or difficult. It will affect various aspects of your move such as your moving budget, availability of moving services, and the overall ease of the process.
In most areas in the USA, the best months for moving are Spring (March to April) and early fall (September to November) due to mild weather and lower demand for moving services.
May is popular as the national moving month and is very busy. It is the time when most people sell and buy homes which marks the busiest period of the year for moving companies and many households. Conversely, winter (December to February) and peak summer (May to August) are the worst months due to challenging weather conditions and higher costs.
In 2024, about 39% of Americans are planning to move, mainly for reasons like affordability, jobs, and safety. However, the choice of their best moving month depends on their needs and the location they are moving to.
In this blog, we will explore the good and bad months for relocation so that you know which month would be suitable for you to lock in the moving date.
Best Months for Moving
1. Moving in March and April- Beginning of Moving Season
Every year, in March, the demand for moving services gradually starts rising.
Spring is a season synonymous with renewal and new beginnings. Also, this season provides mild and generally predictable weather, which can be ideal for moving.
Additionally, moving costs are often lower before the summer rush, as local moving companies have more availability and are keen to attract business.
In real estate, the spring season has a significant role in home buying and selling patterns.
The real estate market typically picks up during this time, with more homes being listed for sale and more people looking to buy or rent, leading to increased moving activity.
2. Moving from Mid-September to November – Ending of Season
During these months, the demand of moving services decreases after peak summer months which leads to more affordable relocation. With fewer people moving during this period, you’ll likely have more flexibility in choosing your moving date and time.
Fall typically offers mild temperatures, making the physical aspects of moving more comfortable compared to the sweltering summer heat or the biting cold of winter.
With longer sunny days and less possibility of snow, families can plan a smooth move without disrupting their kids’ school year.
Worst Months for Moving
1. Moving from May to August- Peak Moving Months
Every year, many people choose to move from May through August or mid-September. These months are considered as the peak moving season.
The favorable weather during these months makes the relocation process easier. Additionally, the long days in summer and the absence of snow or rain make the moving process more comfortable.
Families also prefer moving in the summer to minimize disruptions to their children’s schools.
However, since summer is the peak season, moving companies may charge higher prices and have limited availability, giving you fewer flexible dates to schedule your move.
The table below shows the pros and cons of moving in peak months (May to September) that will help you make a better decision.
| Advantages of moving in peak months | Disadvantages of moving in peak months |
|---|---|
| No risk of frostbite | Higher prices due to increased demand |
| Longer daylight hours for moving | Increased traffic and congestion |
| Less Disruption to Kids’ studies | Higher competition for desirable dates |
Story of A Summer Move by Christian Pfeiffer
“As a professional organizer in Phoenix, AZ, I wanted to share a few thoughts on what moving is like in the middle of the summer.
Last July, we experienced a record-breaking 31 straight days of temperatures over 110 degrees.
During this time, I had a few clients moving. Two of them had large moves with many garage items to declutter, making the preparation and decluttering process very exhausting even before move day.
Long days in the summer heat sorting through several bins and personal items to prepare and relocating all pre packed belongings to the garage.
Moving in 110-degree weather is particularly brutal for big jobs. The garage and house hold doors have to stay open all day on both ends of the move.
Even during unpacking, multiple doors need to remain open for several hours to allow the movers to bring everything in.
This makes the house uncomfortably hot, even with a team helping to unpack. I had a couple jobs where the inside gets up to 90 degrees and takes all night to cool down.
Every client I work with regrets waiting till the middle heat of summer to move.”
2. Moving in December, January, and February
The winter months are the worst for moving and only few people need relocation services. Since there’s less demand for moving in these months, moving companies often offer discounted prices, which can be advantageous.
However, moving in winter comes with challenges like snow and ice on the roads, which can lead to accidents.
Movers need to be extra careful and prepared for slippery conditions, and they may need to use salt or sand for safety.
Also, packing and moving fragile items in extreme weather requires extra attention. Plus, since there’s less daylight hours during winter, the movers have less time to finish the tasks which extends the time-frame of the move.
Moving in mid-month
People usually move at the beginning or at the end of a month. Irrespective of the season, moving in the middle of the month can be a smart choice because it avoids the busy times at the start or end of the month when lots of leases expire.
So, if you move in the middle of the month, you will find that the moving companies are more flexible and offer lower rates, thus helping you move within budget.
Moving on Weekdays Vs Weekends
Moving on weekdays is often less hectic for moving companies than on weekends. If possible, plan your move for a weekday to avoid peak times and potentially secure better deals on moving services.
Check the below table to understand the difference –
| Moving on Weekdays | Moving on Weekends |
| Less crowded, more availability with movers | Busy times, and you may need to book in advance to secure your preferred date |
| Easy to get better deals due to lower demand | Prices may be higher due to higher demand |
| It may require taking time off work or rearranging plans | Easier to schedule around work commitments |
| Typically lighter traffic and less congestion | Higher traffic volumes, potential delays due to congestion |
| More flexibility with scheduling | Limited availability, may need to book well in advance |
How can you decide which month of the year is best for you to move?
Deciding in which month to move depends on the type of climate you experience in your city throughout the year.
Here is what Seamus Nally, CEO, TurboTenant has to say –
“From a price perspective, winters are far better than summers for moving. Home prices peak during the summer months, with one of the reasons why being that summer is the most common time for people to move.
From an actual moving-logistics perspective, I would say that whether summer or winter is better for moving depends on where you live. If you live somewhere that gets snowy, icy winters, then summer is usually a better time to move because it is safer to walk outside carrying heavy boxes. If you live in a hot climate where the winters are neutral, then winter may be a better time to move because summers may be unbearingly hot, and having to carry a ton of boxes can be tiring and even dangerous health-wise.”
When deciding on the ideal month to move, there are additional factors to consider as below:
1. Weather
Think about the climate of your current location and the new address. Moving during mild weather can make the process more comfortable and reduce the risk of weather-related delays.
2. Your Work
Look out for your work schedule and notify your employer or client about your moving timeline. Choose a month that allows you to take time off or manage the move around your work commitments.
3. Family
If you have children, consider the impact of the move on their schooling. Choosing a month that aligns with school breaks can minimize disruptions and ease the transition for your family.
4. Availability
Check the availability of moving services and ensure that your desired moving date aligns with the availability of movers.
5. Moving Cost
Compare moving costs across different months, as prices may vary depending on demand and the moving company you choose. Experienced movers can give you an in-depth estimate of your relocation expenses.
6. Housing Market
Take into account the state of the housing market both in your current and new location. Moving during a buyer’s market, when there are more homes available and prices may be lower, could offer better options for finding your new home.
7. Living Costs
Research the living costs in your new location, including expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Moving during a month with lower living costs or during a time when seasonal expenses are lower can help you adjust more comfortably to your new home.
8. Budget
Evaluate your budget carefully and choose a month that aligns with your financial goals.
Consider factors such as moving expenses, potential fluctuations in income, and any additional costs associated with the move.
Opting for a month with lower moving costs or when you have more flexibility in your budget can help you manage expenses more effectively.
By considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can choose the best month to move that meets your housing needs, aligns with your financial situation, and ensures a seamless move to your new home.
The Best time to move ultimately comes down to what works best for you!
While moving companies generally service their local areas year-round, planning around your area’s climate can be helpful in avoiding harsh conditions.
Whether you choose to move in summer or winter months, weekdays or weekends, each choice has its pros and cons. What’s important here is to consider your schedule, budget, and needs.
If your preferred moving time doesn’t align with the season, remember that professional movers can make the process much smoother.
Their expertise and resources can help overcome any challenges or inconveniences, allowing you to move into your space comfortably.
FAQs
Which is the most affordable month to move?
Moving during the off-peak months, typically January and February, can be more cost-effective as there is lower demand for moving services, resulting in reduced rates from moving companies.
Which is the best month to move with kids?
Moving during the summer months, particularly in June or July, will prove smooth when relocating with children. The summer months fit perfectly with the school break of the kids and does not affect the studies of children.
Is it more expensive to move during certain months?
According to Ashley Graber, Co-ownwer of Cool Hand Movers, a full-service moving company in New York City –
“Moving is generally more costly and difficult to schedule during the “peak” season, which runs from May through September. During these months, especially in big cities like New York, there is higher demand. That means higher rates and a higher chance of your top-choice moving company booking up weeks in advance.”
What are the benefits of moving during the fall or spring?
During fall or spring, the weather is generally favorable compared to the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. Additionally, moving during these seasons offers more flexibility with availability and lower moving costs.
How far in advance should I plan my move to secure the best moving date?
We recommend you start planning your move as early as possible, especially if you have specific dates in mind. Booking moving services well in advance helps ensure availability and lets you lock in better rates, especially during peak moving seasons.
Is there an optimal time of day to schedule a move?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all move, booking your move during the morning hours can be beneficial.
This gives more daylight hours for packing, loading, and unloading which reduces the risk of delays due to darkness.
Additionally, moving earlier in the day may provide more flexibility if unexpected issues arise.
How can I prepare for a summer move with the higher demand?
While planning a summer move, at first book your moving services well in advance to ensure availability. In addition, try to start your moving preparation early, declutter, and pack non-essential items ahead of time to streamline the process on moving day.
What are the worst months to move?
While there isn’t one clear “worst” month, some months can be tricky due to bad weather or lots of people moving. When planning, think about things like the weather, holidays, and when most people move.
