You’ve made the decision to relocate, and now it’s just a matter of deciding when. If it’s a corporate relocation, you might not have much of a say in the dates of your move. Or perhaps you’re not in a rush to relocate, giving you the opportunity to explore the most cost-effective and convenient option. In either case, considering timing factors, such as the ideal time of day to relocate, can help relieve tension and, in some cases, save money.
When is the Best Time of the Year to Move?
Whether you’re considering a DIY move or employing a moving services company, there are benefits and drawbacks to relocating in each season. If you want to get the best deals for a new apartment, our article, Best Time to Move into an Apartment is the guide you need.
However, the information provided below is intended to assist you in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of moving and determining the ideal time to do so based on your specific needs, timeframe, and budget.
Best Season to Move
Ultimately, your needs, money, and tastes will determine your choice.
Summer is the best time.
A long-distance move can be difficult for everybody in the family, particularly for children who are adjusting to a new school and navigating unfamiliar environments. The vast majority of parents with school-aged kids prefer not to relocate during the school year. Waiting until the summer to relocate can help lessen the disruption that a move might cause for children.
Additionally, the weather is a factor that has an effect on home sales and subsequent move dates. Selling a property whenever the weather is great allows you to highlight the landscape and curb appeal of your home. People also tend to go out there and look at houses whenever the weather is much more pleasant. Don’t forget to take advantage of the extra daylight that summer provides.
However, summers are typically busier for home sales, resulting in more scheduled moves. This is the disadvantage of relocating in late spring or early summer; it’s simply a matter of economics. If you relocate during peak season, you’ll spend more on hiring moving companies and have limited options for your moving date and time. But you will have a plethora of options for the place you intend to make your new home.
Winter can be great as well.
Winter moves, on the other hand, maybe messy and inconvenient, with hazardous weather affecting roads and travel, as well as loading your items in and out of vehicles on walkways covered in snow, ice, or sleet. However, if you’re willing to face the unpredictability of a winter move, it might pay off to secure the services of a reliable and trusted moving company. Why? They are well experienced in moving in any weather. So, they know what it takes to make a moving work, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
If you are moving in the winter, you also need to ensure loading areas are clear of salting, snowbanks, and shoveling walkways/driveways; shield floors from the icy external elements, and keep a careful watch on the weather. Most professional moving firms can assist you with these tasks, and because the winter months are generally off-peak, moving during this time is often less expensive and allows for more scheduling flexibility.
Bottom line
If you have school-aged children and want to minimize disruption, moving during the summer is the best option. If you want to save money and have more flexibility with your schedule, go during the off-season: winter, early spring, or late fall. Early spring and late fall are the best times to move if you’re doing it yourself, whereas extreme weather conditions should be considered if you’re moving in the summer or winter.
We’ve written articles on the best places to live. If you are moving to start on a new slate, you might want to see the 20 Best Cities To Move To Start A New Life.
Best Month to Move
With the home-selling season rising in the springtime and dwindling into the summer, it’s no surprise that most people relocate between May and September. As a result, the summer months — June, July, and August — bear the brunt of the moving industry’s workload, resulting in increased demand for moving and packing services.
Moving is also time-consuming, and if you live in a state where summer temperatures can reach dangerously high levels or where humidity makes it difficult to breathe, moving in the summer months may not be the best decision. In the end, the optimum time to move is from September to April, when moving companies are more easily available.
If you need to relocate during the summer, get started as soon as feasible. The sooner you schedule your move day, the better it will be to plan what needs to be done building up to the big day. Most reliable long-distance moving firms give moving guidelines and packing recommendations to help you stay focused.
Best Day of the Week to Move
Scheduling your relocation on a weekday is your best bet. Many moving firms often recommend relocating between Monday and Thursday when there is not much demand. So, if you can take a day off work to relocate during the week, I strongly advise you to do so.
Because of the higher demand for movers and the limited number of weekends in a month, moving on a Saturday or Sunday may boost your rates. If you move on a weekday, you’ll have the entire weekend to unload and get organized before the next work week.
Best Time of the Day to Move
The best time to get moving is in the morning. If you employ a moving company, they’ll want to arrive early in the morning, between 8 and 10 a.m. During the summer, early mornings usually mean cooler temperatures for the movers. They usually want to leave by 2 p.m. to escape the heat when the temperature outside reaches 105 degrees.
It’s also a smart idea to start early if you’re moving by yourself. You’ll wake up with more energy, and you’ll have enough time to unpack, organize, and enjoy your new apartment.
Best Times to Move Based on Holidays
When planning your move, keep in mind the holidays and how much traffic there will be on the roads. There is greater traffic during most holidays than at other times of the year. This could cause a lot of problems. Also, if you’re going to a new place and don’t know anyone, you should avoid moving around on important holidays. Moving at other times will allow you to meet new people and create a sense of community in time for the holidays.
While it is preferable to move during certain times, this is not always possible. If your moving date isn’t set in stone, keep these tips in mind while you plan your relocation.
Other Factors to Consider While Deciding on a Relocation Date
Weather
It goes without saying that you should follow your instincts when it comes to the weather. If you reside in a cold environment, you should generally avoid making a move right in the heart of winter. After all, snowy roads, hazardous circumstances, and heavy lifting combine to make for an unpleasant experience.
Work
If you need to relocate during a very busy period at work, it may be worth the extra money to relocate on a weekend day.
Family Concerns
Do you have school-aged kids? To avoid a tumultuous school year, it could be better to relocate during the summer.
Generally, not everyone has the luxury of moving at the most convenient time. Family obligations, location, budget, weather, and work flexibility will all play a role in determining the “ideal” time for you. You’ll be well on your way to a successful move once you’ve figured this out.
Regardless of the time you choose to move, learning the correct way to pack your items will help to reduce stress and minimize damage. You can learn how to pack the various rooms in your home from our article on How to Pack for Moving Houses.
