When Is the Best Time to Move?

If you have some flexibility with your move, getting the timing right can save you money, reduce stress, and generally make things easier. From weather conditions to mover availability to pricing, every season has its pros and cons. Here’s how to decide when is the best time to move for your particular situation.

Choosing the Best Time to Move: Factors to Consider

The best time to move is different for different people, and it depends on several factors — from weather and work schedules to housing market trends and moving costs. These can vary significantly depending on the season. Here are some key things to keep in mind when deciding what time of year works best for your move.

Budget

The most common times of year to relocate also tend to be the most expensive. That’s because the high demand of peak season months (usually over the summer) will increase the cost of truck rentals, hired moving services, and packing materials. If you’re on a budget, the best time to move is during an off-season month in the fall, winter, or early spring.

Schedule

Timing your move often comes down to what works best for your family, your job, or other personal circumstances—like a lease ending or a baby’s due date. 

If you’re a parent, moving in the summer is most likely the best time to move, when kids are out of school. However, if you’re relocating for a job, you might need to move as soon as possible — no matter the season.

Weather

Winter poses a threat of freezing temperatures and slick, hazardous surfaces. Meanwhile, summer comes with the risk of extreme heat, thunderstorms, and uncomfortable humidity. 

Fall and spring are the mildest times of year, but each season brings its own unique weather conditions that you’ll need to factor in — for instance, in the southeast, the fall can be an active season for storms and hurricanes.

Housing

Different times of year can mark ebbs and flows in the housing market. If you want to purchase a home, there’s usually more real estate to choose from in the spring and summer, but this peak season can also usher in steep homebuyer competition and higher prices. 

Recent data shows that September through November are the most affordable months to purchase a home, so be sure to account for this before settling on a moving date.

Location

Your destination can influence the best time to move as well. For a local relocation, there’s not much ground to cover, giving you more leeway with moving dates. But long-distance moving requires meticulous coordination in order to transport all your possessions across state lines. 

In the latter case, it may be best to hire professional full-service movers to streamline the process for you. In this case, the best time to move out of state in terms of availability and pricing is in the fall, winter, or early spring — that is, outside of peak season. 

What Is the Cheapest Month to Move?

The cheapest month to move is typically January, after the holiday season rush and before the warm, sunny temperatures start to return. 

If you can’t move in January, there’s no need to stress. Between October and April, moving costs are more affordable than the peak summer months of May through September.

The Best Time of Year to Move 

Ultimately, the best time to move comes down to your preferences and priorities. Do you want the convenience of summer when school is out, or the affordability of winter when your budget stretches further?  What about fall and spring when the temperatures are mild, but the costs haven’t reached their peak? 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of moving in each season, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. 

Spring: Best Time to Move for Weather

Spring is one of the best times of year to move if you want to avoid that sweltering summer heat. This season’s mild temperatures and increase in daylight hours make carrying boxes out to the truck both easier and more efficient. 

Moving services area also more affordable and accessible in the spring than the busier summer months, and the real estate market also gains momentum, which means a wide variety of houses to choose from.

But this time of year comes with challenges too: Planning a move in the spring will often disrupt school or work schedules, which can lead to a rough transition. Unpredictable weather patterns like rainstorms and heavy pollen can also cause discomfort or delays. Not to mention, a hot real estate market could increase housing costs and competition.

Pros of Moving in the Spring

• Comfortable temperatures (not too cold or hot)

• More daylight hours to finish loading up the truck

• More housing inventory to choose from

• Cheaper moving costs than in the summer

• There’s less demand for movers, which means more availability

Cons of Moving in the Spring

• Disruptions to school or work schedules

• Potential rain showers and seasonal pollen

• Steeper housing costs and competition 

Summer: Best Time to Move with Kids

Many folks prefer to move in the summer, and it’s not hard to see why. This season tends to be more convenient than other times of year — kids are out of school, the weather can be more agreeable, and with maximum daylight hours there’s ample time to load and unload the truck. 

Summer is also peak real estate season, so there won’t be any shortage of options whether you’re in the market for a house or apartment — although there may be some competition to contend with. 

With that said, all this convenience isn’t without its drawbacks. Because summer moves are in such high demand, professional movers often book up months in advance. If you can find a mover who can accommodate your moving date, their services will likely be more expensive than at other times of the year. 

Not to mention, hauling boxes in the intense heat of some parts of the country is uncomfortable (or even dangerous —  and extreme temperatures can damage certain items such as plants, electronics, and artwork). Hiring full-service movers who can take care of the packing and loading for you can help ease the burden and protect your belongings.

You might also encounter heavy traffic due to seasonal travelers or road construction.

Pros of Moving in the Summer

• More scheduling flexibility due to school breaks and vacation time at work

• Peak housing inventory

• Maximum daylight hours to for loading and unloading the truck

• No need to worry about slick surfaces or icy road conditions

• Friends or family might have more time to help you move

Cons of Moving in the Summer 

• Busiest and most expensive time of the year to move

• Hot, humid weather can be uncomfortable or even dangerous

• Limited availability for professional movers and truck rentals

• Potential traffic due to summer travel or road construction

• The heat can damage sensitive items while in transit

Fall: Best Time to Move for Housing Deals

While spring kicks off the real estate season, fall is when the market cools, giving you more negotiating power. Landlords and sellers may be more motivated to fill vacancies or close deals before the holidays and year-end slowdown. That can translate to better rental terms, lower prices, or waived fees.

Not to mention, while it’s often overlooked, fall might just be the most underrated time for a comfortable, convenient, and low-cost moving experience. 

The weather is cooler but not yet cold, moving services are more affordable than during the busy summer months, and there’s less competition for movers and truck rentals. You’ll have enough time to settle in before the holidays hit — without the pressure of moving during them.

Of course, like any other season, fall does have its pitfalls. The daylight hours are shorter, which means less time to handle all the logistics, plus real estate inventory is more limited in the fall. And if you have kids, it can be tough for them to switch schools mid-semester. 

While the weather is generally mild this time of year, unexpected snow or frost could throw a wrench in the moving process as well.

Pros of Moving in the Fall

• Comfortable temperatures (not too cold or hot)

• Less demand for movers, which means more availability and cheaper prices

• Cheaper moving costs than in the summer

• Not as much competition on the housing market

Cons of Moving in the Fall

• Potential disruption in school or work schedules

• Shorter daylight hours can lead to a time crunch

• Limited housing inventory compared to spring and summer

• Potential early snowfall, hurricanes, and other inclement weather

Winter: Best Time to Move for Budget Moving

Winter is the best time to move if you need to stick with a careful budget. Professional movers are more available during the off-season, which results in a lower price for you. Housing prices and apartment rental rates also tend to be lower during this time due to fewer buyers or renters on the market. This means less competition and more leverage to secure a cheaper deal. 

Moving in the winter may be a smart decision for your pocketbook, but you need to account for certain obstacles, too. Minimal daylight hours can lead to a stressful time crunch when loading and transporting boxes. Icy sidewalks increase the risk of injuries, and snowy roads can cause traffic congestion and precarious driving conditions. Chilly temperatures can also damage your electronics, plants, glassware, and other climate-sensitive items while in transit.

Pros of Moving in the Winter

• Usually the cheapest time to move

• There’s less demand for movers, which means more availability

• Flexible, motivated sellers due to less housing competition

• Easier lease negotiations for apartment rentals

Cons of Moving in the Winter 

• Extreme weather conditions like snow, rain, and sleet

• Traffic congestion or unsafe driving conditions

• Disruptions in school or work schedules

• Minimal daylight hours can lead to a time crunch

• The cold can damage sensitive items while in transit

When Is the Best Time to Move into an Apartment?

There are two main considerations to look at when determining the best time to move into an apartment — cost and selection. Here’s a rundown of both these variables and how the time of year impacts them.    

Best Time to Move into an Apartment

The price of rent varies significantly based on where you relocate, but in general, apartment rentals tend to be cheapest between October and April. This is because most tenants aren’t usually looking to move into a new place until the summer months, so leasing offices will often negotiate lower rates in the off-season to fill apartment vacancies.

If you’re more concerned about selection than moving costs, the best time to move into an apartment is between May and August. 

Life transitions often occur this time of year — children finish up the school year and college students graduate and start their careers. That means leases are ending, renters are moving, and more apartments are available. If the competitive market and higher prices aren’t turnoffs for you, summer is a convenient time to explore this wider range of options.   

When Is the Best Time to Move Each Month and Week?

Whether you relocate at the height of peak season or during a slower period in the off-season, the time of month — and even the time of week — can influence the total cost of your move. 

Since most households move on weekends at the start or end of the month, coinciding with lease start and end dates, the cheapest time to move during the month is the second or third week of the month.

As most people move on the weekends, the best time to move during the week is on a weekday. 

Chances are, movers won’t have as many bookings at these times, which means better availability and lower costs.

Streamline Your Move Any Time of Year with Colonial Van Lines

No matter when your move takes place, Colonial Van Lines can help you navigate it. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, our expert movers know the complexities of moving in any season — whether it’s the humid summer or frigid winter. Contact us for a free moving quote today!