When is the Best Time of Year to Move? The Truth About Prices & Weather

Most people get the best time to move wrong. Summer months attract nearly 50% of all household moves, but the peak season from May 15th to September 15th comes with expensive rates and scarce availability.

Smart movers can save up to 30% by choosing the off-peak season between September and April. May, September, and October are great ways to get mild weather and reasonable prices. Budget-conscious movers should consider January and February for the lowest rates. Our team can help you pick the perfect moving date that balances good weather and affordable prices, regardless of your destination or distance.

Summer Moving: Navigating the Peak Season

Summer is the champion moving season, with more than half of Americans choosing to relocate between May and September. The season's popularity comes with challenges that need smart planning to handle higher costs and hot temperatures.

Why summer remains the most popular time to move

People choose summer moves for practical reasons. Parents want their kids to finish the school year before moving to avoid disrupting their education. The season also sees college students moving in and out of their dorms. Most regions have better weather during the summer months, which makes moving easier. The real estate market becomes more active as home sales climb through warmer months.

Another reason summer moves are common is that many lease agreements end on June 30th or July 31st, creating natural moving cycles in cities.

How to book movers during high-demand periods

About 40 million Americans move each year and most pick summer. You'll need to plan ahead to get quality movers. Start contacting moving companies as soon as you know about your move. Experts say you should book for summer moves 8-12 weeks in advance.

Note that competition for trucks and crews gets fierce during peak season, and month-end dates get booked first. Get detailed quotes to understand any peak-season charges and avoid surprises.

Beating the heat: Early morning strategies

Summer heat can be tough, but smart timing helps. Start your move early—around 8 a.m. or earlier—when temperatures and humidity are lowest. The sun is strongest between noon and 4 p.m., so finish the heavy lifting before midday.

You could also schedule moves for late afternoon when temperatures start dropping. Throughout the day, drink plenty of water, wear light clothes, and take regular breaks to cool down.

Budget tips for unavoidable summer moves

Smart planning can cut summer moving costs. Skip holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day when prices jump and traffic gets worse.

Moving mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) usually costs less than weekend moves. Dates in the middle of the month tend to be cheaper than those at the beginning or end.

Booking early helps you get your preferred date and often locks in better rates before peak-season prices kick in.

Fall Moving: The Perfect Balance of Weather and Price

The crisp autumn air replaces summer heat, making fall the smartest time to move. From September through November, moving companies and their clients know something valuable - autumn gives you the perfect mix of comfortable weather and affordable prices that summer can't beat.

September-October weather advantages

Fall's mild temperatures make the physical work much more bearable. You won't deal with summer's brutal heat or winter's icy cold - autumn hits that sweet spot with moderate temperatures. Most areas see October temperatures between 59-71°F, which feels way better than July's sweltering 84°F highs. This perfect weather zone makes the move easier for everyone involved.

The early fall months avoid winter's dangerous snow and ice, which can make transportation tricky. Snow usually holds off until later in the season, so September and October are perfect for safe driving conditions.

Post-summer price drops explained

Moving costs drop quite a bit after the summer rush ends. Companies see fewer customers during the autumn months, so they lower their prices to attract business. This makes fall your most affordable time to relocate.

The math is simple - fewer people move in the fall, which means more crews and trucks are ready to help. You'll get better prices and more room to negotiate services in this buyer's market. Even gas prices often drop 5-10% in the fall, which cuts down transportation costs even more.

Preparing for earlier sunsets and cooler temperatures

Shorter fall days mean you need a solid plan. The sun sets much earlier - sometimes by 5 PM after daylight savings hits in November. Start your move early in the morning to get most of the work done while natural light lasts.

Fall weather can change quickly, even though it's usually nice. Layer your clothes so you can adjust to temperature changes throughout moving day. Keep some waterproof covers nearby since rain might show up.

Regional considerations for fall moves

Your location plays a big role in how your fall move goes. Northern areas might need an earlier autumn move date since snow can surprise you in October or November. Southern states like California tend to stay mild all season long.

Whatever your location, watch out for slippery fallen leaves on walkways and driveways. Clear your paths before moving day, and keep a rake or broom handy to maintain safe walking areas during your move.

Winter Moving: Maximum Savings with Weather Challenges

Looking for the best moving deals? Winter months are your best bet. The moving industry slows down from December through February, which means you can save big money. You'll face some seasonal challenges, but the benefits are worth it.

December-February: Finding the cheapest rates

Winter is the cheapest time to move, and you can save up to 30% compared to summer rates. The best deals show up in January and February. These amazing prices exist because fewer people move during winter, which puts you in control.

The holiday season creates perfect opportunities to save. December is the slowest month for movers because everyone's busy with Christmas. This quiet period extends into January as people recover from holiday expenses. Moving companies will work hard to win your business during these winter months.

Protecting belongings in cold and wet conditions

Winter weather means you'll have to take extra care with sensitive items. Your electronics are a top priority since freezing temperatures can create condensation inside them and cause short circuits. Cold weather makes glass, ceramics, and some plastics break more easily.

To keep everything safe:

• Use thermal blankets or bubble wrap to insulate electronic devices
• Let devices warm up to room temperature before turning them on
• Pick moisture-resistant packing materials and add plastic wrap as protection
• Cover wood furniture with quality moving blankets to prevent damage

Snow and ice preparation checklist

A good winter move starts with proper preparation. Clear all walkways, driveways, and sidewalks of snow, then put down salt or sand to stop ice from forming. To prevent slipping, you should place cardboard, rugs, or old towels at entrances.

Ensure utilities work at both locations—especially the heating—so pipes don't freeze. Early morning moves are best to make the most of limited daylight.

Holiday scheduling: Avoiding the blackout dates

Moving between Thanksgiving and New Year's takes careful planning. Holiday traffic might slow things down. The sweet spot is right after Christmas when competition stays low but moving companies have their full staff back. You'll want to stay flexible by avoiding dates too close to holiday events.

Spring Moving: Timing the Market for Best Value

Smart movers know that March through May allows you to balance housing market benefits with service availability. This time of year brings key benefits that make it worth considering when planning your move.

March-April housing market advantages

Spring kicks off the busiest season in real estate, creating ideal timing for buyers and sellers alike. Home listings grow during this period, giving you more choices than winter months. Plus, good timing can lead to financial gains—homes in San Jose listed in late March saw a 3.9% premium, adding $93,200 to the sale price. San Diego and Austin properties gained 2% and 2.3%, respectively, during this same period.

Data across the country shows that listing between April 13-19 historically brings prices 1.1% higher than average weeks and 6.7% more than January. This active market creates momentum that helps movers whether they're buying or selling.

Rainfall considerations and backup plans

Spring brings milder temperatures, but you should expect more rain in many regions. Data shows higher precipitation totals compared to past years. This means you need to stay flexible during spring moves. Keep waterproof covers ready to protect your belongings since sudden showers can pop up quickly. Weather apps and radar tools help you plan around possible storms.

Availability sweet spot before summer rush

Moving in spring puts you ahead of the summer rush (Memorial Day through Labor Day). During this pre-peak season, moving companies have better availability and often offer promotions and discounts. You'll save money and have more flexible scheduling options since companies aren't fully booked yet.

Spring cleaning benefits for movers

Spring cleaning goes hand in hand with moving prep. Sorting through your stuff before packing makes the whole process easier and less stressful. Decluttering also reduces moving costs by reducing what needs to be moved. Starting fresh in your new home becomes easier when you leave unnecessary items behind.

Plan ahead

The right timing of your move makes the most important difference in costs and comfort. Summer is still the peak moving season, but other times of year give you better options. Fall hits the sweet spot with its nice weather and lower prices. Winter brings the biggest discounts to flexible movers who prepare for the weather properly. Spring offers great benefits with its active housing markets and mild conditions.

With the right timing, you can save up to 30% on moving costs. Schedule your move during slower months between September and April to get the best deals. Note that early booking will give you better rates and your preferred dates, whatever the season.

Weather patterns, price changes, and location-specific factors are the foundations of planning a successful move. This knowledge helps you make a smart choice about your moving date that works for both your budget and practical needs like weather and scheduling.

FAQs

Q1. What is the cheapest time of year to move? The most budget-friendly months for moving are January and February. During this period, you can potentially save up to 30% compared to peak summer rates due to lower demand for moving services.

Q2. When is the busiest and most expensive time to move? Summer is the busiest and most expensive moving season, particularly from June to August. High demand, especially from families with school-age children and college students, leads to increased prices and limited availability of moving services.

Q3. Which day of the week offers the best rates for hiring movers? Monday through Thursday, weekdays offer the most affordable rates for hiring movers. Moving companies tend to be less busy these days than on weekends, resulting in better pricing.

Q4. What are the advantages of moving during the fall season? Fall (September to November) offers a great balance of mild weather and reduced moving costs. You can enjoy comfortable temperatures for physical labor, avoid summer heat and winter hazards, and benefit from post-summer price drops in moving services.

Q5. How can I save money if I have to move during the peak summer season? To save money on a summer move, book your movers 8-12 weeks in advance, avoid holiday weekends, opt for mid-week moves (Tuesday to Thursday), and consider mid-month dates. Also, start your move early in the morning to beat the heat and potentially reduce costs.