When Is the Best Time of Year to Move?

Thinking about moving but not sure when the best time to move is? There are advantages and disadvantages for moving during each season, but certain times of year may be better for you depending on personal circumstances—like the distance you’re moving and whether you’ll be working with professional movers. Check out this seasonal moving guide to help figure out the best time for your move!

Spring

Thinking about moving in spring? Commonly thought of as a time for new beginnings, spring is a great time of year to relocate. Here are a few things to consider before planning your spring move.

Pros

• The weather is typically mild, whereas summer can be dangerously hot and winter can bring hazardous road conditions, moving in spring can be safer and more comfortable.

• The spring housing market moves very quickly, making it one of the best times of year to move for people planning on selling a home.

• Moving companies often offer lower rates in early spring, since fewer people move during this time of year compared to summer.

• Another benefit to moving during spring is that it’s considered off-season, so movers will have more availability. This provides a larger choice of moving dates for those who do choose to move during spring.

Cons

• Unexpected severe weather can interrupt your move. If you’re moving to an area where tornadoes, thunderstorms, or other similar storms happen during this time of year, your spring moving plans might be interrupted.

• Moving during spring can be messy—from tracking dirt and mud into your new home to grappling with pollen.

• Homebuyers may face a highly-competitive real estate market, with properties typically selling quickly and for more than asking price at this time of year.

• If you have children, moving during spring will mean transferring schools at the end of the school year, leaving little time for them to settle in.

Summer

As the peak moving season, summer is one of the best times to move. Keep these points in mind while considering a summertime move.

Pros

• There are a lot of houses available for sale during this season, so moving during the summer is a great choice for homebuyers.

• Days are longer in summer. With so much to do on moving day—including unpacking essentials in high-use rooms like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens—extra daylight hours can come in handy during your summer move.

• Kids are out of school for the summer, so families trying to decide the best time of year to move may find that this season allows for a smoother transition. Moving over the summer will not only ensure your kids can be involved with the move, but will make it easier for them to acclimate to a new school.

• Summer is a great time to host garage sales. If you’re planning on moving during this season, having a garage sale gives you the chance to downsize on belongings you no longer want or need and earn some extra cash at the same time.

Cons

• Summer heat can create certain risks for the moving process. People moving during this time of year will need to be mindful of staying hydrated, avoiding sunburn, and keeping belongings safe from temperature-related damage.

• Movers tend to charge higher rates during the summer, since it’s one of the most popular times of year to move.

• Movers are heavily booked and have much less availability during the summer season. If you move during this time of year, you’ll likely have to be more flexible with your schedule.

Fall

Is moving in fall the right choice for you? Check out these factors you should think about before moving at this time of year.

Pros

• Fall brings cool weather in most parts of the country, and these conditions are ideal for transporting sensitive items. If you’re concerned about hotter, more humid times of year when your items might sustain heat or moisture-related damage during transit, moving during fall can reduce this risk.

• Moving before the holidays arrive will give you time to settle in and prepare. This is especially helpful if you plan on hosting family and friends during that time of year.

• Moving companies have greater availability during the fall, so you can have more control over the timing of your move.

• Moving in the fall is more cost-effective, since it is the off-season for both moving companies and the real estate market.

Cons

• The school year is already starting up, so families with school-aged children may have a harder time moving at this time of year.

• Fall is a rainy season for some parts of the country, so movers will need to be mindful of slick surfaces and other related hazards when moving in the rain. Fog and rain on moving day can reduce visibility while driving, and slippery sidewalks and other surfaces can make carrying boxes in and out of moving trucks more difficult.

• Moving on a rainy day also means you’re more likely to track mud throughout your home or will need to quickly lay carpet film before the movers arrive.

• Selling a home at this time of year can be difficult, since fewer people buy homes in the fall.

• If you’re moving to a college town, you may have to compete with college students moving into the dorms. With more people moving in the fall, higher levels of traffic and the limited availability of professional movers can make your move more difficult.

Winter

Though it’s considered the off-season for moving, there are still many reasons you may choose to move during winter. Here are a few points to factor into your decision.

Pros

• Winter is the least common time of year to move, which means it’s also the least expensive season for moving.

• You can have your pick of moving dates when relocating in winter, since movers’ schedules are less hectic at this time of year.

• The housing market is much less competitive during the winter, so buying or renting a home is often less stressful and less expensive.

• Compared to other times of year, people tend to stay indoors more often in winter. Therefore, traffic may be lighter, which can make winter moving more convenient.

Cons

• Winter weather can affect road conditions and make it more difficult to travel.

• When moving in the snow, fragile items will have to be packed with extra care since slippery conditions may lead to boxes being dropped.

• The holidays are an already busy time of year, and moving during the holiday season will make it even more so.

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Ready to start preparing for your move? No matter what season you move in, Extra Space Storage has convenient self storage facilities located throughout the U.S. that can help with your transition. Find available storage units near you!