Whether you’re moving locally or a long distance, the process can feel stressful. Choosing the right time to move, however, can make everything a lot smoother. Some parts of the year, month or even week are simply better for settling into a new home.
No matter if you’re hiring a moving company or doing it on your own, you’ll often find cheaper rates and more open schedules with movers and truck rentals during the less busy periods.
Best Months to Move
If you want the best time to move, aim for November or December. Movers usually aren’t as busy then since kids are in school and most families don’t like moving during the holidays.
It’s best to avoid moving in the summer because that’s the busiest season and prices are highest.
For lower costs, try moving in the middle of the month. Movers tend to be the busiest at the start and end of the month since that’s when most rental agreements begin or finish.
Best Days to Move
If possible, plan your move on a weekday—Monday through Thursday. Since most people move on weekends, moving companies are usually less busy during the week. You might also save money by skipping weekend rates.
These tips are useful but you should also think about other factors—like whether you have children, what the weather will be like and if any holidays are near. All of these can play a role in choosing the best moving day.
Best Times to Move if You Have Children
A lot of families feel that summer is the best time to move with kids. Since school is out, children can be more involved and you don’t have to deal with school runs or homework during the move. Summer also gives them time to adjust to the new house and get familiar with the neighborhood before starting a new school.
Others believe moving during the school year can sometimes be better. Teachers might have more time to support your child than at the start of the year and it may be easier for kids to make friends since classmates already know each other. In the end, every child is different, so you’re the best person to decide what works for your family.
Best Seasons to Move Based on Weather
Weather plays a big role in planning a move, depending on where you’re leaving from and where you’re headed. Even though it can be hard to predict, spring and fall are usually the easiest seasons to move. Summer can be too hot in many places and winter can be tough in others. Also, remember that summer is the priciest time to move.
Best Times to Move Based on Holidays
When planning a move, consider holidays and how crowded the roads might get. Holiday traffic can make things stressful. Also, if you’re moving to a new place where you don’t know anyone yet, it’s better not to arrive right before a major holiday. Moving a little earlier gives you time to settle in, meet neighbors and feel more at home when the holidays come.
Even though these may be the best times to move, it’s not always possible to pick your exact moving date. But if you do have some flexibility, keeping these tips in mind can help make your move smoother.