Moving Time: When is the Best Time of Year to Move?

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Sometimes we can choose when we want to move, and other times, life dictates this decision for us. For example, if you’re moving locally and want to relocate to be closer to a job or family members, then you probably can pick the best time to move for your family depending on your workload or your kids’ school calendar. But sometimes, life throws you a curveball and  you don’t have a choice but to move as soon as possible. Maybe your landlord is selling the rental property you live in or perhaps your job is transferring you to a new state. No matter the situation, there are pros and cons to moving during the various seasons of the year. But if you do have a choice, when is the best time of year to move?

True and False: Summer is the Best Time to Move

Source: Texas Monthly

It’s estimated that over 40 million Americans move each year and 64% of those who move do so between the months of May to September. The majority of those who move in summer are 18-34 year olds, and people in their 20’s represent the highest numbers. Clearly summer has some clear and obvious benefits as to why it’s often considered the best time of year to move:

  1. People in their 30s and older  are most likely to have children in school, so summer break is the best time to move to make sure that their kids can adjust to a new school at the beginning of the year.
  2. Since this is when most people move, this is also the time when there is the most housing options on the market. You’ll find that you’ll have more options and a better chance to find that perfect home for you and your family.
  3. Summer is also the most popular season for garage sales which is the perfect way for you to get rid of that extra clutter while making some side cash to help pay for the move; the timing couldn’t be better!

There are some serious downsides to moving during the summer. Since this is believed to be the best time to move, you may have a harder time finding a moving company to help you since they’ll be more in demand. But if you haven’t planned ahead, there is an alternative: you can book a Dolly on-demand to help with your move. We’ll connect you with a local pickup truck owner who can take care of all your moving and lifting needs.

The next consideration for moving in summer is the weather.If you live somewhere particularly steamy, be smart about moving in the cooler part of the morning and fill a cooler full of water bottles to make sure that everyone stays hydrated and healthy. (Here’s a handy summer moving checklist to help you stay organized and to help you beat the heat.)

One final consideration: since more buyers or renters are searching through real estate during the summer months, be prepared to have some competition. Prices could be higher and less incentives are offered for renters during this busy season.

Is the Best Time of Year to Move in the Off-Season?

Source: The Berkshire Eagle

If you want to avoid the competition of summer housing prices or you want a discount on a rental, the best time to move may be in the autumn or winter. According to Rent.com, “If you’re looking for a deal on an apartment, winter is generally the best time to find a new place to live. Apartment turnover is much slower during the winter months, so while you may have fewer units to choose from, property managers may be more likely to cut you a deal to fill their vacancies.”

While prices may be at their lowest for moving companies and apartment complexes, the off season definitely will have its challenges courtesy of temperamental temperatures.

If you’re moving in the fall, consider that you’ll need shoes with good traction, a raincoat, and other supplies that will protect your treasures from rain and wind as you transfer them from the moving truck to your new home.

Winter will also pose some obstacles depending on what part of the country you’re moving to, so don’t tempt Mother Nature by being unprepared. Consider winter moving tips like remembering to shovel a clear path in the snow before your movers arrive, be sure to call your utilities company to turn on your heat in your new home, and research how to properly insulate your electronics against the cold. It can also be scary and dangerous to drive a big moving truck to a new location in freezing weather, so book a Dolly instead of doing this dangerous job yourself. Our Helpers are pros when it comes to maneuvering their big moving vehicles in any kind of weather.

Regardless of when you plan to move, the best thing that you can do is prepare. There are pros and cons to every season, so the best time of year to move is really what works best for you and your family. And remember, Dolly is here to help you every step of the way. Our Dolly Helpers have moved families during every month of the year and know how to adjust and prepare for the ever-changing seasons. Dolly can be your moving companion any time of year!