Are you looking to get a change of scenery? There’s a lot involved in moving to a new home and a lot of factors to consider.
Throughout the year, each season has its benefits when it comes to moving to a new home. Spring with cooler temperatures, summer’s longer daylight hours, autumn with lower real estate prices, and winter with lower costs of hiring help – there are upsides to every season. Of course, each has its downsides as well.
Whether you’re planning a DIY move or you’re hiring professionals to help you out, it’s good to have the whole picture before you begin coordinating. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each season to help you determine the best time of year to move.
Spring
Pros
The peak moving season begins around the end of May, which means you have a good few months of better weather and lower prices. In most places, March, April, and May have thawed from winter, leaving you with lengthening days and mild temperatures. Moving companies tend to have good manpower and trucks available in the spring months, which helps keep prices lower. Sandwiched between the harsh winter weather and – in many places – the intense peak of summer, spring is a more pleasant time to move for everyone.
Cons
Spring is particularly challenging for families as school is still in session. If you have older kids, they will also be entering into the exam period, so that moving can be disorienting and unsettling. The later you move in spring, the more the scarcity kicks in. That means prices begin to rise toward late spring, and you’ll have fewer options to pick and choose your perfect moving day as calendars fill up.
Summer
Pros
A prime real estate season, summer is a great time to sell your home. With increased demand, you’re liable to reap the benefits and sell at a higher price. Summer is the best time for families to move as schools will be out of session. Moving between school years means your kids can start a new year fresh in their new school. Of course, longer days are particularly tempting for summer moves, giving you more daylight hours to get the job done.
Cons
The main deterrent from moving during the summer months is the increase in prices. About 70% of moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, making it a competitive season for everyone. With higher demand comes higher prices, naturally, so budget accordingly. If you’re moving long-distance, it may also take longer to receive your items. That’s because many long-distance movers will carry multiple households in their trucks and will need to make each delivery one at a time. If you’re living in (or moving to) a hot, humid area, summer isn’t the most ideal. High temperatures and thick, sticky air can make moving feel like even more of a chore.
Autumn
Pros
In many parts of the country, autumn can be a lovely time of year to move. The weather is cooling down but not yet at its coldest. September through November tend to be pleasant months in most places. You’ll also be able to get moved and get settled before the holidays roll in. By the time you reach the new year, you’ll feel truly at home and ready for a fresh calendar start. If you’re buying a home, autumn is also a great time to look. Summer is the peak buying time, so the market will begin to cool off with the weather.
Cons
If you’re a family, fall is a tough time for a move. You’ll either start shifting right as the new year is beginning or as it’s just picking up speed, making it challenging for your kids. Things may be a little easier if they don’t need to change schools, but the shift can still be a bit unsettling for them. With the holidays coming up, movers often have fewer weekend moves available in the autumn months.
Winter
Pros
If you move in winter, you’ll find significantly lower prices than the rest of the year. Demand tends to be at its lowest to match the temperatures and lack of daylight hours. Since moving companies aren’t as busy in winter, you’ll be more likely to have your choice of day and time to make the shift.
Cons
Moving in winter weather can bring a host of challenges. Whether it’s snow, rain, ice, or just bitter cold, you and your movers will need to make some adjustments. You’ll find yourself doing a lot of prep work to protect your home from mud and snow getting tracked in. Movers will need to do more to prepare your things as well, from waterproofing boxes to covering furniture, and salting walkways.
