When is the Best Time to Move

Moving is already stressful, but choosing the wrong time can make it even harder and more expensive.

Prices change during the year, movers get fully booked, and weather conditions can slow everything down. That’s why timing matters.

Many people wonder, when is the best time to move? The answer depends on your schedule, budget, and priorities.

In this article, we’ll look at the best season, the cheapest months, the ideal week, and even the best time of day to plan your move.

When Do People Move the Most?

If you’re wondering, when do people move the most, the answer is during the summer. Late spring through early fall is known as peak moving season, with the highest demand between May and August.

The busiest time is summer because families prefer to move when school is out, making the transition easier for children. Another thing that adds to demand is that most of the job relocations also happen mid-year.

Since more people move during this time, prices often increase due to supply and demand. Movers book quickly, and costs are usually higher compared to other seasons.

Best Time of Year to Move

Each season offers distinct advantages and challenges when planning a move.

1. Summer (Peak Season)

Summer is the peak moving season for good reason. The weather is generally reliable, school is out, and it’s often easier to take time off work. But this popularity comes with drawbacks:

Higher demand means professional movers are booked quickly. Higher costs are typical during this busiest time of year for the moving industry.

The summer heat can make the physical work more challenging, and heavy traffic on moving days, especially in metropolitan areas, can cause delays.

2. Winter (Off-Peak Season)

Winter months, especially January and February, are typically the cheapest time to move. With lower demand, you’ll find:

• Lower prices across the board.

• More scheduling flexibility with moving companies.

• Less competition for moving dates.

• Better deals on real estate in many markets.

However, winter moves come with challenges like cold weather, potential snow or icy roads, and fewer daylight hours.

3. Spring (Transitional Season)

Early spring to late spring might actually be the best time of year to move. The weather is mild with cooler temperatures than summer, and you’ll find better deals as it’s just before peak season hits.

Spring offers a good balance: the housing market starts picking up, giving you more options for your new apartment or home, but you won’t face the extreme competition of summer.

For many families with school-age children, late spring (after the school year ends) provides a smooth transition before the peak moving season begins.

4. Fall (Underrated Option)

Every fall deserves serious consideration as perhaps the best season to move for many people. The weather is ideal, weather is ideal, with comfortable temperatures for physical activity.

As the peak season winds down, you’ll find lower rates from professional movers, more availability for your preferred move data, less demand for rental trucks and storage units, and a still-active real estate market.

Early fall to late fall represents a sweet spot where good weather meets reasonable prices. College students have already settled, and fewer people are relocating, giving you more negotiating power.

Best Months to Move

November and December are the best months to move. This is when the moving companies are slowest, as kids are busy with school, and most people don’t want to move because of the holidays.

Avoid moving in summer, as those are the most expensive months to move. Plan your move to take place mid-month, which is typically the busiest time for movers, as many leases are up at the beginning of the month.

Cheapest Time of Year to Move

Move in January or February for the lowest rates, which are often up to 30% cheaper than moving in July or August.

A $5,000 move in July could cost you just $3,500 in January. That’s a huge savings just for adjusting your timeline.

Best Week & Best Days to Move

The best week to move is typically mid-month, when there’s less demand compared to month beginnings or ends, when leases typically turn over.

As for the best day of the week? Weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) generally offer:

• Lower costs than weekend moves

• More availability with professional moving companies

• Less traffic on the roads

• More flexibility with work schedules if you can take a day or two off.

If your schedule allows, a mid-week, mid-month move date can save you significantly on moving expenses.

Best Time of Day for Your Move

The best time to start your move is early in the morning. Morning hours are usually cooler, especially in the summer, which makes the heavy lifting easier and safer.

You can also avoid traffic hours, which helps make the move quicker and smoother. Movers will be more efficient in the daytime when they are fresh and focused.

An early start would also allow you additional time to unpack and relax. Moving between 8 and 10 a.m. is preferable, as long as possible.

So, When Is the Best Time to Move?

There’s no season that works perfectly for everyone. When is the best time to move really comes down to your needs.

If your goal is to save money, you should go for the winter months and weekdays, because they’re often the cheapest time of year to move. If convenience is essential, summer may be a better fit for you, even though it's more expensive.

Weekdays and early mornings can help you with stress and expenses as well. Weather, traffic, and availability of movers also play a role. The best time of the year to make the move must be within your timing and budget.

By planning carefully, you can choose the right moving date and enjoy a smoother transition to your new home.