When Is the Best Time To Move?

When Is Moving Season?

Just like in sports or hunting, there is a definite moving season. Moving activity typically peaks during the summer months — essentially, when the school is out and the weather is warmer. In fact, 45% of all moves happen between May and August, according to proprietary HireAHelper data. During this period, movers often charge more because demand is at its highest. Movers also book up fast, so it can be harder to reserve the dates you want during the busy summer season. For long-distance moves, there can be longer timelines between pick-up and delivery dates as well.

If it’s best for your situation to move during the summer, you’ll want to reserve a date as soon as possible, ideally well ahead of the season. You may also want to consider a less expensive moving solution like driving a rental truck and hiring hourly moving help rather than booking a full-service mover. Or, give yourself enough time to shop around for moving companies to find the best price.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Move?

Given what we know about the seasonality of moving activity, it follows that the best month to move would be outside of the busy summer season —between late fall and early spring. During this time, moving demand is lower, and generally so are prices.

As mentioned earlier, choosing the right time to move isn’t just about cost. You also have to think about weather conditions and other considerations.

While the “off season” is usually the best time to move, it’s not always the best for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season to help you make the most informed decision about when to schedule your move.

Regional considerations, like local events, road closures, and spring break traffic, can also impact your moving experience, even outside of peak moving season. For instance, the Atlantic hurricane season extends until the end of November 30 — something for those in Southeastern states like Florida and Georgia to watch out for.

Here are some regional moving tips to keep in mind:

When Is the Best Time of the Month to Move?

Not only are there better times of the year for moving, but there’s also a better time of the month to move.

About a third of the country rents their homes, and most renters move every one to four years. Thanks to most leases beginning early in the month, the first and last weeks tend to be the busiest for moving companies.

This means the middle of the month tends to be the most cost-effective time to move.

"If you’re moving during a warmer season, starting the move early in the day helps you and your movers avoid hauling boxes when the sun is at its hottest."

While it’s common for rental leases to begin on the first of the month, sometimes renters have the flexibility to move in earlier with prorated rent, or they have the option of a middle-of-the-month lease start date. If this is a possibility for you, consider moving during the middle of the month for lower rates and greater mover availability.

In fact, some apartments may give special discounts when you move in in the middle of the month, just as they offer discounts during times of the year when occupancy is low.

When is the best time to move into an apartment?

When apartment hunting, you can save money by signing a lease during non-peak times — during the fall (September through November) and winter (December through February).

The longer an apartment sits on the market, the more likely it is that the owner will drop the rent to attract a tenant. So, looking for an apartment before or after the seasonal rush is a great way to save. The tradeoff is that there will be fewer units available, so you’re less likely to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Depending on the terms of your lease, you might not have any flexibility about scheduling your move. But if you do have some wiggle room, aiming for the middle of the month is best, when movers have more availability and you may possibly pay less of a premium for their services.

When Is the Best Time of the Week to Move?

As you might guess, the most popular part of the week to move is the weekend. Most people get time off from work and school on the weekends — and so do their friends or family who are helping them out with the move. This means that weekdays are the best time of the week to move, and the earlier in the week, the better.

If you can swing it, take time off and move during the week. If you’re planning on hiring moving labor or a moving company, this is your best bet for booking movers before calendars fill up. You might even save money on your move (for instance, U-Haul’s truck rental prices are slightly lower on weekdays compared to weekends). As a bonus, you won’t have to worry about childcare if school is in session and you’re moving locally.

When Is the Best Time of Day to Move?

When it comes to moving day, the morning is the best time of day to move for several reasons.

First, your movers are more likely to show up on time. They won’t have any jobs to complete before yours, so there’s less chance of a delay. They’re also more likely to show up fresh and energized.

If you’re moving during a warmer season, starting the move early in the day helps you and your movers avoid hauling boxes when the sun is at its hottest.

Plus, a morning move means you arrive at your new place sooner, giving you ample time to unpack and get settled. Try to get started around 8 am to 10 am — earlier if possible. It's an early start, but definitely worth it in the end.

The Best Time to Move

“When is the best time to move?” is ultimately a personal question —the answer depends on your budget, priorities, and the unique circumstances of your move. Following the guidelines above will not only help you save some cash, but it can make a world of difference in your moving experience as well.

Need a helping hand? No matter what time you choose to move, making sure you have reliable, professional moving help is a must. Find the top-rated moving help near you to get started.