Mar
Table of Contents
According to the United States Census Bureau research exciting opportunities await the nearly 40 million Americans who relocate annually. While May through September marks the most popular moving season, each time of year offers unique advantages for your next adventure.
Choosing the best time to move can transform your relocation into a smooth, cost-effective experience. Whether you’re exploring when the best time to move into an apartment is or searching for the most cost-effective time to move, understanding the benefits of different seasons empowers you to make the perfect choice in 2025.
Summer Moves: Convenience and Demand
Why People Prefer Summer Moves
The warmer months consistently rank as the most popular time for changing residences. With abundant sunshine, extended daylight hours, and school vacations, summer creates an appealing window for families and professionals alike. However, is summer truly the best time of the year to move? Consider these factors before deciding:
Pros of a Summer Move
- Favorable Weather Conditions: Clear skies and warm temperatures eliminate concerns about snow, ice, or freezing conditions, creating a safer and more accessible moving environment.
- School Break Advantages: Families can relocate without disrupting their children’s education, making summer move planning significantly more straightforward for parents.
- Expanded Housing Options: Many lease agreements conclude during summer months, making it potentially the best month to move for those seeking variety in rental opportunities.
Cons of a Summer Move
- Premium Pricing: As the peak relocation season, summer demand drives up costs across the board. If finding the cheapest time to move tops your priority list, summer typically won’t offer the best value.
- Limited Scheduling Options: The high volume of summer moves means booking your preferred date can become challenging without advance planning.
- Heat-Related Challenges: Moving during high temperatures and humidity requires additional precautions for both people and possessions, potentially making the process more physically demanding.
Winter Moves: Affordability and Flexibility
Do People Move in Winter?
Though less common, winter relocations offer compelling advantages that savvy movers increasingly recognize.
Pros of a Winter Move
- Substantial Savings: Winter consistently ranks as the cheapest time to move, with companies offering discounts compared to summer rates due to decreased demand.
- Greater Scheduling Freedom: Moving services typically maintain more open calendars during colder months, allowing you to secure your ideal moving date with less advance notice.
- Rental Market Advantages: With fewer people actively seeking housing, a winter move can provide leverage when negotiating lease terms or securing desirable properties. According to a recent Research Center survey, rental prices are currently high, so relocating in winter can be the perfect time to explore your options.
Cons of a Winter Move
- Weather Challenges: Snow, ice, and cold temperatures create additional logistical challenges when attempting to move safely in winter.
- Reduced Daylight: Shorter days mean less natural light for packing, loading, and unloading – potentially extending your moving timeline.
- Possible Travel Delays: Winter storms can disrupt travel plans, particularly for long-distance moves requiring interstate travel or flights.
When Is the Best Time to Move in 2025?
Determining the best time of year to move ultimately depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. When is the best time to relocate? Cost-conscious movers will typically find winter offers the most economical options, while those prioritizing logistics and convenience may benefit from summer’s predictable conditions despite higher prices.
When Is the Best Time to Move into an Apartment?
- Maximum Selection: Summer months typically offer the widest variety of available units as many tenants complete their lease terms.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Winter relocations often come with incentives like reduced security deposits or even first-month discounts as landlords compete for fewer prospective tenants.
Best Month to Move
Each period of the year offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities:
- Winter (January-February): These winter months represent the best time to move for budget-conscious individuals, with moving costs at their annual low and negotiating power at its peak.
- Spring (March-May): Spring provides an excellent middle ground, balancing moderate weather with reasonable rates before the summer rush begins.
- Summer (June-August): The classic summer move offers predictable weather and maximum daylight, though at premium prices.
- Fall (September-November): Early autumn remains relatively mild while offering declining rates as the industry transitions from peak season.
Tips to Move Safely in Winter and Summer
Tips for a Winter Move
- Check the Weather Forecast: Track conditions for moving days and create backup plans for unexpected winter weather changes.
- Dress in Layers: Thermal underwear beneath regular clothes maintains warmth while allowing freedom of movement. Non-slip footwear ensures secure footing.
- Protect Your Belongings: Invest in waterproof packing materials and plastic bins for electronics and valuable items to keep them safe.
- Prepare Pathways: Clear snow and apply ice melt to walkways at both origin and destination properties before moving day arrives.
- Maximize Daylight: Schedule your winter move to begin early, taking full advantage of available natural light.
Tips for a Summer Move
- Stay Hydrated: Keep water bottles accessible throughout the moving process and enjoy regular breaks in shaded areas.
- Choose Optimal Hours: Begin early or schedule evening loading to make the most of cooler temperatures outside the midday peak between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen, hats, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to keep your skin healthy during extended outdoor moving activity.
- Wear Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: Cotton and other moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable during physically active moving tasks.
- Keep Electronics Cool: Position electronics and sensitive items in shaded areas to preserve their optimal functioning throughout the move.
Find Out When Is the Best Time to Move with White Glove Moving & Storage
The best time to relocate aligns with your particular priorities and circumstances. If maximizing your budget matters most, a winter move rewards you with impressive savings. If you prefer predictable conditions and logistical ease, a summer move perfectly matches your needs.
Partnering with experienced professionals elevates your moving experience in any season. White Glove Moving & Storage delivers premium moving services throughout NY and NJ, ensuring an effortless transition to your new home.
Ready to experience a seamless relocation? Contact us today to schedule your move, no matter the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the most cost-effective time to move?
January and February typically offer the lowest moving rates, with potential savings of up to 30% compared to peak summer prices. During these winter months, moving companies have fewer bookings, leading to more competitive pricing and greater negotiating power for customers seeking additional services.
What if I want to move in the summer?
Your best bet is to book your preferred date in the spring. You’ll likely get the exact date you want at the best price possible. The longer you wait, the more complicated scheduling becomes, as summer is the peak moving season. Consider mid-week moves rather than weekends, and if possible, choose dates early or late in the summer season (early June or late August) when demand may be slightly lower.
How far in advance should I book my move during different seasons?
For summer moves (June-August), book 6-8 weeks ahead to secure your preferred date. Spring and fall require 4-6 weeks’ notice. Winter moves can often be arranged with just 2-4 weeks’ notice, though booking early still ensures the best rates and options. Add an extra 2 weeks to these timeframes for holiday periods in any season.
Do people move in the winter?
Yes! Many budget-conscious individuals specifically choose winter to take advantage of reduced rates and increased scheduling flexibility. Business professionals and renters without children often find winter moves particularly advantageous as they can avoid the summer rush while securing better rates on both moving services and rental properties.
How can I move safely in winter?
Prepare with weather-appropriate gear and clothing, maintain clear walkways, use weatherproof packing materials, and plan your schedule around available daylight. Have a backup plan in case of severe weather, ensure your utilities are connected before arrival, and keep winter emergency supplies accessible rather than packed away. Consider hiring professional movers experienced with winter conditions to handle the most challenging aspects.
How can I stay cool during a summer move?
Begin early (starting by 7 AM if possible), stay consistently hydrated, wear sun protection, choose lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, and take regular breaks to prevent heat-related issues. Create cooling stations with fans and shade at both locations, keep electronics and heat-sensitive items out of direct sunlight, and consider renting a climate-controlled moving truck to protect your belongings from extreme temperatures.
What items require special attention during seasonal moves?
During winter, protect electronics, musical instruments, artwork, and liquid items from freezing temperatures. In summer, be cautious with candles, vinyl records, photographs, and certain types of furniture that can warp in high heat.