Your apartment is starting to feel a little small, you got a new job in the next city, or you found the perfect house for rent in Fort Collins. No matter the reason, you might feel like it’s time to move. But just because it feels right to you doesn’t mean it’s best for your bank account. Strategically choosing the right time to move can save you money. There are lots of factors to consider, but here are the general guidelines for the best times to move.
Moving between Monday and Thursday can be less expensive, especially if you are using a moving service or renting a truck yourself. Weekends tend to have larger demand, which means prices can be much higher. The downside of moving during the week is that many people have work and school, which means your friends might not be available to help if you’re going the DIY route. Click here for more reasons to move in the middle of the week.
Most leases start at the beginning or end of the month, which makes those times popular to move. Moving in the middle of the month could be less expensive because of lower demand for moving services. You could also potentially have more options if everyone else is locked into a lease.
Fall is a desirable time of year to move because it happens after the hot summer months when the weather starts to cool down in most parts of the country. The difference between moving somewhere hot in the middle of summer versus waiting a few months and enjoying cooler temperatures can make the move go more smoothly. Housing markets also tend to slow down in the fall, which means you could score a great deal. An extra benefit of moving in the fall is that you’ll likely be settled by the time the winter holidays roll around. One of the major downsides of moving in the fall is if you have school-age children who would have to change schools after the move.
Winter is considered the “off-season” of moving, but if you can arrange your schedule for a winter move, you could save on your moving costs. Many moving companies offer lower rates during the colder winter months. Lower demand also means you have more control over when the move happens so it can best fit your schedule. The major downside of moving in the winter is that you’re at the mercy of the weather. If you’re moving somewhere cold, you could face a snowstorm or freezing temperatures on your moving date. Winter is also the thick of the busy holiday season, which could potentially make moving even more stressful.
Early spring offers relatively pleasant weather before the busy moving season starts. Some moving companies offer spring savings to encourage people to move before the busy season, which could significantly lower the cost of moving. However, spring also brings end-of-year tests, graduation, and other festivities, so it might not be the best option with kids in school.
The vast majority of moves take place in the summer months when people are out of school and traveling. Moving between May and September means moving companies can typically charge higher rates due to demand. It can also take longer for your belongings to get to you during long-distance moves. However, moving during the summer can be a good option if you have kids in school and don’t want to disrupt their schedules during the school year. Click here to read more about the pros and cons of moving in each season.
There isn’t a perfect time of year to move that works for everyone. When choosing your moving date, consider your schedule and priorities and try to find the best time for you.
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