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If you have flexibility in your schedule, choosing the right time to move can save you money, reduce stress, and make the entire process easier.
So, what is the best month to move?
The answer depends on your priorities.
- If your goal is saving money, the best months are usually October through April.
- If your goal is convenience for families and school schedules, summer often works best.
- If you want the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing, many moving experts consider October and November to be ideal.
Here’s how each season compares.
The Short Answer
Best Overall Months
October and November
Why?
✔ Lower moving demand
✔ More mover availability
✔ Moderate weather in many parts of the country
✔ Potentially lower prices
Cheapest Months
January and February
Why?
✔ Lowest demand
✔ Greater scheduling flexibility
✔ Potentially lower rates
Most Popular Months
June, July, and August
Why?
✔ School breaks
✔ Favorable weather
✔ Easier family transitions
Why Does the Month Matter?
Moving costs and availability change throughout the year because of demand.
Factors include:
- School schedules
- Weather conditions
- Housing market activity
- Lease cycles
- Vacation schedules
During busy periods, moving companies often have:
- Higher demand
- Less availability
- Higher prices
During slower periods, you may benefit from:
- More scheduling options
- Greater flexibility
- Lower costs
Moving During the Summer
June Through August
Summer is the busiest moving season.
Many people choose summer because:
✔ Children are out of school
✔ Weather is generally predictable
✔ Home sales peak during this period
Advantages
- Easier for families
- Longer daylight hours
- School transitions are simpler
Disadvantages
- Higher prices
- Limited availability
- Greater competition
- Hot weather in many regions
If you’re moving during summer, book movers early (often 6 to 8 weeks in advance).
Moving During the Fall
September Through November
Many moving professionals consider fall the sweet spot.
Demand begins to decline after summer, while the weather remains relatively favorable.
Advantages
✔ Lower moving costs
✔ Better availability
✔ Mild temperatures in many areas
✔ Less competition
Disadvantages
- School is already in session
- Weather can become unpredictable in some regions
For many households, October offers one of the best combinations of affordability and convenience.
Moving During the Winter
December Through February
Winter is generally the least expensive time to move.
Advantages
✔ Lower prices
✔ More scheduling flexibility
✔ Easier booking
Disadvantages
- Snow and ice in some areas
- Holiday scheduling conflicts
- Shorter daylight hours
If you’re moving in warmer climates, winter can be one of the best times of the year to relocate.
Moving During the Spring
March Through May
Spring offers a balance between winter savings and summer convenience.
Advantages
✔ Moderate weather
✔ Increased availability
✔ Less demand than summer
Disadvantages
- Spring storms in some regions
- Prices begin rising as summer approaches
Many people find April and May to be excellent moving months.
The Cheapest Month to Move
If your only goal is minimizing costs:
January is often the cheapest month to move.
During this period:
- Demand is low
- Movers have greater availability
- Promotional pricing may be available
However, weather conditions can create additional challenges.
The Best Month for Families
For families with children:
June and July remain the most practical options.
Benefits include:
- No school interruptions
- More time to settle in
- Easier transitions for children
The tradeoff is typically higher moving costs.
The Best Month for Long-Distance Moves
For long-distance relocations, many people prefer:
October
Why?
✔ Moderate weather
✔ Lower demand
✔ Reduced travel complications
✔ Better mover availability
Does the Day of the Month Matter?
Absolutely.
Moving costs can also vary based on:
More Expensive
- End of the month
- Weekends
- Holidays
Often Less Expensive
- Mid-month
- Mid-week
- Non-holiday periods
If your schedule is flexible, choosing the right day can save money.
Weather Considerations by Region
The best month also depends on where you’re moving.
Southern States
Summer heat can make moving physically exhausting.
Consider:
- Fall
- Winter
- Early spring
Northern States
Winter weather can complicate moves.
Consider:
- Late spring
- Summer
- Early fall
Mountain Regions
Snow and weather conditions may affect accessibility during winter months.
When Should You Book Movers?
Regardless of the month, booking early helps.
Peak Season
Book:
6–8 weeks ahead
Off-Season
Book:
3–6 weeks ahead
Earlier booking generally provides:
- Better pricing
- More options
- Less stress
Best Months by Priority
|
Priority |
Best Month |
|
Lowest Cost |
January |
|
Best Weather |
October |
|
Families With Children |
June/July |
|
Long-Distance Moves |
October |
|
Best Overall Value |
October/November |
|
Maximum Availability |
January/February |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people create unnecessary stress by:
❌ Waiting too long to book
❌ Focusing only on weather
❌ Ignoring seasonal pricing
❌ Moving during peak demand without planning ahead
❌ Forgetting local weather conditions
A little flexibility can often save both money and frustration.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t a single “best” month to move for everyone.
- October and November often provide the best balance of price, weather, and availability.
- January and February are usually the least expensive.
- Summer months remain the most convenient for families.
The best month for your move ultimately depends on your budget, schedule, family needs, and destination.
Planning a Move?
Bellhop helps customers plan local and long-distance moves with flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and professional moving support throughout the year.
Whether you’re moving during peak season or looking to take advantage of off-season savings, Bellhop can help you find the right moving solution.
Get your moving quote today.
Call +1 (888) 498-1085 or book online today to get started.
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