If you’re moving this summer, you’re not alone. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, July is the busiest month for movers, with more than one million people packing up their homes and hitting the open road.
But when is the peak moving season? And how can you make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible? Here’s what you need to know.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 35 million Americans move each year. One-third of those people move between Memorial Day and Labor Day — making summer the peak moving season. It is important to keep in mind that moving during peak season can be a hassle. You will have more competition, higher costs, and the possibility of scheduling issues. That being said, there are also some benefits, including warmer weather which may lead to fewer problems with your belongings arriving safely at their destination and various discounts available for those who need them! As always, it’s best to plan so you don’t get caught off guard when it comes time for an expensive move. There are several reasons for this:
Summer vacations: The first reason has to do with your fellow Americans. Vacation season starts in June and ends in August, meaning that people who go on summer vacations tend to move during this time.
The kids are out of school: July is the most popular month for moving because it’s when the kids have finished their school year — a major change from winter, where your children might still be stuck at their desks. Also, for kids who move in the middle of a school year (whether that be to start or end it), summer is usually the preferred time.
It’s easier to pack and load: Moving during July and August means you’ll have warmer weather to work with — which means it will be easier for you and your movers to load and unload your belongings.
Moving companies are less busy: July and August are the least-busy months of the year for moving companies. As a result, if you work with a big company like Bellhops, you’ll often be able to get them on short notice. However, during this period, many small local movers might also have slower seasons, making competition for trucks intense.
Prices are traditionally lower: Moving prices tend to be cheapest in the summer months when demand is lower, and supply is high. That said, you might need to book your move several weeks in advance if you want to enjoy one of these discounts.
It’s difficult to shift during the winter: Moving during the winter months is challenging because the weather is not very cooperative. Ice and snow make it harder to pack your belongings, load them onto the truck, and navigate the roads. Plus, if you live in a colder climate, you might have more extended periods of freezing temperatures — making changes even more difficult.
Rental leases end and begin during the summer months: Summer is the season for ending and beginning rental agreements. Many individuals and families move during this time because their existing leases are expiring, while others are fresh out of college looking for a new place to live.
Book your moving company well in advance: If you’re planning to move in the summer, make sure to book your movers as early as possible. Not only will you avoid competition with others, but this ensures that they’ll be able to take on your job regardless of how busy they are.
Take advantage of warm weather: According to Atlas Van Lines, moving during the summer months means you’ll have a higher probability of your belongings arriving at your new home safely. That’s because there are fewer weather-related issues to worry about. So pack up those boxes and get ready for a smooth move!
Take advantage of moving discounts: The moving season is one of the most expensive periods to move. Moving company rates and truck rental costs are frequently greater in the summer months due to the high demand. Fortunately, there are various discounts available that can help offset these expenses. For example, you might be able to get cheaper rates by bundling your move with other services. To learn about the many options for moving discounts, contact companies like U-Haul in advance before booking your move.
Prepare a mid-week, mid-month relocation: Moving at the start or end of the month generally costs more than moving in the middle of the month. It’s also best to book a mid-week move instead of a weekend one, as the former attracts fewer people.
Be patient: If you’re planning to relocate during peak moving season, be prepared for possible scheduling delays. To avoid this inconvenience, try to schedule your specific dates early on and have a backup plan in case things fall through.
To save money, remove unnecessary items from your luggage: When you move, the cost of the move rises with each item that you carry. So, to save some cash, remove items that are not essential. If you want to carry something with you but don’t need it for at least a month or two after moving, ask your new landlord if you can store it in the basement or attic before bringing it inside. That will help lower your overall costs!
Budget carefully: You’ll also want to do some financial planning in advance so that you have the funds available when the time comes. If you don’t have enough in your bank account, you might have to take out a credit card or loan in order to cover the expenses.
Beat the heat: Pack a small cooler with bottled water, snacks, and perishables when you move during the summer months. That way, you don’t have to worry about your food or beverages getting too hot in the back of a moving truck during an especially sunny day.
Continue preparing for your move after you’ve scheduled it: If you’re expecting a busy season come moving time, keep that in mind when considering how far out you want to book your moving services. If possible, try to complete everything a week before so that it’s out of the way and you can relax while your belongings are being transported.
Don’t forget anything important: In addition to getting rid of unnecessary items before moving, ensure that you have all essential documents on hand. This includes birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, and insurance.
Make sure you follow these helpful hints to ease the move during peak season. With a little bit of advanced preparation, your relocation will have a much smoother overall process!
Peak moving season is a time when many people choose to relocate. There are several reasons why this might be a good time for you to move as well. For one, the demand for movers and truck rental services is high, so you’re likely to get better rates. Additionally, there are more discounts available during this time than at any other point in the year. Additionally, if you wait until the end of the month or week to schedule your move, you may face longer wait times or increased prices. Finally, by following some simple preparation tips, you can make your relocation smoother and less stressful!
The peak season for movers is the summer when 80% of all moves in the United States occur between April and September. August tends to be the busiest moving month of all, followed by July and September.
Why is the peak season for movers in the summer?
This has to do with temperature; during this time of year, your belongings are less likely to get damaged, making it an optimum time for relocation. There are also various discounts available to make moving in the summer more affordable.
Last, of the weekdays, Friday is regarded as the ideal day to move for a reason — shifting on a Friday implies that you will just take one day off work and have the whole weekend to unpack your things and get settled in at your new home. Saturdays, which are sometimes regarded as the busiest moving days of the week, require two days off work.
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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