Let’s face it, moving can be stressful. With such a major life change, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. Luckily, there are a number of ways to help you reduce stress and get the most out of your move. In fact, even the time of year you choose to move will have a big impact on your schedule – and your bank account. Keep reading to learn about the best times to move!
What Is the Best Time of Year To Move?
The best time of the year to move will depend on your particular family, budget, schedule, and preferences.
Summer
The summer months are considered to be the best time to move throughout the year. Families with school-aged children often move between June and September because their children are out of school, and the move won’t impact their schedules. This is especially helpful if you’re moving to a new school district.
Because summer is such a popular time to relocate, moving and housing costs tend to be higher. You’ll also have more options and more competition. If you want the scheduling benefits of moving during the summer months, it’s a good idea to aim for later in the season such as in August or September, since sellers are more eager to finalize a deal before the fall season.
Autumn
The autumn months can be a great time of year for price-conscious buyers. With the prime selling season winding down, you can usually find a great house for a better price. But for families with young children, taking them out of school at the beginning of the year can be difficult to manage. If you don’t have kids, then September, October, or November might be perfect for you to save money and get settled before the holidays.
Winter
Because winter is a less popular time to buy and sell, prices tend to be much lower. Moving companies are also not as in-demand during these months so they can be more flexible and are often more affordable. However, there are a number of downsides to moving at this time. For example, if you live in a part of the country that gets snow during winter, you’ll have to consider weather hazards during your move. Ice, sleet, and freezing temperatures will make the move less pleasant, and more dangerous.
Spring
The months of March, April, and May are great for buyers looking to take advantage of warmer weather and blooming plant life without the high costs associated with the summer market. In most places, spring brings warmer weather and more options. But for many people, especially families, uprooting their lives while kids may be preparing for exams can be a serious obstacle. The closer you get to prime selling months, the more competition you can expect.
When Is the Best Time To Move During the Month?
Many buyers don’t have the luxury of planning out their move for a specific time of the year. There are all kinds of reasons you may have to move at a certain time. But even if you can’t choose which season or month you want to move, you can still get the most out of your timing.
Moving at the beginning of the month is common because people usually end their leases near this time. If you can have some flexibility, moving during the middle of the month (between the 10th and 20th) will allow you to benefit from easier and more affordable access to moving services. You’ll also avoid most major holidays, depending on the month.
Throughout the week, weekends are a great time to move for people who work a traditional 9-5 job and for families with school-aged children. However, higher demand for moving services may impact your schedule and budget. If you have the option to schedule time off to move during the week, you’ll likely have a lower-stress move. Moving on Fridays is ideal if you want to avoid disrupting the week and have time to prepare for a new one.
Moving During Winter Months
If you live in an area that experiences cold weather, it’s important to plan thoroughly for a winter move. With low temperatures, ice, snow, and a higher rate of car accidents, there are many dangers and extra stressors that come with moving during the winter.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the forecast for the day and week you’re planning to move. If you’re expecting snow or ice on the roads, then be sure to prepare any vehicle you use with snow chains, ice scrapers, etc. If you’re renting a moving truck, be sure to inquire about vehicles that operate specifically for tricky weather. No matter how prepared you are, you should still be careful and drive slower than usual if you plan to drive yourself. There are a number of moving companies that offer specialized products and services for winter weather.
In addition to driving conditions, it’s also a good idea to prepare your new home before you begin the process. If you have a driveway, show up early to shovel snow and make access easier. If your heating is already set up, then warm the house up so moving will be more comfortable for movers and your family.
Moving for a Job? What You Should Know
Negotiate For a Stipend
Whether you’re relocating for your current job or taking a new direction in your career, it’s a great idea to talk to your boss about negotiating a stipend. A stipend is a set amount of money that is allotted to an individual to assist with expenses.
A stipend can be negotiated as a payment separate from your salary, or as an advance for your future work. Some employers even offer specific relocation assistance packages. If your job is the primary reason for your relocation, your new employer may offer compensation for some of your moving expenses
Look Into Cost of Living
While it may seem like a good financial decision to move to a new city for higher pay, that’s not always the case. Some cities are far more expensive to live in than others. For example, if you’re moving to San Diego, California from a smaller city like Tacoma, Washington, you’ll have to have an income about $20,000 higher for the same lifestyle. Check out this cost of living calculator to learn more.
Research Tax Requirements
Your new location and home could come with wildly different tax requirements, especially if you relocate to a different state. Be sure to look into how this might impact your financial situation before you make the jump. In some places, moving costs can even be written off on your taxes, especially if you moved for a job.
Make Your Move With West Coast Moving!
With all the anxieties that come with moving, it never hurts to have someone on your side. With West Coast Moving and Storage, relocating has never been easier. Our mission is to help ease the burden by handling the heavy lifting and frustrating logistics of your move.
Call us at (503) 477 5057 or contact us online to learn more and get a free quote today!