The majority of people will have to relocate at some point in their lives, and if you don’t plan ahead, it can be a stressful, time-consuming, and financially draining experience.
You may set yourself up for the best possible relocation experience by planning your move around the busiest time of the year. You can save money on truck rental, movers, and other moving-related costs by scheduling your relocation during a less busy time of year.
In this article, we’ll discuss when the busiest and least busy times of year to move are, the factors that influence these periods, and what you need to know in order to have a seamless moving process.
Current Moving Industry Trends
Real estate professionals, movers, and homebuyers are gearing up to make predictions for next year as the market begins to settle into its “new normal.” Here are some common relocation practices to keep in mind as you make your moving preparations:
- Inventories are on the rise. According to Realtor.com’s data, the housing market is becoming more buyer-friendly as inventory levels grow.
- There will be no upcoming price reductions. While inflation is anticipated, it is expected to occur at a significantly lesser rate than in 2021.
- Suburb migration has not slowed. With the pandemic having sped up the trend, we expect to see even more people moving to the suburbs in the foreseeable future.
What Are The Busiest Times Of The Year To Move?
Statistically speaking, the busiest times of the year to move are between May 16th and September 9th, as well as between December 21st and December 31st. Slightly less busy times, but still busy nonetheless, include:
- May 5th to May 15th
- September 10th to September 30th
- November 13th to November 22nd
- December 10th to December 20th
Expecting The Worst During The Busy Season
We know it’s not always possible, but try to avoid busy moving days to ensure a smooth and efficient relocation. If that’s the case, it’s in your best interest to schedule and pay for your services as far in advance as possible. If you don’t, you might have to deal with any of the following issues:
- Transportation shortfalls due to a lack of available trucks. The scarcity of truck drivers in the United States is not a recent phenomenon but a very serious one. Price changes occur every month because of seasonal variations in freight demand. Therefore, many who receive a lump amount may find that they are unable to secure the relocation services for their desired move date or are forced to pay significantly higher fees for it.
- Conflicting schedules. When demand is high for movers, it can have a snowball effect on the availability of other services involved in the relocation. If, for example, the local suppliers of utilities are experiencing a high volume of requests for installation or activation, it may be difficult for the new residents to schedule appointments for the installation of utilities such as internet, cable, electricity, or gas.
- Postponed deadlines. Finally, employees who are buying or selling a house during high-demand times should be aware that inspections, appraisals, and the escrow procedure may also be delayed, potentially pushing out the closure dates.
Tips On How To Move Successfully
Relocating companies are busiest from May through September, so if you need their services, you should start making plans three to four months in advance if you’re moving then. If you’re moving in the winter, shovel or salt the sidewalks and driveways, so they’re free of snow and ice. It would be best to clear a path from the house to the street so the movers can get in and out easily.
Some Items Can’t Be Relocated: Did you realize there are some things you can’t pack up and take with you?
Some of these items include:
- Car Batteries
- HoverBoards
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Guns and ammo
- Matches
- Gasoline
- Fireworks
- Oxygen bottles
- Fluid Cleaners
- Lamp Oil
- Ammonia or Acids
- Signal flares
- Poisons, Fertilizer, or Pesticides
- Nail polish remover
- Paints and paint thinners
- Propane cylinders
- Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
- Radiopharmaceuticals
Transporting Pets: The upheaval of relocation can be difficult for our pets. If you’re taking your pet with you on your move, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your pet will need its own seat in the car and must be properly restrained.
- You’ll also need to bring a carrier for your pet if it’s small enough to fit in one.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your pet, including vaccination records and proof of ownership.
Programs That Pay Out a Lump Sum or Reimburse Expenses: During these busier seasons, relocating employees, especially those who are using a lump sum or a full-service corporate relocation program, can expect to pay more and have delays in service. If you can, plan your relocation for a day with fewer other commitments.
Takeaway
To sum up, the best times to move are during the spring and early fall months. The worst time to move is during the summer or before the winter holidays. If you must move during the summer, try to schedule your move for a weekday instead of a weekend.
The moving industry is already affected by trends that are making it difficult to find available trucks and drivers. So, if you’re using a lump sum or full-service program, start making your arrangements as soon as possible. Lastly, don’t forget that some items can’t be relocated, and if you’re bringing your pet with you on your move, make sure you have all the necessary documents.