If you’re like most people, you might assume summer is the “best” time to move — but is it really? Or is the ideal season to relocate simply based on your needs and preference?
For many people, preferences don’t dictate the “ideal” time to move simply because a move occurs according to necessity. But if you do have the luxury of deciding when you want to relocate, there are several factors you should consider.
To help you determine your own ideal time to move, experts at Ace Moving & Warehousing share the advantages and drawbacks of moving during each season of the year.
Moving During Winter: Benefits and Drawbacks
Is winter the best season for you to plan your move? That depends. Winter isn’t automatically a terrible time of year to move just because there’s snow and ice. Rather, winter relocations offer a few benefits you can’t get during any other season. Let’s take a look at potential benefits and drawbacks:
Winter Moving Benefit #1: Potential Cost Savings
The demand for professional movers and packers is usually low during the winter months. Since the cost of hiring movers typically fluctuates according to consumer demand, moving during winter can potentially save you money.
Winter Moving Benefit #2: Low Competition for Move Dates
Because demand for movers is typically low throughout winter, you can typically schedule your preferred move date without any competition for that time slot. You’ll save yourself the trouble of planning for alternate move dates, which can be stressful in and of itself.
Winter Moving Benefit #3: Avoid the Heat
Moving is tough work, and if you’re handling all or part of the packing, loading, and unpacking process by yourself, you could be at risk for heat exhaustion during the hotter months. When you move during the winter, you don’t have to worry about that at all.
Winter Moving Drawback #1: Unpredictable Weather
Most people shy away from moving during winter for one reason: the weather is terrible. It’s cold, snowy, and icy, which can make any move more complicated and uncomfortable. If you’re loading things by yourself, the risk of dropping boxes and breaking things is typically also higher given the ice and snow.
Winter Moving Drawback #2: Road Conditions
If you’ve lived in a snowy climate for any length of time, you know road conditions are at their worst during the winter months. You also know that snow and ice can increase your risk of being involved in a collision, and that’s true even if you’re hiring a moving company.
Winter Moving Drawback #3: Potential for Water Damage
When there’s snow and ice everywhere — or when it’s snowing during the loading process — your belongings are at an increased risk of suffering moisture-related damage. When boxes get wet and they’re not dried off right away, that moisture can seep through the cardboard and may cause damage to sensitive items.
If you’re moving electronics, especially if you put them in the back of the moving truck (which you should avoid), they could freeze and develop condensation when they thaw, which may render them unusable.
Are you thinking of moving during the snowy season? If so, you’ll definitely want to check out these 6 winter moving tips and tricks you need to know.
Moving During Spring: Benefits and Drawbacks
Considering a spring relocation? For many people, spring is a great time to move, but moving during spring doesn’t come without a few potential drawbacks. Let’s take a look:
Spring Moving Benefit #1: Potential Cost Savings
March, April, and May lead up to peak moving season. Since the demand for professional movers is still relatively low during this time of year, moving during spring can potentially save you money.
Spring Moving Benefit #2: You’re More Likely to Get Your Preferred Dates
Like planning a winter move, you’ll likely get your first choice of time slot and first choice of movers during spring since the company's schedule probably won’t be packed. In Minnesota, the weather is typically mild during spring, too, which can make for a comfortable move.
Spring Moving Drawback #1: Rising Demand
Should you plan your move during the end of spring, there may be increased demand for professional moving services since summer isn’t far off. You may have to rearrange your move schedule slightly if you don’t book a mover early, so do your best to plan ahead.
Spring Moving Drawback #2: School Schedules
If you have kids in school, moving during spring can definitely interfere with year-end school activities, which can be a major bummer for your children. Final exams typically take place during spring as well. Taking your kids out of school during May or June may present issues with their ability to complete required coursework, depending on how far you’re planning to move.
Moving During Summer: Advantages and Disadvantages
Most people prefer to plan their relocation during the summer for a variety of reasons. But moving in summer does have disadvantages too. As you consider planning a summer move, think about the following advantages and potential disadvantages:
Summer Moving Advantage #1: Command a Higher Price for Your Home
If you own your home and are planning to sell it before you move, summer may be an ideal time to relocate. Since the summer months are peak real estate season, there are more prospective buyers shopping around during this time of year. More buyers can translate to more interest in your property and ultimately, a higher selling price.
Summer Moving Advantage #2: No School
If you have kids in public or private education, summer is a great time to move because school is not in session. You won’t be taking your kids from their friends and favorite teachers in the middle of the school year, which can be much easier on them emotionally.
Summer Moving Advantage #3: More Time to Get Stuff Done
Summer’s longer days allow more daylight for packing, loading, and transporting your things. If you’re a busy person (who isn’t these days?), moving during summer may be ideal because you’ll have several hours of daylight after work to check move-related tasks off your list.
Summer Moving Disadvantage #1: Higher Moving Company Prices
Summer is the most popular time of year to move, so hiring a moving company is typically more expensive during this time of year. It’s the law of supply and demand — when demand goes up, the cost of service typically follows suit.
Summer Moving Disadvantage #2: More Competition for Move Dates
Since summer is peak moving season, you may find it challenging to schedule your first-choice time slot for your move if you don’t plan well in advance.
If you’re set on a summer move, you’ll want to contact your chosen moving company at least three months in advance of your preferred move date to secure your ideal time slot. Calling four or five months in advance is even better and will improve your chances of getting the time you want.
Check out 7 Summer Moving Tips for a Safe, Successful Relocation if you’re planning a move during June, July, or August.
Moving During Autumn: Advantages and Disadvantages
Are you thinking about relocating during the fall? Is autumn the best time of year to move? Let’s consider the pros and cons:
Autumn Moving Advantage #1: Comfortable Moving Experience
Fall weather is relatively mild in Minnesota, so for many people, this season provides an ideal time to move. Since the weather is cooler but not too cold, packing, loading, and transporting your belongings should be a comfortable experience.
Autumn Moving Advantage #2: Potential for Lower Cost and Competition
Like winter and spring, the demand for professional movers and packers typically drops off during autumn. You may be able to save some money by scheduling your move when the leaves are turning colors, and you’ll likely have less competition for your preferred move dates, too.
Autumn Moving Disadvantage #1: Start of the School Year
If you have kids in school, the start of the new school year can put a wrench in your moving plans. That said, taking a few days to conduct your relocation probably won’t put your kids too far behind in class that they can’t catch up within a week or so.
Autumn Moving Disadvantage #2: Tough Time to Settle In
Lots of holidays happen during the autumn season, and those holidays lead up to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. With all the hustle and bustle of your move and the holiday season, it can be tough to settle into a new home comfortably. That’s especially true if you’re used to throwing parties or hosting gatherings as you may need to forfeit those things while you get your home back in order.
Need to Hire a Moving Company in Minneapolis?
If you’re looking for reputable movers during any season of the year, contact our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing. We provide a wide variety of moving services designed to streamline your relocation, and we specialize in local, long-distance, and international moving.
To request a fast moving quote or learn more about our services, give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or contact us online.