How to Time Your Move Wisely

Published: June 15, 2024

Moving can be a daunting task, filled with stress, expenses, and logistics. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, timing your move can significantly impact both your savings and stress levels. Planning your move at the right time can make a world of difference, both financially and emotionally. Let’s explore how to maximize your savings and minimize stress by moving at the best time.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Peak Seasons

One of the most effective ways to save money and reduce stress during a move is to avoid peak seasons. Typically, the peak moving seasons are during the summer months, especially between May and September. During this time, demand for moving services is high, which can lead to increased prices and limited availability. By planning your move during the off-peak seasons, such as late fall, winter, or early spring, you can often secure lower rates and have more flexibility in scheduling your move. 

Take Advantage of Mid-Month and Mid-Week Moves

In addition to choosing the right season, consider scheduling your move for the middle of the month or week. Most people tend to move at the beginning or end of the month, coinciding with lease agreements or mortgage closings. As a result, moving services are often busier and may charge higher rates during these times. Opting for a mid-month or mid-week move can often result in lower prices and a smoother experience. 

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Weather can play a big role in the moving process, impacting everything from road conditions to the safety of your belongings. While it’s impossible to predict the weather with certainty, keeping an eye on long-range forecasts can help you plan your move around potentially adverse conditions. If you’re moving during the summer, try to plan your move for a day when temperatures are cooler.

Start Early and Declutter

Another way to reduce stress and save money during a move is to start early and declutter your belongings. Moving can be a great opportunity to pare down your possessions and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Not only will this make packing and unpacking easier, but it can also save you money on moving expenses. Before you start packing, take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. The less you have to move, the lower your moving costs will be.

Enlisting Friends and Family

One of the most budget-friendly DIY options for moving is enlisting the help of friends and family. While this approach may require more coordination and planning, it can save you a significant amount of money. Before your moving day, be sure to communicate your needs clearly and provide plenty of snacks, water, and gratitude for your helpers. It’s also essential to prioritize safety by using proper lifting techniques and providing adequate equipment, such as dollies and moving straps.

Moving can be a challenging and stressful experience, but by timing it out strategically, you can minimize stress and maximize savings. Avoiding peak seasons, scheduling for mid-month or mid-week, keeping an eye on the weather, starting early, decluttering, and considering DIY options are all effective strategies for a smoother and more affordable move. By taking the time to plan ahead and make thoughtful decisions about everything involved in the process, you can ensure that the moving process is as stress-free and cost-effective as possible, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and enjoying the next chapter of your life.

Looking for reliable moving services? Call UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Seattle today at (206) 347-8201.