Moving in the Off Peak Moving Season – Tips and Insights

There is a good reason (plenty of good reasons, actually) why so many people move in the summer. Yet, if you ask the experts (professional movers, relocation analysts, etc.) – or just anyone who has any moving experience – they will tell you that there is no better time to move than in the off-peak season.

The off-peak moving season – the period from October to April when the demand for moving services is smaller – offers far more advantages than you may think. Moving in that less busy period can save you time, money, and more than a few headaches – you just need to prepare for the weather and plan things right.

Let’s take a look at the numerous benefits of moving during the slow months and find out how to ensure a safe and smooth off-season relocation.

Advantages of moving in the off-peak season

Although summer is widely believed to be the most convenient time to move house (it’s warm and dry, children are out of school, the real estate market is booming, etc.), the scorching heat, heavy traffic, and high demand for moving services during the sunny season make summer moves extremely exhausting, expensive, and nerve-wracking.

Moving off-season, on the other hand, is much cheaper, a lot easier, and way less stressful:

Lower moving costs

With most Americans moving in the summer, it is the busiest season for the moving industry – moving services are in high demand and, therefore, moving rates are at their highest.

With the summer winding down though, moving costs start going down as well – the demand for moving services drops, so movers lower the prices to attract more customers.

This means that when moving in the off-peak season (fall, winter, and early spring), you can expect to pay less than you would in the summer – many moving companies offer discounts and special deals during the slow season, so your final moving costs may be up to 30% lower as compared to a peak season move.

In a word, the off-peak moving season is the best time to move if you want to save money on your relocation.  

See also: Tips for moving on a budget; How to cut moving costs

Wide choice of movers

As there are fewer people moving in the off-peak season, movers aren’t very busy during the months from October to April. Even the most reputable moving companies won’t be fully booked during that time of the year.

So, if you choose to move off-season, you will have a wide choice of movers and will be able to pick the best moving partners for you – experienced and trustworthy professionals that offer quality service and can meet all your moving needs and preferences.

You will have a peace of mind that your move is in good hands – and your chances of a smooth and successful relocation will be very high.

The situation is very different in the summer – moving companies are booked well in advance and there is a very limited choice of available movers. You may end up hiring a less-than-reputable moving company and fall victim to moving scams; or you may be stuck with inexperienced movers (many moving companies are short of workers during the busy season and hire temporary laborers who don’t have any training or experience); or you may get old or inadequate moving equipment; etc. The risks will be much higher and your move will be much more stressful when moving in peak season.

Must-read: How to choose a moving company

Flexible scheduling and plenty of available moving dates

Movers have less work and more flexible scheduling during the off-peak season – so, they’re more likely to be able to accommodate your moving demands.

This means that moving off-season will give you more potential moving dates to choose from and greater flexibility. You will be able to plan your move around your own schedule and pick convenient pick-up and delivery dates – and you will rest assured that your movers have the flexibility to adjust in case of unforeseen delays or changes. Therefore, your relocation will be much less stressful than it would be during the summer.

(Movers are very busy during the summer, so they may not be able to accommodate your preferred dates during that period – each moving company has a finite number of trucks and workers, so you’ll be competing for moving dates with everyone else who wants to use the company’s services. In peak moving season, you need to book movers at least 8 weeks in advance to ensure you get the date that best suits you. And if unforeseen circumstances occur, your movers won’t be able to adjust.)

See also: What to consider when deciding on a moving date; How far in advance to book movers

More attention from the movers

With so many house moves taking place in the summer, movers are under a lot of pressure – there is too much work, schedules are tight, and problems are bound to happen. Everyone is busy and tired and stressed – and no one has a minute to spare.

Things are different in the off-peak season – the pros have more time on their hands, so they can give you much more attention.

If you choose to move in the less busy period from October to April,

• moving consultants will have more time to consider your needs and requirements, discuss your options with you, answer your questions, and work out a deal with you;
• the moving crew that comes to your home on moving day won’t be in a hurry to another job or too drained after a previous job – so, they will be more careful and will handle your relocation in a safer and more efficient way;
• moving company dispatchers will be easily available, so you will be able to inquire about the progress of your shipment and discuss delivery dates.

In a word – when moving off-season, you will get better service because your movers will be able to focus on your move.

Related: What to expect from professional movers

Cooler weather that makes moving easier

Even though the warm weather is one of the greatest advantages of moving in the summer, the sweltering heat and stuffy air during the summertime make moving quite difficult. People feel sluggish and lack energy, sweat gets in the way, and it’s easy to dehydrate – moving in the summer can truly feel like hell.

Cooler weather makes things easier – it’s easier to breathe when the air is crisp and fresh, it’s easier to be physically active when the sun isn’t as harsh, and it’s easier to carry heavy items and load a moving truck when the temperatures aren’t so high. Your movers will have more energy and will be more efficient during the colder months because they won’t be dragged down by scorching heat.

Related: Moving in the summer – a piece of cake or a piece of hell

Less traffic contributing to safer and faster deliveries

Millions of Americans are moving every summer – and millions more are traveling for vacation. So, the roads are really busy in the warm season – and traffic jams and traffic accidents are not uncommon. The heavy traffic causes unplanned delays and disrupts moving schedules – not to mention that entire shipments may be destroyed if the moving truck gets in an accident.

In the colder months, on the other hand, there are fewer vehicles on the roads – the risk of traffic problems is smaller and deliveries tend to be safer and faster. There are fewer delays and delivery dates are easier to determine.

Therefore, unless the roads are blocked by snow or the moving truck gets caught in a storm, your shipment will be safer – and your delivery faster – when moving in the off-peak season.

All things considered, the off-peak moving season is a great time to move house:

• Your move will be cheaper – Moving companies lower their rates and offer discounts during the slow season, so you will be able to save money on your move;
• Your move will be safer – You will get to work with experienced and reliable moving professionals who will know how to ensure the safety of your belongings and will handle your move in the safest way possible – and the risk of moving frauds and traffic accidents will be considerably smaller;
• Your move will be more convenient – You will be able to pick a moving date that suits you best;
• You will get the best service – Not only will you be able tosecure the services of a top-rated moving company, but your movers will also give you more attention and will have the time and the energy to take proper care of your move and complete the job in the best way possible.

And all of the above means that your move will be less stressful and more successful. So, if you have the luxury of choice in regard to the time period of your move, consider moving during the off-peak season. Just make sure you prepare well.

Tips for moving in the off peak season

Despite the numerous advantages of moving off-season, relocating in the colder months comes with some considerable challenges – the biggest of which is the weather.  

Just because it’s not summer, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the weather is going to be bad at the time of your move. Yet, the probability of it is high.

So, when planning to relocate in the off-peak moving season, you need to take a number of precautions to reduce the risk of the weather ruining your move:

1) Check the weather forecast

Be sure to check the national weather forecast before deciding on a moving date – long-term forecasts might not be very accurate, but they will still give you a general idea of what the weather is going to be like, so you can make your plans accordingly. If heavy snow is expected around the middle of the month, for example, try to schedule your move for earlier in the month, so you’re already in your new home when the winter storm hits.

Once you’ve booked a moving date, be sure to monitor the weather in the weeks leading up to it. If snow or rain is forecast for the week of your move, talk to your movers to find out what their policy is in case of adverse weather and discuss your options.

2) Pack with the weather in mind

The safety of your items will be one of your top concerns when moving in the colder season – rain, snow, and subzero temperatures can cause a lot of damage to your cherished possessions and it rains a lot during the fall and the spring, snows frequently during the winter, and the temperatures are often freezing. So, to keep your belongings safe during an off-season move, you need to provide them with adequate protection from moisture and cold:

• Wrap individual items in an extra layer of bubble wrap – to keep them dry and insulated from the cold;
• Pack items vulnerable to water damage (paper items, electronics, artwork, etc.) in plastic moving boxes;
• Add plenty of padding (crumpled paper, bubble wrap, foam padding, old clothes and towels, etc.) in the moving boxes to create better insulation against the cold;
• Seal the moving containers tightly so that water and cold air cannot get inside;
• Cover cardboard boxes with plastic wrap or tarpaulin – to prevent moisture from getting inside;
• Wrap larger items (furniture, appliances, etc.) in thick moving blankets and plastic wrap.

3) Ensure safe and quick loading

If you expect bad weather on moving day, you need to do everything you can to keep your items out of the elements as much as possible and to prevent accidents during the loading process:

• Clear driveways and walkways of snow, ice, mud, debris, etc.;
• Cover the floors with waterproof, anti-slippery materials – to protect the floors from dirt and water damage and to reduce the risk of slips and falls during the move;
• Make sure the moving truck parks as close to the entrance of your home as possible – so your items are not exposed to the elements for long while being taken to the moving vehicle;
• Use the “assembly line” method – have one person stay in the truck, another – inside your home, and a third one make the trek between the van and the house. This way, your items will get loaded faster and the risk of property damage will be smaller.

Related: How to prevent property damage when moving

4) Dress appropriately for the weather

Wear warm, comfortable clothes on moving day – dress in layers and put on a raincoat if necessary. Opt for sturdy, waterproof boots with anti-slippery soles.

5) Take proper care of yourself and your movers

Do not rush things, take frequent breaks to warm up (and/or dry up, as applicable), and prepare hot beverages for everyone.

See also: Tips for moving in the rain; Tips for moving in the snow

6) Don’t forget the utilities

Arrange for the utilities at your old home to be disconnected on the day after your move (so you can still use them on move-out day) and the utilities at your new home to be up and running on move-in day (so you have electricity, gas, and water when you arrive).

See also: How to transfer utilities when moving

7) Transfer your children to a new school

If you have school-aged children, they will need to change schools when you move to a new home (unless you’re only moving across town and your new address falls into the same school district and the same school zone). And if you move in any other season but summer, your child will have to switch schools midyear.

This can be very stressful for your little one – and it won’t be easy for you to transfer them to a new educational facility either. You need to discuss the matter with your kid well in advance and try to assuage any fears they may have, find a good new school in your new area, prepare all the necessary paperwork (school records, recommendation letters, proof of address, etc.), and help your child adjust after the move.

Must-read: Tips for moving during the school year

Moving during the off-peak season may not always be a good idea (if you’re moving between northern states, for example, or moving to a cold climate, then it will definitely be better to plan your move for the summer) but if circumstances allow it and you’re up to the challenge, an off-season move may be your most beneficial option.

Let us know what you think and whether you have any experience moving in the off-peak season.