Guide to the Best Times to Move in 2024
Planning your move strategically can help you save money, reduce stress, and make the transition to your new home much smoother. Knowing when to move can impact availability, cost, and convenience. Here’s a friendly and informative guide to help you pick the best time for your 2024 move.
1. Understand Peak Moving Seasons
- Busiest Times: May 15th to August 31st and December 20th to December 31st are peak moving times. With demand at its highest, costs rise and availability decreases.
- Busy Times: These include May 4th to May 14th, September 1st to September 30th, November 10th to November 19th, and December 7th to December 19th. Rates may still be high, but you could have more options than during peak times.
2. Planning for Peak Season Moves
- Book in Advance: If moving during a busy time is necessary, secure your services well ahead of time. Early planning can help avoid conflicts with truck availability and delays in essential services.
- Prepare for Delays: High-demand seasons can mean wait times for utilities like internet and electricity. Factor in some buffer time to avoid inconvenience.
3. Save with Off-Peak Season Moves
- Winter Moves (December to February): Winter is a slower time for moving companies, which means better rates and more availability. Just be prepared for cold weather by clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways.
- Early Spring and Late Fall: Early spring (March-April) and late fall (October-November) are ideal for those looking to save. Demand is lower, so you may enjoy a cost-effective, flexible move.
4. Maximize Savings with Mid-Month and Weekday Moves
- Mid-Month Advantage: Moving mid-month can help you avoid the end-of-month rush when most leases end. You’ll have more choices and likely a better price.
- Weekdays are Key: Moving during the week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often less expensive than weekends.
5. Account for Personal and Family Schedules
- School and Work Breaks: For families with children, a move during school vacations or breaks will help avoid disruption. Check your work schedule as well to ensure you have enough time to focus on your move.
6. Consider Market Trends
- Housing Market Conditions: With interest rates projected to stay around 6% in 2024, housing activity may remain stable. Knowing this can help you better align your moving plans with market conditions.
Final Tips
- Summer: If a summer move is on your agenda, plan 3-4 months in advance to secure availability.
- Winter: Ensure safe conditions on moving day by keeping walkways clear.