Sometimes we have the luxury of deciding when to move and other times life might dictate that choice for us. For example, if you are moving locally and just need a bigger house then chances are you can pick the best time to move your family. Other times, life might throw you a curve ball and a new job might require you to move as soon as possible. Though you may not always have the opportunity to choose for yourself, if given the choice here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding the best time of year to move.

Nearly 46 million Americans move every year and of those, nearly 62% take place between the months of May and September. This is the busiest time of the year for moving companies which also means the most expensive. While there are several reasons why these months are so popular, moving during a different season can certainly have its advantages as well.  Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of moving during each season.

Spring

While the end of spring kicks off peak moving season in May, the earlier spring months are typically less in demand. This means moving companies are more readily available and rates are generally cheaper in March and April. The only downside to spring is that the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Spring weather varies from region to region but some areas could experience a final snow in those early spring months and this is also the rainiest season in many areas. If you get lucky, however, the temperatures in spring could prove to be perfectly enjoyable.

Summer

For many people, summer seems to be the ideal time to move. There are definitely plenty of advantages to moving during the summer months. Kids are out of school, which means its a good time to transition to a new city. The weather is generally cooperative, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Longer days are another reason why it's nice to move in the summer. More hours in the day mean more time to move in and out of your home. However, these summer perks don’t come without a hefty price tag. With close to 70% of moves taking place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, moving companies’ rates tend to be at their highest. You can avoid this issue, however, by taking a do-it-yourself approach and utilizing portable storage containers instead of professional movers. You will be able to save money and  move during peak season.

Fall

Moving in the fall definitely has a few of its own advantages. For starters, it’s hard to beat the incredible weather that most places experience from September through November. The cooler temperatures can make it rather pleasant to move boxes in and out of your home. Another benefit is that you can get settled into your new home before the start of the holiday season. The downside to moving in the fall, however, is that if you are moving with school-aged children, it can be challenging to switch schools during this time.

Winter

It goes without saying that winter is the least popular time to move thanks to the frigid temperatures and sometimes hazardous road conditions. Many people try to avoid moving during the holidays and it can be tough to move kids in the middle of the school year. That said, winter is definitely the cheapest time of year to move and moving companies are won’t be nearly as busy. If you are flexible enough to move during this time, you could end up saving yourself a great deal of money.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong time of year to move. There are pros and cons to each season so the decision comes down to your flexibility, budget, and individual family circumstances. If you are looking to save money, fall and winter might be the best time for you. For those moving with children, it might make more sense to move in the spring and summer months.