Moving is a stressful process no matter what, but there are certain times of the year that are better for moving than others. Whether it's the cooler temperatures in fall or the cheaper moving rates in winter compared to the long days of summer or hot real estate market in spring, every season has its advantages and drawbacks when it comes to moving.

Ultimately, the best time to move depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons of each season to decide which one best fits your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of moving in each season.

Moving in the Fall

The Benefits

Moving later in the year can be beneficial because the majority of people tend to move during the summer when school is out, temperatures are warmer, and the days are longer. Fall, however, presents a perfect time to move if you prefer moving in cooler weather. There tends to be fewer rainy days this time of year and it can be easier to find movers since the moving rush is over.

The Drawbacks

If you have school-age children that will have to switch schools, moving in the fall could present some challenges. It can be difficult for them to start one school and then immediately move to another just a few weeks later. Another thought to consider is that moving is usually expensive no matter when you do it and it can be a strain on your finances to move right before the holidays.

Moving in the Winter

The Benefits

Most people avoid moving during the colder, winter months. This means it can be a great time to cash in on great moving deals because moving companies won’t be nearly as busy. Furthermore, you are more likely to find a moving company that is available since you have fewer people to compete with for moving services. There are likely going to be more moving deals, especially around the holidays so you could end up saving quite a bit of money by moving during the winter.

The Drawbacks

There’s a reason most people aren’t moving during the winter...the weather. Unless you are moving in a region that stays warm year-round, you are likely to encounter frigid temperatures and possibly even ice or snow. Winter weather could present logistical problems for a moving truck.

Moving in the Spring

The Benefits

Spring is often thought of as a time of renewal and new beginnings so it only seems fitting that this would be the ideal time to move. The birds are chirping, the weather is beautiful, and the flowers are blooming so it presents the perfect time to get settled into your new home. Aside from the weather, the spring tends to be the hottest time of year for the housing market so you are more likely to have luck selling and buying a home this time of year.

The Drawbacks

You aren’t the only one looking to take advantage of the spring real estate market. This is one of the most popular times of the year for moving so you should be prepared to pay higher rates for moving services and you may have trouble booking a mover. In addition, if you are moving with children, it might not be feasible for you to move during the last couple months of school. Not only could they end up missing important events, but it can be tough to make new friends at the end of a school year.

Moving in the Summer

The Benefits

The summer is by far the most popular time of year for moving. In fact, nearly 60% of all moves take place in the summer. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that it's the perfect time for school-aged children to transition. You have time to move, unpack, and get settled before the kids start their new school year. Furthermore, the long summer days allow more time for packing, unpacking, and exploring the new neighborhood.

The Drawbacks

Given that so many people move during the summer, you can expect higher rates and less availability for moving services. It also means that moving and storage companies are swamped, so it may be difficult to accommodate your specific moving dates. You also want to keep in mind that moving during the hot, summer months can be brutal and this can make the job even more exhausting.

Ultimately, the decision over which time of year to move depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. If you are looking to save money, you should consider fall or winter. Those moving with children should consider opting for a summer move. Those who want to move when real estate is at its peak should aim for the spring. Regardless of the season, there are pros and cons to each so it’s important to consider which factors are most important to you.