September 30, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

What Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Move?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what the cheapest time of the year to move is, but there are some general rules of thumb that can help you make a decision. In this post, we’ll explore the most affordable seasons, months, and days to organize a move and offer some tips for keeping your costs down. Stay tuned!

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If you have the freedom to choose the date of the move, discover which will be the cheapest one

The cheapest time of the year to move is during the winter months since that’s when the relocation industry meets lower demand. For the most affordable deal, you should also choose a mid-month and mid-week date and schedule the mover early in the morning.

What Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Move, or What Season Will Be the Most Affordable?

If you’re looking to save on relocation costs, winter is definitely the time to do it. One of the main reasons why winter is the cheapest time of year to move is because there are fewer people doing it. People tend to move in the summer due to kids’ school schedules, college starting dates, and so on. But in the winter? Not so much. This means that there are more resources available for those who do need to move, which drives prices down. If your relocation reasons allow it, organizing a winter move can be a good choice.

Just like any other industry, there are busy and slow periods for movers – and winter is definitely a slow period when it comes to the relocation industry. This means that you can often get discounts on services or even negotiate better rates.

However, not only are movers’ rates lower in the winter, but other prices, in general, tend to be lower during this time of year as well. From gas prices to travel costs, everything is typically cheaper during the winter months. So if you’ve opted for a long-distance move, you’ll save even more money by choosing winter rather than planning a move to another city during the season.

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Disadvantages of Relocating During the Winter

Of course, a winter move is not all sunshine and roses – it can actually be a lot harder to organize a move during this kind of weather. If you’re coming from or going to a state with cold winters, there are some inconveniences you must count on, such as:

Possibility of weather-related delays

Weather-related delays are always a possibility, but they are more often during the coldest months. A big snowstorm could delay your move by days or even weeks, which could end up costing you a lot of money if you have to extend your stay at a hotel or rental property.

Limited availability of movers and services

If you plan on relocating during the winter holidays, professional movers and other relocation services may have limited availability due to the holiday season. This means that you may have a harder time finding a reputable mover who can help you move efficiently.

You'll have to provide additional protection for your belongings

Make sure all of your belongings are properly packed and protected from the cold weather. This includes wrapping items in blankets or towels and using plastic wraps or bags to protect against moisture. If you’re planning a move during a cold month, taking extra care with delicate items, such as electronics or glassware, must not be some of the things you forget to do.

Difficult and dangerous driving conditions

One other significant disadvantage of relocating in winter is the fact that driving conditions can be extremely dangerous. If you’re planning to rent a truck, remember ice and snow make it hard to travel, and this can make getting to your new home a real challenge.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Move?

The season and the month you choose to move can make a big difference in how much you spend. So, when is the cheapest time of the year to move between twelve months? According to recent research, January is the most affordable for relocating. Demand is lower in January than it is during the other months, and lower demand often implies lower costs. That is why it’s the best time to move out if you’re on a low budget.

Additionally, if you plan on living on your own and renting an apartment, keep in mind that this is also the month you’ll likely meet the lowest rent rates. Some studies show that the lowest prices for renting a place can be found between January and March.

What Time of the Month Is the Most Affordable for the Move?

Though it may not seem like it at first, the time of the month that you move can actually have a significant impact on the overall cost of your move as well. In general, the beginning and end of the month are the most expensive times to move. This is because these are the times when demand for movers is at its highest. If you’re looking to save some money, aim for a date in the middle of the month instead.

Of course, there are other factors that can affect the cost of your move as well – such as the month itself and the day of the week that you move. Relocating on the weekend will likely be more expensive than moving mid-week, for example. Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and compare rates before choosing a moving company.

When considering the right period to schedule the move, think about more than just the season

What Is the Cheapest Day of the Week to Move?

When planning a move, you’ll need to decide what day of the week is the most suitable. So, when is the best day to move money-wise? The middle of the week is actually the cheapest time to book long-distance moving services. Many people assume that weekends are the best time to move because that’s when they have the time, but weekends are also when everyone else is trying to move, which means prices are higher.

In the relocation industry, Tuesdays are proven to be the most affordable days. However, if you can’t swing a Tuesday move, your next best bet is mid-week, like a Wednesday or Thursday. Relocation companies tend to be busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll be able to snag a better deal if you avoid those days.

Two young handsome smiling workers wearing uniforms are standing next to the van full of boxes holding boxes in their hands. House move, mover service.
Weekends are the most convenient days for relocating, but usually the most expensive

Does the Time of the Day Affect the Price?

Yes, the time of the day may affect the final cost of the move. Usually, the most expensive period of the day to move is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. This is because demand is at its highest during these hours! If you can plan a move before or after these hours, you’ll definitely save some money. Generally, you’ll be able to save the most if you choose early morning hours.

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Starting early can pay off when it comes to relocating

How Can You Lower the Moving Costs?

Relocating interstate can be an expensive process, especially if you’re not relocating to a new city alone. Thankfully, there are ways to lower your costs. Aside from planning a move during the most affordable periods, there are some other long-distance relocation tips on how to reduce relocation expenses. Consider:

  • Getting multiple quotes – when it comes to moving, you shouldn’t just go with the first quote you get. Get multiple quotes from different companies so that you can compare prices. This will help you get the best deal possible. Not doing so, on the other hand, can lead to relocation mistakes with severe financial consequences and even dealing with relocation scams.
  • Doing most of the tasks by yourself – If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can always try a DIY approach to relocation day preparations. This option will obviously require more work on your part, but it will also save you money. However, keep in mind that getting additional services from a cross-country moving company, such as car shipping or professional packing services, may be safer for you and your belongings.
  • Getting cheap or free packing materials – ask family and friends if they have any boxes or other materials you could borrow. Also, don’t forget to check local businesses, such as grocery stores, that might have some boxes or other materials you could use. Finally, make checking websites such as Freecycle, where people give away or sell used boxes and other supplies, part of your to-do list.
  • Decluttering thoroughly – it can be tempting just to throw everything into boxes and call it a day. But if you take the time to declutter your belongings and decide to bring only relocation essentials, you can save yourself a lot of money – and hassle, especially if you’re relocating to a smaller home. Therefore, you should consider carefully what to keep when relocating. Note that the more stuff you have, the costlier your relocation will get, whether you’re getting the help of cross-country movers or relocating on your own.

These relocation hacks can be applied to any kind of move you may have, from residential to corporate relocation, and during any period of the year you select.

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Best Ways of Saving Money to Move

Your tight relocation budget can improve with some of the well-known money-saving techniques – as long as you do not have a last-minute move.

The most important of the money-related relocation tips is to start tracking your spending. This may seem like a hassle, but there are a number of apps and websites that can make tracking your spending easy. Once you know where your money is going, you can make adjustments to ensure that you’re not overspending in any area.

Another great way to save money is adding “creating a relocation budget” to your relocation checklist. A budget will help you ensure you’re not spending more than you can afford and identify areas where you can cut back on your spending.

Finally, don’t miss using coupons and discounts. This can be anything from using cash-back apps when you shop online to taking advantage of sales at your favorite stores. By using coupons and discounts, you can save a significant amount of money over time. Changes in your lifestyle can also help you save up. You’ll be amazed at how much money people spend on things like transportation and eating out.

For some additional valuable tips on how to save money and improve your budget, make sure you take a look at the video below:

The Best Long-Distance Movers Will Provide You With a Fair Estimate

Whether you’re relocating on a low budget or not, it is important to ensure that the long-distance moving company you hire will be fair and honest with its estimate. By choosing reputable movers from California to Seattle or movers from Seattle to California, you can avoid any surprises or hidden fees. We recommend hiring professional movers who have a good reputation and years of experience in the industry. With their help, your belongings will be handled with care and transported safely to your new home.

Milly Andrews

Milly is a Portland prodigy of packing and relocating! She has been on the move her whole life, and she's got the moving boxes and stories to prove it. With her vast experience in the art of relocation, she's like a human GPS, always finding the most efficient way to navigate the moving process.

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