Safeload Coverage
Choosing when to relocate has a direct result on cost, availability, and how smoothly your plan comes together. Relocation can surge during the summer, slow down in the winter, and settle into balance during spring and autumn.
The best month to move is typically April. The worst month to move is typically December.
Weather, lease cycles, school calendars, and local conditions all play a role. By understanding seasonal patterns and picking dates strategically — especially mid-month — you can secure better options and feel more in control.
This Moving Help® guide explains the key seasonal trends, what is the best month to move, what is the worst month to move, and why moving mid-month is best. When you’re ready, the Moving Help Marketplace connects you with dependable labor-only movers for loading or unloading that fits your schedule.
What Is the Best Month to Move?
When people ask, “What is the best month to move?” and “What is the worst month to move?” typically spring or autumn seasons are the best months, and summer and winter seasons are the worst months. Spring and autumn offer milder weather, more availability from professional moving labor teams. Those two seasons are less busy than peak summer, and they avoid the cold and snow from winter.
The best month to move is April.
The other best months to move are May, September, and October.
The reason being these months blend the right amount of comfort and availability. It won’t be super-hot and humid like during the summer months, and it won’t be super cold and freezing weather like during the winter months. Additionally, you’ll find the right number of available Moving Helpers but still at an affordable price.
Why Should You Move in April?
April provides a practical window across much of the country. As temperatures moderate, outdoor handling becomes safer and less strenuous.
You’ll often find more flexibility to book local labor through Moving Help before the summer surge. The main concerns are spring rain and potential fast-changing weather systems. Families also may need to consider mid-semester timing, and those with May or June lease ends should plan for overlaps or short-term gaps.
Why Should You Move in May?
May is technically the start of moving season. Memorial Day weekend is considered the beginning of the moving season, so the beginning and the middle part of May are right before peak season.
If you’re buying or selling, curb appeal and market activity can support a smooth handoff. Demand does climb near Memorial Day weekend. Expect heavier holiday traffic and, in some areas, severe thunderstorms and hotter weather that warrants potential contingency plans.
Why Should You Move in September?
September stands out for value and flexibility once summer demand recedes. Labor Day weekend is considered the end of peak moving season. You’ll start to see more availability and affordable prices from labor-only Service Providers.
Cooler temperatures reduce heat-related strain, and you don’t have stormy winter blizzards to deal with yet. Consider local factors such as back-to-school timing, lingering heat waves in some regions, and increased activity near universities during early September.
Why Should You Move in October?
October often delivers comfortable, dry conditions with post-peak availability. Cooler days help protect sensitive items from heat, and weekend options may open across many markets.
Keep shorter daylight hours in mind because evening moves might not be ideal for you. Morning moves might be a smarter choice.
Early fall storms and high winds can appear in certain areas. The holiday season approaches quickly, so you could get super busy easily. Plus, Service Providers might block off days for the major holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas and potentially Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Whether you favor April’s early start, May’s mild stretch, September’s post-peak value, or October’s cooler pace, planning ahead is a key step when it comes to moving. Book local moving help, watch the forecast, and align your dates with school schedules, lease transitions, and utility appointments.
For many, these shoulder-season months feel like the best months to move thanks to their balance of comfort and availability.
What Is the Worst Month to Move?
Determining the “worst” month depends on your priorities — budget, convenience, or weather.
Peak summer — especially July and August — typically brings higher demand and tighter booking windows. Winter months such as December and January can present weather challenges, and yet, sometimes offer more flexibility and lower prices.
Below is a clear look at the trade-offs so you can decide, “What is the best month to move,?” and “What is the worst month to move?” for your circumstances.
What If I Move in December?
December can be appealing if cost control is your top priority. Lower demand often means more favorable pricing on moving labor services, and day-of availability for labor-only helpers through Moving Help is often easier to secure.
Year-end holidays may give you time off to settle in.
The trade-offs could include snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that complicate travel and handling loading and unloading during your move.
Plus, shorter daylight hours compress the working time. Holiday events and building restrictions may require careful coordination.
What If I Move in January?
January offers many of the same off-peak advantages with post-holiday breathing room. You may find continued value pricing and strong availability for loading or unloading, packing or unpacking, and other moving labor services you can find on the Moving Help Marketplace.
Some landlords may be flexible on start dates or concessions. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can slow progress and require extra protection for cold-sensitive items. Post-holiday budgets might be tight, so lock in supplies and sessions early to avoid last-minute stress.
What If I Move in July?
July is a leading contender for the busiest month nationwide. Long daylight hours and generally predictable conditions are helpful, and school breaks can simplify family scheduling.
The downside is peak-season competition and higher rates. If you plan to hire through Moving Help, reserve well in advance to secure preferred crews and time slots. Additionally, the weekends will be much busier than the weekdays.
Heat and humidity can be intense — consider early morning start times, shade breaks, and hydration for your helpers.
What If I Move in August?
August continues with peak moving season patterns. Daylight is plenty for moving, lease turnovers are common, and coordination across services is straightforward when calendars are full.
High demand still constrains availability, so booking early through the Moving Help Marketplace is important. Heat and humidity call for climate-aware packing and handling, and back-to-school timing can tighten scheduling and planning.
If weather hazards are your main concern, December and January may feel like tougher months. If peak pricing and competition are your concern, July and August pose challenges.
Your personal tolerance for conditions and schedule constraints will guide your decision about what is the best month and worst month to move.
Why Mid-Month Dates Often Work Better
Beyond picking a season, the specific week you choose can make a big difference. Mid-month dates — often between the 10th and 20th — typically avoid the lease turnover rush that happens at the beginning and end of most months. This shift can lower costs, improve availability, and reduce day-of-congestion.
With fewer people moving mid-month, it’s easier to secure precise time windows and meet strict building rules. Elevators, loading zones, and building approvals tend to be more accessible. That extra breathing room leads to fewer surprises and more predictable schedules.
Availability and pricing also can be more favorable. Labor providers and equipment rentals face less pressure than they do during month-end surges, which helps keep rates steady. When you book local labor through Moving Help mid-month, browsing reviews and reserving vetted teams is simpler, and you’re less likely to encounter premium charges tied to limited openings.
If you must move during a busy season — late spring through summer — nudging your date into the mid-month window helps cushion seasonal rate spikes. It also makes coordinating utilities, elevator reservations, permits, and change-of-address tasks more manageable without a hard month-end cutoff.
The Best Month to Move Depends on Your Situation
Determining the ideal month to move depends on factors like:
- Budget
- Flexibility
- Climate
- Personal commitments
Flexibility in scheduling allows you to choose less busy times, such as midweek or in the middle of the month, for better availability and cost-effectiveness. Families may prefer moves during school breaks, while students often relocate in May or August. Choosing the right day and time is essential. Early mornings help avoid heat in warm climates, and midday hours maximize daylight in winter.
Local weather is crucial; in hot areas, early-morning moves are advisable, while cold regions require precautions like ice-safe footing. Understanding historical weather patterns can guide your decision on timing.
Consider the size of your home and specific needs such as storage or utility timelines. Larger households or specialty items may need more help and time, so early bookings during peak months are beneficial.
Ultimately, the best month to move aligns with your priorities and conditions. By evaluating your situation, weather, and resources, you can create a manageable and cost-effective plan. If you need some more advice, check out these Moving Help articles:
- “When Is the Best Time to Move in the United States”
- “Moving Forecast: A Season-by-Season Breakdown of the Best Times to Move in Canada”
- “When Is the Best Time to Rent an Apartment?”
