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Moving house involves making a ton of decisions, and selecting the right moving day is one of them. Here's a guide to help you pick the best day to move or relocate your family.
As a busy professional with a family, planning a move or relocation can be a daunting task. The lack of time, the overwhelming number of items to pack, and the costs involved can cause you to feel apprehensive. Take a moment- woosah! Because in this article, we'll explore a simple yet powerful solution: choosing the right day of the week for your move. Backed by research and our years of experience, we'll dive into the benefits of selecting a weekday move over a weekend move.
So, if you're looking to save time, money, and reduce stress during your upcoming move, keep reading and discover one of the secrets to a smooth and efficient transition.
Tip #1 Understanding the Weekday Advantage
In general, more than one in four of us (28 per cent of the population) move on a Friday – totaling 175,000 moves through the year. One of the main reasons for Friday’s popularity is work commitments, no one wants to use up their precious PTO on moving. The thought process is that moving on a Friday means that you will only need to take one day off work. Then you can then make the most of the long weekend to start unpacking your belongings (at least that's the plan!) and settling into your new home.
On the flip side, though, Friday is also the busiest day of the week for most moving companies, who often find that their Fridays get booked up many weeks in advance.
While moving on a weekday, such as Tuesday through Thursday, offers distinct advantages. Research shows that weekday moves often result in a more cost-effective and seamless experience. Here's why:
Cost Savings: With reduced demand for moving services on weekdays, you'll have a higher chance of finding competitive rates and exclusive deals. This means significant savings for your moving budget. We suggest requesting 2 quotes to compare.
Smooth Traffic Flow: Weekday moves typically encounter less traffic congestion, allowing the moving truck to navigate smoothly through the city streets. This translates into quicker travel times and if your paying per hour this may be any additional savings.
Flexible Scheduling: Weekdays offer greater flexibility to align your move with closings if your purchasing or selling your home. In fact, 115,000 moves are delayed every year – usually because of a problem with funds being cleared, or sellers moving out of their homes to late in the day.
Pro Tip: Tuesday is the best day of the week to move according to our experience & industry research. Always select the morning slot to avoid being bummed due unforeseen issues.
Tip # 2 Exploring the Weekend Conundrum
While weekends might seem like an attractive option at first glance, however they come with their own set of challenges that can impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your move. Consider the following factors:
Higher Costs: The increased demand for moving services on weekends often leads to higher prices. Limited availability may also restrict your options, leaving you with fewer choices and potentially costlier alternatives.
Traffic Jams and Delays: Weekends are notorious for heavy traffic and congested roads, especially in urban areas. This can result in frustrating delays, increased travel times, and potential complications when navigating busy streets. Not to mention parking if your neighbors are home from work as well.
Conflicting Commitments: Summer is peak moving season, and summer weekends are often filled with social events, family gatherings, vacations, and other engagements. Scheduling your move on a weekend may clash with these commitments, causing added stress and time constraints.
Pro Tip: August is the most busiest month for moving companies... as most families prefer to settle in before the school rerestarts not to be forgotten- college move-ins.
Tip # 3 Taking the Season Into Consideration
The majority of Americans opt to move between mid-May and mid-September, the peak moving season encompassing Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, if you want to maximize your moving experience, consider the off-season from mid-September through April. Moving during this period offers numerous advantages, such as increased availability and flexibility with professional movers, as you won't have to contend with as many people vying for time slots. Moreover, with fewer moving shipments to handle, you can expect faster delivery times for your belongings. Additionally, you may find that rates are generally lower during the off-season compared to the peak season. Ultimately, the best time to move depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of moving during each season to help you make an informed decision. Here are some Pro's and Con's based on each season:
Summer: The flexibility of summer allows for more people to take time off work and plan their moves efficiently. It's also when many leases end or begin, and the real estate market is bustling with new listings, making it easier for buyers to find their dream homes
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However, hiring a reliable moving company with experienced movers can be challenging during this peak season. Additionally, there's a risk of overheating, so precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of children, pets, and special items during the move.
Fall: Presents an ideal opportunity for moving, as the weather is milder compared to winter and summer, and professional moving companies have lower demand, providing greater flexibility in scheduling your move.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. In areas near universities, the influx of college students might complicate apartment hunting. Moving during the fall could also lead to missed school days and challenges adjusting to a new school year, especially for school-age children who might need to switch schools.
Winter: Winter moves might not be ideal due to the cold and daylight saving time, but they come with cost-effective advantages. You'll have plenty of moving company options and available dates. Plus, if your relocating your belongings might fare better in cold weather compared to scorching summer heat.
However, there are challenges to consider. Unless you're in a consistently warm area, you might face snow, ice, and winter storms on your moving day. Stay flexible with rescheduling due to weather conditions. Clear driveways and pathways of snow and ice. Protect floors with coverings to prevent damage from water and muddy boots.
Spring: is also a good time to put your home on the market, and beautiful spring listing photos could help attract buyers. Another advantage is that you get to miss the hectic peak season and reserve the summer for settling into your new home. Not only is the weather more tolerable, but there’s still less demand for moving companies than in summer.
However, if you have kids, they’re typically still in class at this time of the year, and moving right before the end of the school year could be a rough transition. The weather may be nicer than winter, but spring also means rain in many regions. A rainy day could make moving a hassle but not cause a delay like the winter.
Making an Informed Decision
Armed with the knowledge of weekday advantages, weekend challenges, and the best season, it's time to make an informed decision for your upcoming move. Consider the following tips to choose the best day:
Assess Your Schedule: Evaluate your personal and family schedules to identify weekdays that align with your availability and minimize disruptions to your routine. If you plan to hire a move manger or professional organizer to assist you, scheduling will be more flexible.
Research Moving Services: Explore reputable moving companies that offer weekday availability. Compare prices, read customer reviews, and consider recommendations to ensure a smooth and reliable moving experience. confirm their policy on rescheduling.
Plan Ahead: Regardless of the moving day you choose, proper planning is crucial. Create a detailed checklist, pack strategically, and coordinate with the moving company in advance to streamline the process.
Pro Tip: When calculating the over cost of a DIY move be sure to factor in the cost of your paid time off as well.
Selecting the best day of the week for your move can make a world of difference, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress. By opting for a weekday move, you can tap into cost savings, experience smoother traffic flow, and enjoy greater flexibility. Remember to assess your personal schedule, research moving services, and plan ahead to maximize the benefits of your chosen moving day.
So, are you ready to make an intentional decision for your upcoming move? Choose the right day for you and embark on a journey that's both efficient and cost-effective. Check out our moving checklist and moving day series.
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