What Is The Best Time Of Year To Move Your Family?

Relocating is always a journey filled with excitement, stress and many ups and downs. If you’re moving with your family, it’s important to consider when exactly the move takes place & what the best time of year to move is. 

Typically, a new job requires a relatively quick arrival for the new employee, but what about the rest of the family? Let’s explore the best time of year to move and how to prepare for a move at any time.

“Our family would typically have a family meeting to discuss the move, giving everyone an opportunity to voice their concerns, and to provide options and ideas around when the best time would be to move.” 

- Susan Hodges, Founder, New Roots Relocation

Should I Move My Kids During The School Year?

For families with school-aged children, the biggest concern is moving during the school year. 

Moving after the end of the school season, typically in summer, allows children to say good-bye at a natural point in the year. The summer also gives you time to move and settle into your new neighbourhood before the start of a new school year.

However, if a move happens at another point in the year, it will also allow your child to be the “new kid”, which may provide extra attention from their peers and teachers. While this attention may be stressful, depending on your child’s personality, it may also lead to easier ways of breaking into new social circles.

Moving During Spring: March to May

Pros:

• Mild Weather: The moderate temperatures make spring a comfortable time for moving, avoiding the extremes of both winter and summer.
• Increased Availability: Many moving companies start to ramp up operations in spring, meaning more availability and potential discounts before peak summer season rates.

Cons:

• School Schedules: If you have children, a spring move might disrupt the school year, which can be challenging.
• Unpredictable Weather: Rain is common in many areas, which could create some logistical challenges, so planning ahead for weather contingencies is a must.

Moving During Summer: June to August

Pros:

• Peak Moving Season: The high demand in summer means moving companies are fully staffed, which can lead to greater service availability and flexibility.
• School Breaks: For families with children, summer provides a natural break in the school year, making it a convenient time to relocate without disrupting education.
• Longer Days: With more daylight hours, moving can start earlier and end later, allowing for more flexibility in planning.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Due to increased demand, moving during summer can be significantly more expensive, with higher rates from moving companies and less room for negotiation.
• Heat and Humidity: In many areas, summer heat can make moving physically taxing, especially in hotter climates where conditions can become uncomfortable or even unsafe for strenuous activities.

Fall: September to November

Pros:

• Lower Moving Rates: Fall tends to be an off-peak season, so moving companies may offer discounts, making it an affordable option.
• Mild Temperatures: Fall's cooler temperatures provide a comfortable environment for the physical work involved in moving.

Cons:

• Shorter Days: As the days shorten, you may have fewer daylight hours for moving tasks, which can limit flexibility and potentially add to costs if additional days are needed.
• School Year Considerations: If you have children, moving at the beginning or middle of the school year may require extra planning to minimize disruptions.

Winter: December to February

Pros:

• Lowest Moving Rates: Winter is the least popular moving season, so moving companies often offer the lowest rates of the year to encourage business.
• Availability: With less demand, you’ll have a wider choice of moving dates and potentially even shorter lead times for booking.

Cons:

• Weather Challenges: In colder climates, winter can bring snow, ice, and other hazards, making it physically challenging and potentially risky to move.
• Holiday Season: Moving during the winter holidays can add stress, and family and friends may be less available to assist due to holiday commitments.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Move

So, what time of year is best to move? The answer ultimately depends on your personal situation, priorities, and location. If cost is a primary concern, winter and fall offer the best rates. For families with children, summer is often the easiest, though it comes at a premium. If weather conditions are your main priority, spring and fall are ideal for their mild climates.

If you’re unable to choose your moving date, due to a job start date or professional commitment, remember that you can still make a relocation successful at any time.

No matter the date, planning early and consulting with relocation experts can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth, stress-free move.