- Moving in Fall is generally more affordable to move during the fall months
- Movers will have more availability and are more likely to meet your schedule
- Keep colder weather and shorter days in mind when trying to complete your move in one day
Moving in fall is typically much more affordable
Nearly 40 million Americans move every year, and more than half of them move between May and September. As there’s less demand for moving companies and truck rentals in the fall, moving costs are usually lower and moving companies are more likely to negotiate.
Movers have more flexible schedules
As fall is the off-season for most moving companies, you’ll have more flexibility to choose a date that works for you, rather than being forced to move when they can fit you in. There are usually more weekend moving dates available from September to November.
Keep in mind that most people move toward the end of the month, so it’s best to try to avoid this time period.
School calendars are different in each school district
Most families try to move during the summer months to be settled in before the beginning of the school year.
While that’s not always possible, it’s important to note that kids in the south start the school year in early August and schools up north start at the end of August or after Labor Day. That means if you move from the north to the south, your kids might be missing about a month of lessons.
It gets dark earlier
When planning your move, keep in mind that the days get shorter and there’s not as much sunlight as the calendar approaches the winter season. We change the clocks back an hour for daylight saving time on the first weekend in November and it starts getting dark as early as 5 p.m.
If you’re moving late in the fall, make sure you start loading and unloading early in the day.
Leaves on the ground can be slippery
Fall is a beautiful time of the year as the leaves change color, but they can become a hazard as you’re moving around quickly. Wear sturdy shoes and be careful when carrying things because the walkways can be full of leaves and your footing might not be as stable as usual.
Before moving anything heavy, check out your walking route and clear a clean pathway. Keep a rake or broom handy.
Pack and unload for the season
While you’re packing and unloading your clothes and sporting gear, organize seasonal items so that you have immediate access to what you will need right away.
Pack and label your boxes so that you can find cold-weather items you may need shortly after you settle into your new place, like rain gear and warm clothing.
Dress in layers and keep extra clothing accessible
On moving day, as you’ll be continuously going indoors and outdoors, your body temperature may keep changing. Be prepared to put on and shed clothing throughout the day.
Have extra shirts, coats, hats and gloves readily accessible, in your car, not packed away in the moving truck.
Activate the heat and lights at your new home
A few days before your move, call the utility companies to set up your heat and electricity at your new home. When you finish moving in, you’ll want to be cozy and warm. You’ll also need plenty of light to unpack your things.
Cover your carpet or hardwood floors
During the fall, you’re likely to track in wet leaves, dirt and mud. When moving out, you want to get back your security deposit, so be sure to keep your floors clean and protect them from getting damaged.
Cover them with a plastic tarp or cardboard. Use floor mats to pad heavier furniture. When you arrive at your new home, be sure the movers wait for you to lay down plastic before unloading your items.
Plan ahead and enjoy your move
Moving is always stressful. If you have the flexibility to choose which season to move, choose the fall. You’ll probably save money and enjoy nice weather on the big day.
