What is the best time of year to move?

Figuring out the best time of year to move can be tricky. There's a lot to consider. Will the weather permit safe travel?  Do you have kids in school? Do you have time to plan ahead? Do you have a lease that will expire at a certain time or a new job to start? Everyone's circumstances are different.  Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan:

Scheduling around school

If you have kids, there's no question their school schedule has to be taken into consideration.  Unless it's absolutely necessary, it's good to avoid taking them out in the middle of the semester.  Try to give them enough time to say good-bye to their friends and family, and give them time to get settled into their new home before the new school year starts.  It can be difficult to adjust to a new house, new city and new school all at once.  That's why summer is such a popular time to move!
  
Weather

Like I mentioned above, summer is the peak time to move, but fall and winter will probably be easiest on your pocket book.  You'll likely discover that moving companies are less busy this time of year, and as a result, offer lower rates.  But of course moving in the winter is always weather permitting.  Sometimes snow and ice on the road can cause weather delays and make loading and unloading more difficult.

While summer is a great time to move because the kids are out of school, the major holidays are over and the weather is less restrictive for traveling, there are some things to keep in mind.  First, everyone else thinks moving in the summer is a great idea too.  That just means you'll have to plan ahead and reserve early.   You'll want to plan to add a little more to your moving budget too.  It's likely you'll pay more than you will in the fall and winter.   Like most things, higher demand usually means higher prices.

Holidays

If I was moving, and my origin and destination had relatively good weather, I would certainly pick this time of year to make my move.  Prices are lower, availability isn't a big issue, the kids are on winter holiday break (usually), and it's not sweltering hot.  The only problems I can see with moving during the holidays are that the holidays are sometimes hectic and moving company employees may be spending time with their families too— so availability may be an issue. I still think it's a good time to move though!

Whatever time of year is the best time for your move, start planning, start getting moving estimates and make a reservation as soon as you can.  There's something about getting it all planned that makes life a little easier.