September 24, 2025 
Moving to a new home is one of life’s biggest undertakings, and choosing the right time can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful ordeal. At BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate their moves, and we’re here to share what we’ve learned about picking the perfect moving date.
The Tale of Two Moving Seasons
Most moves happen during a narrow window between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This creates what we in the moving industry call the tale of two seasons, the frenzied summer peak and the quieter off-season that runs from mid-September through April.
Think of it like trying to get dinner reservations at a popular restaurant. During peak season, moving trucks are booked solid weeks in advance, professional crews work around the clock, and prices reflect the sky-high demand.
The off-season tells a completely different story. Suddenly, there’s availability, rates drop significantly, and you might actually get the same crew for both packing and moving day.
Spring Is The Goldilocks Season
Spring moving sits in that “just right” zone for many families. The brutal cold of winter has passed, but the summer moving madness hasn’t begun. The real estate market starts blooming alongside the flowers, giving you decent housing options without the bidding wars of peak season.
What makes spring work:
- Weather is generally mild and cooperative
- Moving companies have good availability
- Housing market is active but not overwhelming
- Rates haven’t hit summer peaks yet
The main challenges come from spring showers and the fact that kids are still in school. Plus, if you’re sensitive to pollen, moving during peak allergy season can be miserable.
Summer Is The Main Event
Summer is when America moves. With kids out of school and the weather generally predictable, it makes logical sense. Those long June days give you light until 9 PM for unloading boxes, and you don’t have to worry about pulling kids out of class.
But here’s what many people don’t realize: summer moving is expensive and competitive. You’re fighting for the same moving dates as every other family with school-age children. Plus, moving in extreme heat isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, particularly brutal August moves in Phoenix or Las Vegas.
The secret to summer moving success is to book early (think 8-12 weeks in advance). If you have any flexibility at all, avoid the last weeks of June and July when demand peaks.
Fall Is The Hidden Gem
As Labor Day passes and kids head back to school, something magical happens in the moving industry: we can breathe again. Fall offers some of the best weather of the year, those perfect days where you can work without freezing or melting.
Why fall might be your best bet:
- Comfortable temperatures for physical work
- Much better availability than summer
- Room to negotiate on rates
- Housing market still active but less competitive
The main downside is working around the school calendar if you have kids. Nobody wants to be the family that moves their teenager during homecoming week. For coastal areas, remember that fall is hurricane season and to plan ahead if possible.
Winter Is The Budget Mover’s Dream
If you want to see a moving company sales rep’s eyes light up, tell them you’re flexible and thinking about a January move.
Winter moving offers serious advantages for those who can handle the challenges. You’ll get your pick of moving dates and undivided attention from crews who aren’t racing to their next job. The housing market also tends to favor buyers in winter, as sellers are often more motivated.
Of course, winter brings obvious complications. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn moving day into an adventure. Holiday schedules add another layer of complexity. But if you can work around the weather and have flexibility in your schedule, winter moving can save you thousands.
Timing Your Move Like a Pro
Avoid the beginning and end of the month if you can. Most leases start on the first, creating a bottleneck of people all trying to move simultaneously. Aim for the middle two weeks of any month when demand drops significantly.
While everyone else battles for weekend moving slots, Monday through Thursday moves offer distinct advantages:
- Significantly lower rates
- Better crew availability
- Lighter traffic on roads
- More personalized service
Yes, you might need to take time off work, but the savings and reduced stress often make it worthwhile.
Start early. We mean really early. A 7 AM start time in summer means you’ll get the bulk of heavy lifting done before the day heats up. Your crew will be fresh, traffic will be lighter, and you’ll have the whole day ahead if things run long.
Special Considerations for Your Situation
Every move is unique, and your personal circumstances will play a huge role in determining your ideal moving date. Whether you’re juggling school schedules, work commitments, or the logistics of a cross-country relocation, understanding how these factors interact with seasonal moving patterns can help you make the best decision for your family.
Moving with Kids
The conventional wisdom says summer, but that’s not the whole story. Summer avoids school disruption, but moving mid-school year has its own advantages. Teachers can give your child more individual attention, and established friend groups might be more welcoming.
If summer is your only option, aim for early June (right after school ends) or early August (giving kids time to settle before school starts). July is traditionally the most expensive month to move.
Long-Distance vs. Local Moves
Long-distance moves require more advance planning regardless of the season. Weather becomes a bigger factor when you’re crossing multiple states. We generally recommend spring or fall for cross-country moves. You’ll avoid both winter storms and summer heat while crossing diverse climate zones.
Local moves offer more flexibility. You can take advantage of last-minute openings and aren’t as dependent on perfect weather since you’re not traveling far.
Making Any Moving Date Work
Sometimes life doesn’t give you the luxury of choosing your ideal moving date. A job starts when it starts, a lease ends when it ends, or a home sells faster than expected. Here’s how to make the best of any situation:
- For peak season moves: Book as early as possible, be flexible on your exact date, and consider packing yourself to save money.
- For winter moves: Monitor weather obsessively, have a backup date ready, and protect temperature-sensitive items with extra care.
- For last-minute moves: Ask about cancellation lists, consider portable storage containers as an alternative, and be prepared to pay premium rates.
The BMS Advantage
At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand that the “perfect” moving date is the one that works for your unique situation. As the largest agent of Bekins Van Lines with 17 locations nationwide, we have the resources and flexibility to accommodate your timeline, whether you’re planning months ahead or need help next week.
Our experienced teams have handled moves in every season and weather condition imaginable. From our climate-controlled storage facilities to our comprehensive packing services, we’re equipped to make your move successful regardless of when it happens.
What Are Your Next Steps For Moving?
Ready to start planning your move? First, assess what matters most to you: budget, convenience, weather, or school schedules. Then check your flexibility and book as early as possible, especially for summer moves. Remember to get multiple quotes, as prices can vary significantly based on your moving date.
The best time to move is ultimately when it works best for your family’s needs. Whether you’re chasing lower prices in January or prioritizing your kids’ school schedule in July, BMS Moving & Storage is here to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Contact BMS Moving & Storage to request your free quote. With our nationwide network and decades of experience, we’ll help make your move successful any time of year.
Related Blogs
