Moving in the fall brings with it a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and aesthetic beauty. Colorful leaves and a crisp breeze create the perfect backdrop for embarking on a new journey.
But before you take off, sit back and let us sell you on all the fall move advantages that are up for grabs, from pleasant weather conditions to potential savings! We’ve enlisted the expertise of two seasoned professionals who rank fall as prime time to make your move.
What’s covered in this article – click on a link to learn more:
- Mild weather conditions
- Availability and flexibility
- Smooth transition for families and students
- Fall Season Deals and Discounts
- Lower stress levels
- Practical tips for a smooth fall move
Mild Weather Conditions
First, let’s talk about the weather. Sitting between the dog days of summer heat and the unpredictability of winter storms, fall is quite possibly the best time to move, offering up generally mild and pleasant temperatures. Perfect for your crew and the moving crew, moderate fall weather creates a comfortable environment that makes the process of packing, loading, and unloading much more enjoyable. And, you still have plenty of daylight hours to use to your advantage!
Kirsten Fisher, Founder of Imagine Home Organization, explains that a fall move typically offers a decreased chance of extreme weather disruptions, but as a Florida native, she cautions to know your area best when it comes to unpredictable elements. Fall is hurricane season for many coastal states in the southeast. Spring, on the other hand, offers similar benefits to fall, with a lower risk of severe storms.
Availability and Flexibility
In terms of mover availability and flexibility, fall is where it’s at! Founder of Moving Astute, Joshua Haley, has plenty of experience with fall moves and knows that moving in off-peak months has perks. Keep in mind that moving demand peaks in summer months, with families looking to get settled in their new home by August. As demand dips, you can benefit.
“This means that moving companies often have more availability and flexibility in scheduling. It’s easier to secure your preferred moving dates and negotiate better rates or discounts. By choosing fall, you can potentially save money while still receiving top-notch moving services,” he explains.
With fewer people deciding to make their move during the fall, you can also expect more options for apartment and home rentals. This increased availability translates into potential negotiation power and the possibility of lower prices. Take advantage of the fall season by finding housing that perfectly suits your needs without the pressure of high demand.
Smooth Transition for Families and Students
While many people consider August the best month to move to be settled in before the school year kicks off, the flexibility in moving dates and overall lower cost of moving in the fall can be advantageous for families and students, while still allowing them to hit the ground running.
For families with school-age children and college students starting their fall semester, moving during the fall offers a fresh start in new-to-you surroundings. Haley adds, “It offers students a smooth transition, as they have the chance to make new friends and establish routines right from the beginning of the academic year.”
Fall Season Deals and Discounts
In addition to practical advantages, autumn may be the cheapest time to move, because it’s a season filled with deals and discounts. Haley adds, “Another advantage of moving in the fall is the potential for real estate opportunities. The housing market often experiences a slight dip in activity during this time, which can be advantageous for homebuyers. Sellers may be more motivated to negotiate and make deals, providing potential buyers with greater leverage.”
But the savings don’t stop there. Fall coincides with seasonal discounts offered by everyone from moving companies to furniture and appliance retailers. You might even score a fall promo deal from utility companies, adding to the potential financial benefits of a fall move.
Insider Tip: For the cheapest rate, move on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of October or November. Avoid the beginning and end of the month (when leases tend to start/end), and on weekends (when most people schedule their moves).
Lower Stress Levels
Unlike the peak summer months, fall’s serene atmosphere allows for greater peace of mind and more time to settle into your new home without feeling rushed. You also avoid high demand, increased traffic, crowds, limited availability of moving services and higher costs. That’s a recipe for a low-stress, successful move!
And the icing on the cake, as Haley put it, “Fall showcases the beauty of nature as trees change color and landscapes transform into breathtaking scenes. Moving during this season allows you to witness the stunning fall foliage, which adds an extra touch of charm to your relocation journey.”
Practical Tips for a Smooth Fall Move
Now that we’ve convinced you on all the selling points of a fall move, like pleasant weather, reduced housing market competition, and lower stress levels, we’ll leave you with a few practical tips and considerations for how to prepare for a move.
1) Get Prepped: Make use of a thorough moving checklist to start the process right. This will help you plan accordingly, be mindful of time-sensitive items, and use your time efficiently.
2) Select the Best Date: When choosing a moving date, it’s important to consider school schedules, and personal and work commitments. It’s also important to consider holidays or long weekends. Though they might be tempting, these often pose challenges, like limited availability of moving services, increased traffic and higher costs, so they might prove less than ideal.
As an extra reminder, Haley advises to check seasonal weather patterns and local events and festivals for both your departure and destination locations, adding, “Moving during these times may result in increased traffic, road closures, or limited availability of services. Being aware of local events can help you plan the move accordingly and avoid unnecessary inconveniences.”
3) Pack Efficiently: Using packing strategies, such as organizing belongings by category or room, or keeping an itemized inventory, will simplify the unpacking process and ensure your items are easily accessible when you need them.
4) If You’re Active Duty Military, Keep Your Receipts: See if any of your moving expenses can deliver any potential tax benefits, and be sure to keep all receipts!
Finally, grab a pumpkin spice latte, embrace the beauty of fall and embark on your next chapter with confidence.
