Tips for Moving in the Fall (And the Pros and Cons) - Moving.com (2024)

Gearing up for a move this fall? Nice! Moving during the fall season can be a great idea. The fall is not as busy for the moving companies as the summer, so they will have more crews and fleets available. Plus, you will have more flexibility in terms of when to schedule your move and be able to negotiate a better deal. Not only are the back-to-school moves over, but the temps are also comfortably mild.

That being said, every season has its moving advantages and disadvantages and comes with its own set of challenges. There are some considerations you should be aware of if you’ve never moved in the fall. And, as with any move during any season, you should prepare and plan for a successful, stress-free move. Here’s our take on why this season is a good one to move, what to consider when you move, the best times to move, and our general tips for moving during the fall.

When Is the Best Time to Move?

It depends on your moving needs and preferences, budget, location, work flexibility, and family circ*mstances. In terms of your budget, you are more likely to save on a move during the late September to April window because the demand for movers is lower and so are the rates. The peak moving season is considered to stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Families with school-age children prefer to move when school is out, and, depending on your location, spring and summer might offer better weather.

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Moving in the Fall

Fall could be a great time to move for several important reasons. For instance, you’ll likely enjoy mild weather and get better deals on the moving costs (and even on the house if you’re buying one). Here are some other reasons why fall is a good time to move:

• The weather is better. In most areas of the country, you simply can’t beat the incredible weather in September, October, and November. The temperatures are milder than the hot and humid summer months, yet they’re not winter-like and rigid. You won’t be breaking a sweat or freezing, and the roads should be free of snow and ice.
• The holiday season is around the corner. If you move in the fall, you can unpack and decorate your new place before the holiday season. What could be cozier and more festive than settling in your new house before the holidays and getting to celebrate?
• Fall is a good time to buy and sell a house. Selling? Your house will show well in the fall. With colorful foliage and seasonal decorations, curb appeal will be at its best. Inside, you can up the staging with tasteful seasonal decor. Also, the housing market in most areas of the country slows down from October through the winter months, so it’s likely you’ll also find a better deal on the house you buy, too.
• Moving costs are lower. With peak moving season behind you, movers will be less in demand than they were during the summer months. For those moving during the fall, this drop in demand could mean lower moving costs and cheaper prices. To maximize your savings, we also recommend moving mid-month and mid-week when the rates are lower.

3 Reasons to Reconsider Moving in the Fall

Every season has its pros and cons when it comes to moving, and fall is no exception. It has more pros than cons, but the disadvantages of moving in the fall still exist. They include:

• Moving with school-age kids can be difficult. If you move during the school year, it might be stressful and challenging for your kids to change schools, and they might miss days or even weeks of school in the process. If you are moving with kids, you might avoid moving in the fall altogether.
• There could be inclement weather. When the skies are blue and the temps are mild, moving in the fall could be a pleasant experience, but what if it rains on moving day? Rain, fog, and high winds are common during this time of the year, and you won’t always be able to avoid these bad weather patterns.
• The holiday season is upon us. We’ve listed it as an advantage, and it could be, but if your move is complicated, you might not want to move so close to the season of joy and celebration. Not to mention, you might not want to miss out on hosting seasonal get-togethers, attending parties and family gatherings, or traveling to see loved ones soon after the relocation.

12 Tips for Moving in the Fall

1. Consider school schedules

Depending on where you are moving, your kids might end up on a slightly different school-year schedule. Some schools don’t start until after Labor Day; others are back as early as August. So, if you’re moving with school-age children in tow, schedule your move ahead of the start of the school year if possible. This way, everyone has time to adjust and familiarize themselves with the new setting. We suggest that you start researching schools and discuss the move with your kids as early as two months before your move. Then, start the enrollment process at least six weeks before your move. To find the best schools in your new neighborhood, check Moving.com’s free School Ratings.

2. Factor in shorter days

When planning your fall move, keep in mind that the days are getting shorter, and it gets darker earlier. Daylight savings time happens on the first week of November when we “fall back” and change the clock back one hour. It starts getting dark as early as 5 PM. So, schedule your move earlier in the day, preferably in the morning, so you can load and unload while the sun is still out.

3. Try not to move during the holidays

It’s a time of year that most people love, but it’s also a hectic one. If you like to decorate for the holidays, balancing the move and the holiday prep could get stressful or be downright impossible. For those who have the need to fly, it can get expensive, too. We suggest moving well before the holiday season arrives, and if not, just wait until we ring in the New Year.

4. Get an off-season deal on moving costs

The fall is considered off-season, so you can enjoy more flexibility in terms of scheduling the move and truck and crew availability, as well as lower rates. For these reasons, you have some additional wiggle room to compare costs and negotiate moving estimates. We recommend that you get at least three moving quotes from three different companies before making a final decision.

5. Set up your utilities in advance

Not setting up electricity, gas, and water in time could mean arriving at a cold, dark house with no way to cook or shower. Ideally, you’ll have at least the lights and heat on by the time you arrive with your belongings. Even though it’s inconvenient, the internet or cable can always wait. Need help with the timelines? Read our detailed, step-by-step guides on how to transfer utilities and set them up in your new home.

6. Pack for the season

Pack seasonal clothes and cold-weather items, like jackets, scarves, boots, and snow removal equipment together and label everything accordingly. You’ll want to make sure that the most essential items for the season are easy to locate once you arrive at your new destination. The same goes for your holiday decorations and seasonal dishware.

7. Plan for inclement weather

It might rain on moving day, so protect your belongings against the elements. Use plastic wrap and plastic bins when and where you can. Keep your rain jackets, rain boots, and umbrellas on hand in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.

8. Clear away the fallen leaves

Sweep and rake the leaves before the moving truck arrives, especially if it rained recently. Leaves on the ground can get slippery and make a mess if they’re tracked inside the house during the move. Trust us — you won’t want to navigate the mess while trying to handle everything else.

9. Clear walking pathways, too

Clear both the outdoor and indoor paths for moving day. Start by removing debris, obstacles, and big pieces of furniture from the movers’ paths. Then, consider putting cardboard on the floor to cover any notoriously slippery spots. This is both to prevent injuries and to keep your home reasonably clean on moving day.

10. Protect your rugs, carpets, and the floor

When tracked into your home, mud, dirt, and wet leaves, can damage your floors, rugs, and carpets. Put down tarps, plastic sheets, floor mats, old towels, or even garbage bags (just tape them down) for protection in both your old and new homes before loading and unloading.

11. Don’t forget your furniture, as well

The same goes for protecting your furniture from moisture and mud when you move. Wrap your furniture in plastic wrap or moving blankets. You can also use large sheets, flattened cardboard, and towels. If you hired professional movers, they would typically have those services included and can do it for you. For more tips for moving in the fall and during other times of the calendar year, check out our guide on how to protect your furniture when you move.

12. Dress appropriately

We recommend dressing in layers, so you’ll be ready for colder and wet weather but also can shed a rain jacket or a heavy hoodie as you go between outdoors and indoors throughout the day. To minimize the risk of injuries and keep comfortable, wear pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes with good traction, like sneakers. Also, set aside extra shirts, coats, hats, and gloves somewhere readily accessible.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Fall Moving Date

• Trust your common sense (and our tips for moving in the fall). If you live in or moving to somewhere with a cold climate, it’s probably best to move earlier in the fall before ice and snow could complicate your move.
• If you have to move during a busy time at work, then it may be worth the higher rate to move on a weekend.
• It may make more sense to move before the school year starts if you have school-age children. If you have higher ed students in the family, they will also have to start attending classes in August or September. If you don’t have kids, we suggest avoiding the back-to-school rush by scheduling your move later in the fall. Plus, movers typically have more flexible schedules from September to November.
• Day of the month. Most people move toward the end of the month, so try to avoid this time period, if possible.

The Bottom Line

Fall is a great time to move, though it’s not without its unique set of challenges. Decisions on whether or when to move in the fall come down to your own needs, budget, and preferences.

Those, trying to save money on a move, should choose the late fall, and those with school-age children should consider opting for a late summertime or early-fall move. Regardless of the season, you’ll likely save money on your move by choosing a mid-week, mid-month date. Of course, our tips for moving in the fall should prove to be very helpful and make you feel reassured in your decision.

Tips for Moving in the Fall: The FAQs

Is fall a good time to move?

Yes. Moving in the fall typically means less competition, lower moving costs, and milder weather.

Is it cheaper to move in the fall?

Generally, yes. Fall is considered off-season, so movers have more availability after the busier summer season and the back-to-school moves. This means you’ll possibly negotiate a better deal.

Is fall a good time to sell my house?

There are certainly advantages to selling your house in the fall. For one, it will show well (think colorful leaves and seasonal decor), and the weather is great for both showings and moving. However, the housing market cools off in the fall, so it’s not exactly an optimal time for sellers. The holidays might also limit the mover availability and dampen your decorating plans. (Homes tend to sell faster and for more money when there’s less stuff inside and outside.)

Is it a good idea to move during the holidays?

We suggest moving before or after the holidays. Travel is hectic, the movers might be off to spend time with family, and you may be unable to decorate, host, or attend holiday gatherings.

What is the best week during the month to move?

If you can swing it, try to move in the middle of the month. The demand is lower then, as most people move at the end of the month.

What is the best day during the week to move?

Due to work and other considerations, most people prefer to move on weekends, so the demand, and in turn, the rates tend to be higher then. If you can, schedule your move on days between Monday and Thursday.

Ready to Move This Fall?

Moving during this low-demand season is much easier when you have our tips for moving in the fall, and of course, professionals to help with the heavy lifting. To find the best moving company to handle your autumn move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move — no matter the size, distance, or services needed — will be in good hands.

For those moving themselves this fall, we recommend looking into nearby truck rentals. Just make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, check out Moving.com’s truck rental center. Best of luck, and happy moving!