When is the best time of year to move? For most people, the best time of year to move is late spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and movers have more open dates than in the summer rush. But the right answer for you depends on your budget, your family, your job and how flexible your dates are. This guide from Collegiate Movers, a Roanoke, VA moving company serving families since 1999, compares every season, month and day of the week so you can pick the best time of year to move for your situation.
Already know your date? Call (540) 992-1414, Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm, to reserve it, or request a free quote online.
The Short Answer
- Best for flexible dates and comfortable weather: mid-spring and early fall
- Best for families with school-age children: early summer, right after the school year ends
- Most open dates: late fall and winter, outside the holidays
- Busiest time of year to move: June through August, especially at the end of each month
The rest of this guide explains why, and how to choose the best time of year to move for your own plans.
Moving in Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times of year to move for many households. Temperatures are comfortable for loading and unloading, days are getting longer and the moving season has not yet reached its summer peak.
Pros
- Mild weather that is easier on crews, furniture and you
- More open dates than in summer, especially early in the season
- A strong housing market, with many homes listed for sale
Cons
- Spring rain can make moving day messy, so floor protection matters
- Dates fill faster as summer approaches
- Families may need to work around the end of the school year
Moving in Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time of year to move. Children are out of school, days are long and many leases end in June, July and August.
Pros
- Children can settle into a new home before the school year starts
- Long daylight hours for loading and unloading
- Usually good road conditions for long distance moves
Cons
- The busiest moving season, so the best dates book up weeks in advance
- Heat and humidity in Virginia can make moving day tiring
- Prices can be higher because demand is high
If summer is the best time of year to move for your family, book as early as you can and choose a mid-month or mid-week date if possible.
Moving in Fall (September to November)
Early fall is often the best time of year to move if your schedule is flexible. Summer demand drops after Labor Day, and the weather in Southwest Virginia is usually pleasant.
Pros
- Cooler temperatures and lower humidity
- More available dates after the summer rush
- Time to settle in before the holidays
Cons
- Children may need to change schools mid-semester
- Shorter days later in the season
- Holiday travel can affect late-November dates
Moving in Winter (December to February)
Winter is the slowest moving season, which can make it a smart time of year to move if you want more choice of dates.
Pros
- The most open dates of the year, outside the holidays
- Movers can often be more flexible with timing
- A quieter, less rushed moving day
Cons
- Snow and ice can delay moves, especially on hills and long routes
- Short days mean less daylight
- Holidays are busy for families and travel
If you move in winter, keep walkways clear of ice, protect floors from snow and slush, and stay in touch with your movers about the forecast.
Best Time of the Month to Move
The time of month matters almost as much as the season. Most leases start and end on the first of the month, so the last few days of each month and the first few days of the next are the busiest for movers. If you can, choose a date between roughly the 7th and the 25th. You will have more choice of times and less competition for elevators, loading docks and parking.
Best Day of the Week to Move
Saturdays are the most requested moving days because most people do not work. If you can move on a weekday, especially Tuesday through Thursday, you may find more open times. Weekday moves can also be easier for picking up keys, meeting building managers and connecting utilities. Collegiate Movers moves Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm.
Best Time of Day to Move
Early morning starts are usually best. Crews are fresh, temperatures are cooler in summer, there is more daylight in winter and you have the rest of the day to unpack. For long distance moves, an early start also helps the truck get on the road sooner.
The Best Time of Year to Move in Roanoke
Roanoke has four real seasons, which affects the best time of year to move here. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable moving weather. Summers can be hot and humid, so early morning moves are popular. Winter usually brings some cold snaps and occasional snow or ice, which can affect hillside driveways and mountain roads in Roanoke County and Botetourt County.
The academic calendar matters too. Late August and May are busy with college moves across the region, from Roanoke College and Hollins University to Virginia Tech and Radford. If you are not a student, try to avoid the move-in and move-out weeks when you can.
The Best Time to Move for Different Situations
Families With Children
Early summer, just after the school year ends, gives children time to adjust before classes begin. If summer dates are full, the first weeks of a winter or spring break can also work.
Students
Student moves follow the academic calendar. Book move-in and move-out help early, because those weeks fill quickly. See our college moving services.
Seniors and Downsizing
Mild spring or fall weather makes moving day more comfortable, and a mid-month, mid-week date keeps things calm. Learn more about our moving services for seniors.
Businesses
Choose a slow season for your business and a date that lets you move over a weekend or in stages. Our commercial movers can plan around your hours.
Long Distance Moves
Late spring and early fall usually offer good road conditions with less summer demand. Read How Long Does a Cross-Country Move Take? to plan your timeline.
A Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time of Year to Move
- January: one of the quietest months. A good time of year to move if you can handle cold weather and want flexible dates.
- February: still quiet, with short days. Watch the forecast for snow and ice.
- March: weather starts to improve and demand is still low, making it an underrated time of year to move.
- April: comfortable temperatures and growing demand. A strong choice if you book a few weeks ahead.
- May: one of the best months, but busy with college move-outs and the start of the summer season.
- June: peak season begins. Families move after the school year ends, so book early.
- July: the busiest month for many movers. Expect heat and full calendars.
- August: still busy, especially late in the month with college move-ins.
- September: after Labor Day, demand drops and the weather cools. Many people consider early fall the best time of year to move.
- October: pleasant weather and more open dates. Another excellent choice.
- November: quieter, but plan around Thanksgiving travel.
- December: the holidays are busy for families, but the first half of the month can be calm for moving.
The Best Time of Year to Move for Renters
For renters, the best time of year to move often depends on lease dates. Most leases end at the end of a month, and many end in the summer. If you can, sign a lease that ends in the fall or spring, when there is less competition for moving dates. Give your landlord the required notice, schedule your move-out inspection, and leave a few days of overlap between leases so you are not rushed.
The Best Time of Year to Move for Homeowners
Homeowners usually plan around the sale of one home and the purchase of another. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for home sales, which is why they are also busy for movers. If your closing dates are flexible, a fall closing can make the move itself easier to schedule. Coordinate your moving date with both closings, and talk with your movers early if a closing date might change.
The Best Time of Year to Move for a New Job
Job relocations rarely wait for the perfect season. If your start date is fixed, book movers as soon as you accept the offer, especially for a summer start. Ask your employer whether relocation assistance is available, and plan to arrive a few days before your first day so you can settle in. A long distance move also needs time for transport, so read How to Pack for a Long Distance Move and plan your packing early.
Signs It Is the Right Time to Move
The best time of year to move is not only about the calendar. It is also about your life. It may be the right time to move when your lease or home sale date is set, your family is ready for the change, your budget is in place and you have at least a few weeks to plan. If you are unsure, talk with a moving company early. A conversation about dates and costs can help you choose the best time of year to move with confidence.
How to Save Money by Choosing the Right Time to Move
- Avoid peak dates: summer weekends at the end of the month are in the highest demand.
- Be flexible: giving your mover two or three possible dates can open up better options.
- Book early: early booking gives you the widest choice, especially in summer.
- Move less: whatever the season, fewer items mean a faster, more affordable move.
- Ask for a written quote: moves with Collegiate Movers start from $350, and your written estimate shows exactly what is included.
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
For local moves, two to four weeks ahead is usually enough outside of summer. For summer moves, month-end dates or long distance moves, book six to eight weeks ahead. The busier the time of year to move, the earlier you should reserve your date.
Is There a Worst Time of Year to Move?
The worst time of year to move is usually the end of a summer month, when demand is highest and dates are hardest to get. The days just before major holidays can also be stressful, with travel, family plans and closed offices. That does not mean you cannot move then. It simply means you should book early, stay flexible and plan a little more carefully.
How to Choose the Best Time of Year to Move for You
To find the best time of year to move for your own situation, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- When does my lease end, or when will my home sale close?
- Do my children need to finish a school year or start one in a new place?
- How flexible are my work schedule and my start date?
- Do I prefer mild weather, or is having more open dates more important?
- How much time do I need to sort, pack and plan?
Your answers will usually point to one or two seasons. From there, choose a mid-month, mid-week date if you can, and book your movers early. That simple approach helps almost anyone find the best time of year to move.
Our Advice on the Best Time of Year to Move
After more than 25 years of helping Roanoke families move, our advice is simple. If you can choose freely, the best time of year to move is spring or early fall. If you need to move in summer, book early and avoid the last days of the month. If winter is the best time of year to move for your plans, stay flexible with the weather. Whatever the season, a written plan and an experienced crew make the move go smoothly.
Weather Tips for Any Season
No matter which season turns out to be the best time of year to move for you, the weather can still surprise you. In summer, start early, keep water on hand and protect electronics and candles from heat in the truck. In spring and fall, have towels and floor runners ready for rain. In winter, clear and salt walkways and driveways, and keep a path open from the door to the truck. Check the forecast a few days ahead and stay in touch with your movers. A good crew will plan around the weather to keep your belongings and everyone involved safe, whatever the best time of year to move turns out to be for your family.
If you are still deciding on dates, call us at (540) 992-1414. We can tell you which dates are open and help you choose the best time of year to move based on your plans, your budget and your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest time of year to move?
Late fall and winter, outside the holidays, are usually the least busy, which often means more open dates and more flexibility.
What month is best for moving?
Many people find May, September and early October to be the best months, with mild weather and less demand than midsummer.
Is it bad to move in winter?
Not at all. Winter moves can be calm and flexible. Plan for weather, keep walkways clear and stay in touch with your movers about the forecast.
Is the weekend the best time to move?
Weekends are convenient but busy. A weekday move, especially Tuesday through Thursday, often has more open times.
How early should I book movers in summer?
Book six to eight weeks ahead for summer moves, and even earlier for end-of-month dates.
Does the time of year affect how long a move takes?
The season does not change the distance, but it can change the timing. Summer demand means you may need to book further ahead, and winter weather can occasionally slow a long trip. A local move usually still takes a single day in any season. For long moves, see How Long Does a Cross-Country Move Take?
Plan Your Move With Collegiate Movers
Whatever the best time of year to move is for you, Collegiate Movers can help you plan it. We have served Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Bedford, Lynchburg and the surrounding areas since 1999, and we are licensed and insured (USDOT 861003). Explore our local moving company and long distance movers, read our guide What to Look for in Long Distance Movers, and check the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move resource before you book.
Call (540) 992-1414 or request your free quote to reserve your moving date.