Tips on moving in the off-peak season

Picking a moving date is usually not at the top of your list of priorities. Of course, choosing a new house or an apartment, packing your belongings, and dealing with the logistics of the move is more important. Unfortunately, for a large majority of people, moving in the off-peak season is simply not an option, for many reasons. If you’re one of the lucky few who get to pick their moving date, consider this option. Not only it will save you a lot of money, but there are also advantages to moving when nobody else is. Here are some of the tips on moving in the off-peak season we have collected for you.

When is the peak moving season?

First things first, it’s important to make a distinction between the peak and off-peak moving seasons. A lot of people tend to move in the spring and summer, and they’ve got good reasons to do so. The children will be able to go to their new school at the beginning of the school year, rather than in the middle of the semester. The weather is better – warm and sunny days are the most favorable options when moving. Also, if you’re selling your previous estate, the demand is higher in the summertime!

Moving in the off-peak season can be just as good, if not better

On the other hand, moving during fall and winter can be a bit more complicated. The weather is risky, as rain and snow can make your moving process more difficult. There are holidays you need to work around – moving right before Christmas? Sounds like a nightmare! To contradict this popular opinion, there are plenty of benefits to moving in these seasons.

Moving in the fall or winter is budget-friendly

The cost of moving is surely one of the most important things when planning a move. When you start researching the moving companies and deciding which one is the best for you, moving rates play a big role in the choice. If you’re from the NYC area, you could always get free moving quotes Brooklyn and know in advance how much this move will cost. So, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s good to know that moving in the off-peak season will save you money. In the fall or early winter, the moving companies are known to lower their prices by as much as 30 percent! Since there is less demand, the rates are lower and the availability of movers is higher.

The month, day, and time of your move affect the cost as well

Most leases begin and end at the beginning of the end of the month, and these weeks will be busier for the movers. Try to move mid-month, even mid-week. Many moving companies, such as Dorothy & Martha Moving NYC, suggest moving during weekdays. If you can afford a day or two off work, you could save yourself a lot of money and have more time with the movers. Also, think about this: you will have the entire weekend to unpack and settle in your new home, so you could start fresh in the new working week!

Your movers will appreciate the cooler weather

When you think about a typical summer moving day, lots of sweat and iced water are inevitable. While there are ways to work around hot weather, you have to admit that moving to cooler weather is a much better option. Wrapping boxes and packing the moving truck proves to be a much easier task when you’re not stopping to cool down every couple of minutes. When the temperatures are lower, the movers can concentrate more on their job and fuel their energy into finishing the move on time.

Off-peak season move gives you more flexibility

Organization and planning are everything in the moving process. When you’re not in a rush and everything is organized, your relocation won’t be as stressful. Make a moving checklist and go step-by-step. Of course, if you plan, you could pick your ideal pick-up and delivery date with your moving company. However, since the movers are much busier during the summer, choosing dates that suit your needs may be tricky. Moving in the off-peak season gives you more dates to choose from. The demand is lower and you could set the ideal moving dates around your (probably busy) schedule.

You will get more attention from the moving company

Let’s be real, when the movers have a strict deadline because they have so many people to move, they are bound to be tired, stressed, and under pressure. Thousands of families are moving during peak season, and this can get real chaotic real quick. When you opt to move in the off-peak season, you will get less busy moving consultants, dispatchers, and movers. They will have more time on their hands and will be happy to help you with everything you need.

Less busy roads mean safer and quicker deliveries

You might be worried about wet or icy roads during this season, but let us explain. During the summer, many Americans are moving, and those who are not are going on a vacation. This results in really busy roads, traffic jams and, unfortunately, a lot of accidents.

In the colder seasons, there are fewer vehicles on the roads. Yes, it requires more attention and skill with the movers, but it can be much quicker. Of course, you should keep in mind where you’re moving – moving long distance to the north isn’t fun during winter!

Secure everything properly when moving in bad weather conditions

During the off-peak season, you’re more likely to encounter rain and snowfall. Because of this, you should take extra precautions when moving during rainstorms. These are just a few but pointing tips from a broader list of moving tips for a winter relocation:

• Double-wrap the boxes to prevent leakage – rain can get everywhere if they are not secured.
• Wear appropriate footwear and jackets for cold weather – slipping and hurting yourself should be avoided at all costs.
• Cover the area between the truck and the house – you don’t want to drag things over mud and puddles!
• Protect the floors – Knowing how to protect floors when moving will certainly save you some money. Cover the floors and staircases to avoid mud, rain, and dirt spreading around the house and causing damage.

Choose a reliable company when moving in the off-peak season

Moving in the off-peak season allows you to carefully pick one of the best moving companies out there. Peak season often means that the most high-quality companies are booked months in advance, but the off-peak season is different. Here are a few tips on how to find a reliable moving company.

• Recommendation – This is the safest and most secure way to find a reliable moving company. Moving in the off-peak season increases your chances that the moving company your friends or relatives suggested is free to assist you.
• Internet – You will be able to find a moving company online. First, you need to know how to compare moving quotes. Then compare at least several moving companies and check what they offer and for what price.
• Moving reviews – Several sites such as ATA Moving & Storage, or BBB (Better Business Bureau) offer reviews of the company`s service. Go through the reviews carefully, and you will be able to conclude whether people were generally satisfied with the service.

So, when you move can be just as crucial as how you move. We hope we’ve proved that moving in the off-peak season can be beneficial in many aspects, even if you’re moving locally. Stay safe and enjoy your move!