We all know how stressful moving can be. With all the things you need to focus on, it seems impossible to take steps to make it easier. However, good organization and planning can alleviate some of the stress. Choosing the best time to move can help you immensely, not just in avoiding panic, last-minute preparations, and forgetting something important; it can also lower the relocation costs of moving within the DMV area.
Contact Movers Ahead of Time
No matter where or when you plan to go within the National Capital Region (we hear it’s best to avoid moving to Maryland during winter), time effectiveness is everything. Since Americans tend to move a lot (nearly 12 times during their lifetime), movers have their hands full.
The same goes for DMV movers. In fact, according to current US Census Bureau estimates, 8.2 million people relocated between states in 2022, up from 7.9 million in 2021. Between July 2022 and July 2023, the number of people living in the DC metro area grew 6 per 1,000. Indeed, many people use moving services to get from point A to point B within the DMV!
No matter the season, contact your preferred company on time to secure your desired moving date. The trick is to call your relocation experts on time and book their services. Those who call last minute either fail to book them or leave the relocation in their own hands, which can cost much more since it’s on a tight schedule.
Avoid Moving on Weekends
It’s not a big surprise that, for movers, the busiest days of the week are weekends, especially in high-paced areas like D.C. It’s when we’re all off work and our kids are out of school, so it’s the most convenient time for us to pack and go. However, if you want to avoid heavy traffic (especially in the DC area) and book professional services more efficiently, the best time is mid-week.
Avoid Moving in the Beginning of a Month
Most people book professionals at the beginning of a month or near its end. Their new job positions usually influence this, or it’s easier to set up and disconnect utilities and handle bills that way. However, since this means movers will be extremely busy on these dates, try to organize your move in the middle of the month.
Choose the Best Season
Is there such a thing as the best time of year to move? In truth, the question of “when is the best time to move out of state?” becomes irrelevant if your move is tied to an occasion. You may have landed a new job, or you’re moving to college. Your current lease might be up, so you need to be in another part of town ASAP. On the other hand, if you have the freedom to choose a part of the year that suits your relocation best, remember that each season has pros and cons.
September Is Probably Your Best Bet
The best months to move (in our humble opinion) are the autumn months, specifically September. Autumn moving has many advantages – the temperatures are slightly cooler, and the movers’ schedules aren’t nearly as busy, so that it will be more affordable. The afternoon highs in Washington, DC, will be in the low to mid-70s F, and sometimes they will go up to the 80s F. However, this season is not for you if you’re not a fan of moving in the rain.
December Can Be a Slippery Slope
Moving in the winter may seem like the perfect choice. The movers are (mostly) free to book, the costs might be as low as they can get, and you might spend the winter holidays in a completely new home. In December, you can expect clear, bright days and cool nights in the DMV.
On the other hand, there’s that little issue of bad weather and slippery roads, not to mention wet footwear walking all over your newly cleaned floors while the boxes are being carried out. If you’re up for it, it might take some more cleaning work and careful driving, but the costs will be significantly cut.
Your Best Month to Move Might Be March or April
Spring moving sounds like a Led Zeppelin song (“It’s just a spring clean for the May queen“), but it may also be music for your wallet. The days slowly grow longer after the winter, and it’s getting warmer outside. April mornings within the DMV are often in the low to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Some mornings drop to the mid-30s Fahrenheit, while afternoon highs are in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Movers are mostly available, while the costs are slightly lower than during peak season. After all, isn’t spring and its months a perfect symbol of new beginnings?
Summer Is the Peak Moving Season
If you have ever wondered when the moving season is and when most people move, we can tell you immediately that it’s during summer. Summer moving is popular for several reasons—the kids are out of school, holiday time is prevalent, and there are no slippery roads when the heat outside is scorching.
However, we advise against choosing June, July, or August because the roads will be full of traffic, and movers tend to be the busiest. If you have no choice but to move in the summer, just remember – wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and call movers ahead to book your desired moving date. And keep in mind that from July 6 to July 27, the DMV area’s average high temperature is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start the Move Early
Believe it or not, there’s also the best time to move in the day; of course, it’s morning. Early risers get a lot of things done, and it’s the same with relocations. You could do several things before the movers arrive like pack your essentials box and prepare refreshments for both the road and the movers. No matter how far you’re moving, if you start early, you will cover most of your tasks.
Choose One of the Top Cities for Millennials and Gen Z in 2024, Regardless of the Season
The DMV area, also known as the National Capital Region, encompasses Washington, DC, and parts of Virginia and Maryland, including cities like Fairfax, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Bethesda, and Rockville. If you’re looking for the best picks for Millennials and the younger generation known as Gen Z, these are the most appealing cities:
- Washington, DC, offers amazing cultural diversity, great job opportunities, and fantastic schools, making it an ideal destination for young professionals. If you’re wondering when to book DC movers and when is the best time to go to DC, we advise going in the spring or autumn.
- Baltimore, Maryland, is a fantastic city with endless possibilities and a long history. It boasts a vibrant urban life, a great job market, and numerous attractions.
- Alexandria, VA, is known for its authentic architecture, excellent schools and education, and abundant job market opportunities.
Best Times to Move in the DMV
Whether you prefer the cooler months of autumn, the fresh start of spring, or even the cost-effective winter, each season offers unique advantages. Start early in the day for a stress-free move and consider midweek or mid-month schedules to avoid heavy traffic and high demand. Our DMV moving company, Zip Moving and Storage, can help you plan the best time of the year to move and execute it flawlessly.
