Moving in off peak season is a great way to save money when moving. However, we need to ask you the following question: do you know what that means? Don’t get us wrong, there are reasons for moving in the offseason. In fact, there are strong reasons to move in the peak season. Still, how do you know what to do in your case? It is very easy to give all kinds of advice when it is not you who is supposed to take them. What do you think, would you listen to someone who told you to or not to move in the off-season? Ask yourself why would you not. Afterward, you will be ready to move on to the main part of this text.
Any type of relocation, whether it be moving in off peak season or during it, can be tricky to pull off. There are many nuances and complex logistics that are behind your move. However, if you choose to work with Verified Movers, you won’t have to worry about any of that. We will help you find the right company and share some expert tips to help you deal with the moving process. Furthermore, be sure to stick around and read the rest of this article. We are going to try and dissect the reasons why you should be moving in winter or in the heat of the summer.
What exactly does moving in off peak season mean?
First things first, we need to make sure that we are talking about the same thing. Are you certain that you know when the moving season starts and when it finishes? If you still have your doubts, let us help you understand. One disclaimer before we move on. Depending on where you live, the moving season may start earlier and end later than when it does in general.
There is one common ground for moving season wherever you are. Relocations tend to start in spring, reach their peak in the summer, and then start fading away in the fall. Wintertime is when it is off-season. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you are planning on moving during holidays in winter, you should know that lots of moving companies will be booked. Another reason why some movers might get booked during winter is the start of college. Lots of students might move prior to the start of the school year. Besides these examples, wintertime should remain as book-free as possible. Now let us take a look at why you would want to move in the offseason and why not.
Moving in the off season
There are a few pros to moving in the offseason and probably slightly fewer cons. Still, the majority of people find those cons so strong that they decide to take care of their move during summer, even though hiring a moving company at that time can be difficult. But, some states are simply not ideal for winter relocations, especially those in the northern part of the country, which is exactly why, for example, moving to Minnesota, should be left for some warmer month.
Pros of moving in off peak season: Price
First and foremost, the price of the move in the off season is going to be so much more affordable. Given the fact that the vast majority of people move during summer, prices over the winter go down significantly. And why would they not? After all, this is the time when moving companies are scraping for work. For moving companies, getting work when it is snowing outside is very difficult. On the other hand, this would be a great budget-saving option, especially if you’re in for a big move. For example, moving coast to coast from Georgia to California. This is a huge move, and a big expense. Therefore, expect cross country moving companies Georgia to charge you significantly less during winter.
However, bear in mind that this is not the situation in 100% of the States. If you are moving to Florida, you should not be expecting this kind of behavior. Given the fact that the climate in Florida is quite warm even in winter, moving companies there do not experience such drastic amplitudes in finding work. So, when it comes to the south of the country, the changes in price are minimal during the year. However, there is a small surge in the summer there as well. It happens in the summertime when kids are off school. Parents look to move when their kids are done with the school year.
Moving in off peak season will give you peace of mind
Moving during peak season can be incredibly stressful. Preparing and organizing a relocation, especially a long distance one, is exponentially harder during peak season. There are often more people moving, which means more traffic. Despite the same distance, identical relocations will last longer in peak season compared to off-peak season. Also, not to mention the long wait times for moving companies. In some cases, if you are planning to move during summer, you will have to book a date with the moving company around six months in advance. Trying to find an available moving company at the last minute will be stressful and anxiety-ridden.
Moving in off-peak season can help you avoid these headaches and make the process less stressful overall. And when it comes to mental health, we all know the impact of nuanced and complex relocations. So, if you are someone whose mental well-being is the priority number one, then moving in off-peak season is the way to go. It will be easier to stay in control of the process and understand all the nuances. Staying clear of delays and additional costs will also be easier.
Cons of moving in off peak season: Your children’s education may suffer
Moving in the peak of the moving season enables parents to enroll kids in new schools over the summer. For kids, this is important to be present at school throughout the academic year. Otherwise, their notes may suffer, just like their learning. Every move represents stress, let alone if you’re moving with kids. It is them who have to get accepted into the new class and find new friends. Also, the sudden change in the environment can leave them confused. So, if you are someone who is moving with kids, be sure to put their needs first. Carefully talk with them about why the relocation is necessary and help them get through it.
While you as an adult are not as dependable on your friends, teenagers are. They have worked very hard to create their image. When you move them, they have to do it all over again. If you enroll them in a new school while the school is on, they may have issues with getting accustomed to the new surroundings. Therefore, your move in the off-season is going to be cheaper, but your kids may suffer.
Pros to moving in off peak season: Availability
During winter it is so much easier to contract your preferable moving company. As we have already pointed out, moving companies have less work during winter. This means that you would easily be able to book them for the dates that suit you. In the summer, you might need to book a moving company that does not top the list simply because they would already be booked for the days when you can move. In order to make sure that you are booking a reliable moving company, check moving companies reviews. You should be doing business with the best companies in the market.
There are other benefits of moving in off peak season as well. Additionally, you may be able to find better deals on housing. Many apartments remain without inhabitants for longer periods of the year. There is a trend of northerners moving to the warmer climate during cold winters. However, if you are set on moving in off peak season, you will be thrilled to find out that some landlords and property managers may be more willing to negotiate during slower periods.
If you are employed, moving during winter might be favorable
Some kinds of jobs have higher and faster dynamics during summer. This means that the employers will have their hands full with work during peak season. On the other hand, an industry with slower business during winter will allow better flexibility to the employed. If this is a somewhat good description of your job, then moving during the winter months may be more convenient for you.
Cons of moving in off peak season: Weather
We have come to the most important reason why people do not move in the wintertime: the weather. Everyone is reluctant to move to a colder climate. Transporting your items in freezing temperatures is no fun. Obviously, everyone is aware of this, and that is why moving companies do not have all that much work in the winter. Cold, rain, snow, and ice could be a recipe for a disaster. Your furniture can get damaged or someone could get hurt taking the stuff out. In this scenario, hiring movers is a must! They have years of experience, and if anyone’s gonna move you during winter conditions, it’s going to be them. Also, movers from reputable moving companies will equip their staff with modern tools and gear. By hiring movers, you will avoid costly delays.
Furthermore, when it comes to moving in off peak season, utilities might prove to be troublesome. First of all, as it is with every kind of move, you have to cancel your current utility service with the provider. If possible, canceling the subscription on your move-out day is the most efficient and budget-friendly option. Then, you will also have to find a way to move your utility service, or, which is more common, find a new utility service provider. Making sure that your new place has working heating is essential. The last thing you would want is to spend the first few days in a cold apartment. Also, make sure that the electricity and water supply are working as well.
If you are moving during winter, pay close attention to your items
Moving during wintertime, which is usually off-peak season, will pose an increased risk of damage to your belongings. If the items are adequately stored, the elements can leave a lasting mark on them during transit. Snow, ice, and moisture can damage your items, leaving behind costly repairs or completely ruined items. Furthermore, cold temperatures can cause some materials, such as wood or plastic, to become brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Here are some tips on how to protect your items from the elements during transit:
- Use the right packaging materials: To protect your belongings from potential damage during transit, use robust boxes and packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and foam inserts. For further moisture protection, use plastic containers with lids.
- To protect your items from rain, snow, and other moisture, wrap them in plastic or another water-resistant material. This might assist shield your belongings from water damage while you’re moving.
- Seal your boxes: To keep moisture from entering your boxes, be sure to tape them shut tightly. Moreover, you can use duct tape to reinforce the box seams.
- Label your boxes clearly with the contents inside, and place a “fragile” label on any boxes containing delicate objects. This will make it more likely that your belongings will be handled carefully during the move.
- Items that are sensitive to temperature should be handled with additional care. If you have electronics or antiques that are susceptible to temperature changes, for example, take extra care to preserve them during the transfer. While being transported, keep them in a temperature-controlled environment and wrap them in bubble wrap or foam.
Should you move in the off season?
After all has been said, the decision is yours. Moving in off peak season has its advantages and disadvantages. While it can save you money and provide more scheduling flexibility, it may also mean dealing with inclement weather, limited availability, and fewer resources. Ultimately, the decision to move in off peak season will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities. Either way, we wish you the best of luck, whatever your choice might be.