Moving is a hassle since you have to arrange everything ahead of time and you might have no idea where to start. Perhaps you’re debating whether to relocate in the summer or the winter. While it may seem appealing to move over the summer, it isn’t the best time to do so.
Because fewer people want to move during the winter, you can take advantage of the lower rental rates. Also, you won’t even have to break a sweat when moving because there is no summer heat. While it may appear to be a minor reason, it’s worth considering.
If you’re considering a move soon, relocating during the winter has advantages. In this article, we’ll tell you five reasons why moving in the summer is a bad idea.
Table of Contents
1. Moving in the Summer Heat
The weather is an important factor to consider. The winter is a pleasant relief from the summer heat. The heat might make the whole process more aggravating.
The amount of time you’ll spend in the sun loading your possessions puts you in danger of sunstroke. As a result, you’ll need to bring plenty of water bottles on the move to avoid becoming dehydrated.
When you’re relocating, you have to consider more than simply how the weather affects you physically. Some items such as candles are extremely heat-sensitive.
Increased heat under the sun can cause harm to many gadgets. Not only that but some valuable belongings, such as fine paintings, might be harmed. You won’t have to worry about any of that in the winter.
In most cases, electronics do not perform well in hot environments. Hence, you must ensure that your televisions, computers, and other electrical gadgets are kept cool during the heat.
Electronic circuit systems function better at lower temperatures. Allowing electronics to be exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time can reduce their durability and performance.
Another item that can be ruined is food. If you don’t keep your food in coolers, it may spoil during the move. You can’t put food in the back of a moving truck, but a cooler filled with snacks and sandwiches works great in your personal car if you can keep everything cold.
You won’t have any of these issues in the winter. In fact, moving your appliances and belongings during the winter months may be more favorable.
2. Less Rental Availability
During the summer, the majority of people move. In fact, between May and August, 60% of people
in the United States relocate. With that in mind, finding available apartments and houses is quite difficult.
Families usually move during summer. They plan to do so to avoid relocating their children during the academic year. Not only that, but many fresh graduates move to new places after college during the summer.
With summertime being so busy, the winter is a slow season.
Hence, landlords have difficulties renting and selling their houses during the colder months. So, moving during the winter is ideal, as landlords try to find anyone interested in their properties.
3. Prices Are Higher During the Peak Season
Landlords are keen to rent their properties during the off-season. As a result, you might be able to find some great bargains in the market during the winter. During this time, renters may try to persuade you with cheaper rates.
Avoid renting any property between May and October. These two months are the most costly periods. People like to rent in May so that they can relocate over the summer. Additionally, they usually start preparing to move in October, just before the holidays.
It’s preferable to rent between December and March. The demand is much lower and you’re more likely to find a good deal.
4. Moving Companies Are Less Available
The strong demand throughout the summer causes moving services to become fully booked. During the wintertime, however, most people consider the weather to be unpleasant. As a result, they avoid hiring a moving company at this time of year.
Moving firms are in lower demand during the winter. So because of the competition, they tend to lower their pricing rates to gain more clients. The majority of moving companies provide discounted pricing.
Furthermore, unlike during the summer, movers don’t serve a large number of clients. Thus, movers are more likely to arrive at your new location with your belongings without delays. Not only that, but they might offer additional services for a low price.
When it comes to packing, boxes become limited in stock during the busy season. As a result, you’ll find a larger supply of moving boxes during the winter. Additionally, you might be able to get them at a discount. It may not seem like much, but it’ll help you save a few dollars.
5. Storage Units Prices Are Cheaper
When moving, you may require extra storage space for some of your items. That’s when self-storage units come in handy. People rent storage spaces all the time during their moves.
Storage spaces keep items such as furniture, electronics, and antiques safe till they find space for it. A storage unit can cost anywhere from $90 to $290 per month, depending on the space and area.
Related: Exactly how much stuff can fit in a 5 x 10 storage unit?
These units’ prices are usually determined by supply and demand. The more interest there is for them, the higher the rate. Many people rent storage spaces during the peak season to make their move easier. This makes storage spaces have a price spike during summer.
However, because winter is the off-season, there will be more storage units available. With more spaces available, you’ll be able to reserve the storage you’ll need to keep your items for a reduced price.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why moving in the summer is a bad idea. Simply put, renting during the off-season will more likely save you money.
Also, it’ll allow you to find more rental opportunities. There is less rivalry, more moving companies are available, and the cost of storage space is lower.
If you’re thinking about moving, think about doing so in the winter. By summer, you’ll have already settled in and be able to enjoy your vacation stress-free.
