Which Dates Are The Best For Moving?

From researching moving companies, hiring movers or renting a truck to packing boxes and decluttering closets, it’s easy to put the date of the move on the back of your mind. 

But, it can be a very important factor and it can even impact whether you will find affordable movers or not. This one little detail can make an enormous difference when it comes to the ease of the move and the size of your budget.

So, first thing’s first, set a date for the move. When you have a date, you will be able to make a plan, call moving companies, start packing on time, ask for a day off at work and organize with your family and friends if they will be helping you with the move.

But how to choose the best date for moving?

When you’re looking to relocate, flexibility can often lead to a more affordable move. And we all know that moving is not exactly cheap, so here are some tips on what you can do to have a more cost-efficient relocation and how to choose the right move date.

Is your moving date already decided for you?

There are many factors that can influence a move date, but sometimes it is not really up to you when you will move. Sometimes the move date or month is already decided for you.

These are the factors that should be taken into consideration when you are planning to use professional movers in Los Angeles.

Are you on a lease agreement?

If the property you are about to move out of is a rented one, you will need to comply with the terms of the lease.

Check the provisions of your rental contract and go through all the specific renters’ moving out rights and obligations you have signed below. 

You want to make sure to read the fine print carefully and find out how soon you need to notify your landlord about your move. Also, how should you proceed in order to get your security deposit back.

Make sure that you are familiar with all the clauses in your contract. Verify that you have fulfilled all your responsibilities and that you know how to terminate the rental agreement, so that you can avoid any penalties and conflicts with the landlord.

On the other hand, if you are planning to move into a rental, you will have to agree on a specific move-in date and, of course, you will not be able to relocate prior to that date. So, you will need to organize your move accordingly with the already negotiated terms.

Tip : Don’t forget to reserve the elevator if needed for the move in or move out day. You don’t want movers getting tired by climbing several flights of stairs if they don’t have to.

Are you selling or buying a home?

• If you are selling your previous home and if somebody were interested in it, offering a good price, that means you would need to move out before the new owners would move in.
  

In that case your plan should already be in place, with having already chosen a moving company for your move and packing situation sorted out, etc..

• In case you haven’t found your future home yet, you will have to provide temporary housing for your family and storage for all your personal possessions; 

On the other hand, you will probably want to sell your old place as soon as possible to cash some extra money for your move and for buying a new house.

• If you bought a new home, you will have to negotiate the date when you will be able to move in with the previous owners.

So there is a lot of planning and scheduling to do, and it all impacts on the moving date, therefore have that in mind.

Tip: Don’t forget that you may need extra time for any required repair works or desired renovation projects.

Is school or college a factor?

• If you are moving for college, into a dorm or new apartment/home, you have to schedule the move on time so you are there in time for the start of the academic year.
  
• If you are moving after graduating college, you might be moving back with your parents or to your new home to officially start the life of independence and adulthood.
  
• On another hand, if you have a child or children that go to elementary, middle or high school you have to take into consideration school start and end dates and if you wish to move mid-term or if you will wait for the end of the school year.

Are you starting a new job?

If you are about to start a new job in a new city and your first day at work has already been defined, you don’t have much of a choice. 

You need to move in time to be able to settle in and put your personal affairs in order before that date. 

This will probably be your top priority and you will have to organize the entire relocation process having this specific date in mind.

Best tip if you know the date in advance is to book movers as soon as possible so you can get fair and affordable movers in time for your move.

Flexibility in choosing the best time to move is really a privilege you should take advantage of. If you are lucky to be in this favorable position to be able to set a moving date according to your preferences, check the following tips on how to choose the best date to move in Los Angeles and have affordable movers on hand.

When is peak moving season in Los Angeles?

Peak moving season occurs in the summer, with 80% of all moves in the United States occurring between April and September, it’s the same case when looking for residential movers in Los Angeles.

Why is summer the busiest time of year to move? 

While there are several reasons, the main factor is that kids are off from school. When school is out movers are typically in high demand.

When is it most inexpensive to relocate in LA?

Low-cost moving season

As mentioned above, the peak moving season is April through September, this is when moving companies are the busiest as people, especially families with children in school, use the summer months to move without disruption. 

If you’re planning your move ahead of time, do your best to avoid these months, as this is also the most expensive time of year to move since packing and moving services are in higher demand. 

So if you are looking to save and hire budget movers in Los Angeles, instead, try to move during the fall, winter, or early spring months like October through March.

Here are some pros and cons of moving seasons:

• Fall: Great weather conditions for moving and you may be able to get a better deal on a home during the off season.
  
• Winter: Cheapest time of the year to move since demand is lowest. Moving companies have more flexible schedules. May not be ideal if moving with children.
  
• Spring: The weather won’t be as harsh as the winter months and demand is still lighter in March and April.
  
• Summer: Ideal time if you are selling your home since demand is highest and you may get a higher price. Also, if you are moving with children then this season is ideal since they won’t be in school.

Cheapest time of the month to relocate

Try to avoid moving at the beginning or the end of the month as this is when most people are moving into new places, especially since leases typically start at the beginning or end of the month, which means there is more demand for moving during this time. 

And to that point, some moving companies may offer discounted rates if you move mid-month. 

Even if you decide on a DIY move, you may run into availability issues with renting moving equipment and securing vehicles for hauling. Your best bet is to stick to the middle of the month. Mid-month will make it the best time for relocating your family in Los Angeles.

Most affordable days for residential moves in Los Angeles

Generally, try to stick to a weekday when determining your move date. The best days of the week to move are mid week: Monday-Thursday. This is because most people move on the weekends when they’re off from work or school. 

Mid-week moves also tend to cost less. 

Friday through Sunday moves have higher demand and are booked first. So if you are moving last minute, you will probably find a spot for your budget Los Angeles move in no time during the week. 

Tip: If possible it is great to move on a Friday because then you have the whole weekend to unpack, clean your new home and even relax a little bit before starting a new work week.

Tips for moving locally in Los Angeles and things to pay attention to

Traffic

Especially when moving in Los Angeles you have to think about traffic. While moving during the weekdays may be more affordable, you will probably have to deal with much heavier traffic. 

If you are moving a short distance locally, just a few blocks away, you have nothing to worry about. In that case, if possible just find a reliable and affordable moving company and you are ready to go.

Parking

Always make sure to check if you have to reserve a parking spot in the street for a specific date and time. You can check that in the city hall. You wouldn’t want to get a ticket on your move day. 

If you are moving in or out of a residential building, make sure to check with the building management if you need to reserve besides the elevator a loading dock or a space for the truck to park. 

Weather

Sometimes you cannot know in advance how’s the weather is going to be like, but if possible try to avoid moving when there is rain or snow, or when it is super hot outside. 

It will be easier for you and the movers, and safer for belongings. If the weather is not perfect, choosing a professional moving company will make you feel safe about protecting and wrapping your items in bad weather.

Time of the day

If you are relocating to a larger home, 3+ bedrooms, you will surely book movers for the morning arrival slot since there is a lot of work to be done, with wrapping and protecting the items, disassembling furniture and loading the truck itself, etc…

However if you are moving a small studio or a 1 bedroom apartment, you can book movers for the afternoon slot. Maybe that way, you won’t need to take time off work and it will possibly be more affordable as well.

How to get a quote?

If you are looking for professional and affordable movers in Los Angeles, you are at the right place! Give us a call or visit our website and get a free quote today for your move. We will make sure you get the best price, best moving crew and that you have an easy, stress-free move while your items are safely packed and moved by our experienced movers. Call us today!