Are you thinking about relocating? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, you’re far from alone. In 2018, more than 32 million Americans packed up and moved somewhere new (that’s about 10% of the population). But when is the best time to rent an apartment? And when should you move?
When finding a new apartment, you’ll want to consider your finances, family situation, and your personal preferences. So before you rush to sign a lease, here are a few money-saving moving tips:
Seasons of Moving
Don’t want to bundle up for the big move? Plan your relocation during a milder time of year. Fall and spring typically offer less volatile weather than winter or summer.
Keep in mind, however, that the busiest moving season occurs between May and September. So if you’re looking to save a few bucks on moving costs, you’ll get a better deal during the non-peak season of winter. However, if you have school-age children, you may need to move in summer to minimize middle-of-the-year disruptions.
Best Days & Times to Move
Since many apartment leases begin the first of the month, you may also snag a better moving rate if you wait to relocate mid-month. Consider scheduling movers first thing in the morning on a Monday through Thursday time frame since demand tends to be lower.
Moving Tips Anytime of Year
While moving expenses can prove a pricey proposition, here are a few hacks to further cut costs:
- Take inventory of your belongings and get rid of what you don’t want before you move.
- Purchase your own boxes and packing supplies.
- DIY your move. Rent your own moving truck, and pay friends to help you load up.
- Only hire movers. You don’t have to use a traditional full-service moving company. Find local movers in your area that charge an hourly rate to pack and unpack your U-Haul.
Extenuating circumstances may dictate when you move to a new apartment. However, if you have control over the timing of your move, you may be able to save money on relocation expenses.
