Best Time to Move into an Apartment

The 2019 American Community Survey found over 44 million US households renting. Moving to a new flat is easy. Owners move 36.3% more than renters. Our guide reveals your best time to switch apartments.

Explore cost-saving tips, considerations to consider, and the optimum times to move into the apartment of your dream. We address peak demand and off-season advantages as you want. Expert advice will help you transfer smoothly.

Factors to Consider When Deciding the Best Time

A typical American will move 11.7 times in their life. When deciding the best time to move to a new apartment, there are several factors to consider. Here are three important ones.

Apartment Availability

Apartment numbers vary by location and season. Some areas have a greater turnover rate, with flats accessible year-round. Leases end and new apartments become available at other periods.

For example, some areas might have higher demand due to their proximity to schools or popular attractions, while others may experience fluctuations in availability based on tourist seasons.

Discover the local rental market and how apartments become available. This will let you choose a flat search time.

Best and Worst Times to Rent a Flat

From May to August, Summer is the best time to move into a new apartment. Price rises in student and family moving season. Summer housing may be competitive. In winter, less competition lowers prices.

Move during the holidays. Consider moving when there are more units or lower prices (e.g., fewer people looking to move during the holiday season).

Demand and Competition

Do you know, demand and competition change throughout the year? Moving to a desirable location may make it tougher to find a flat. Watch local rental advertising and talk to real estate agents or property managers to find out when demand and competition are low (e.g., online forums, community groups, rental websites). This can help you choose a suitable flat.

Consider the weather, your job schedule, and any seasonal lease terms or reductions. By considering these factors and conducting extensive research, you may determine the optimal time to move to a new flat based on your needs.

Best Time of Year to Move into an Apartment?

Summer is the best time to moving in new apartment. But other seasons have their own perks. According to the 2019 and 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year projections, 14% of Americans migrated in the previous year down to 13%. They may have moved during a bad season.

Summer: Apartment Hunting in the Peak Season

During the summer, there are a number of good things to think about.

Pros:

More options

During the summer, many homes are empty, which means you have more places to choose from.

Wider availability

Since summer is a popular time for people to move, you should be able to choose from a wide range of apartments in different areas and price levels.

More daylight hours

More daylight hours give you more time to look at apartments and figure out how to move.

Cons:

Higher demand

Renting a flat is most popular in summer, thus more people are looking. More people looking for apartments make it harder to get one.

Increased competition

You may face more renters since more individuals are looking for properties. This may require a speedy and thorough entry process.

Prices might go up

Because there are more people looking to rent during the summer, owners and property managers might be able to charge more.

Fall: Autumn Advantage for Apartment Seekers

There are some good things about moving into a flat in the autumn.

Pros:

Demand goes down gradually

As the summer ends, the demand for flats usually starts to go down. This can make less competition and maybe even better hiring terms.

Possible savings

Because there are fewer people looking for apartments in the fall, landlords may be more willing to offer discounts or negotiate on rent.

Cooler weather

Moving can be hard on your body, but autumn is a good time to do it because the weather is cooler.

Cons:

Limited availability

It’s hard to find in late autumn. In college towns and other places with a lot of students, the autumn season is at the same time as the start of the school year. Due to this, flats may be tougher to find, especially in August and September.

Winter: Cold Season and Uncovering Apartment Opportunities

Moving in apartment in the winter can be good or bad in different ways.

Pros:

Lowest demand

Flats are least popular in winter. In warmer months, many individuals move, so there may be fewer renters and less competition for rental homes.

Possible rent discounts

Since there are fewer people looking for apartments, landlords may be more willing to negotiate renting prices or offer discounts to get people to move in.

Easier negotiations

Negotiating with landlords or property managers may be easier if there are fewer people looking for flats at the same time as you.

Cons:

Limited choices

Winter renters may have fewer flats available. Some landlords may not list their properties, reducing the number of units on the market.

Challenging weather

Winter conditions make moving difficult. Snow, ice, and cold conditions make moving and figuring out procedures difficult and worst time to move.

Holiday season disruptions

Holidays may complicate winter moves. Scheduling challenges, retail closures, and holiday traffic may disrupt your move.

Spring: Increased Competition and Limited Availability

Pros:

Moderate demand

People don’t want to move as much in spring. It occurs between summer and winter. Since fewer people are seeking, this can make finding an apartment easier.

Favorable weather

Spring usually has nice weather, which can make moving easier and more fun.

Possible renting incentives

Landlords may offer spring specials to attract tenants. These include lower rent, no application cost, and more.

Cons:

Increased Competitions

There are more flat seekers in spring than in summer, even though the competition is less. There may be more renters this season, so you may have more competition.

Limited Availablity for Popular Areas

In high-demand areas, spring may have fewer apartments. Start looking early and move quickly when you find something that works.

Your situation and priorities determine when to move into a flat. If you want to save money or don’t mind fewer options, you can look at flats outside of summer.

Moving services are less in demand during this period, lowering prices. In fall and winter, moving businesses and services have less competition because most customers move in spring and summer. 19 million U.S. renter households spent over 30% of their income on housing.
 
Some moving companies provide discounts during the off-season to attract consumers. It’s advisable to shop around and compare prices because prices and availability vary by location and moving business.
 
Off-season moving may also offer additional moving dates, less traffic, and less stress due to fewer people relocating at once.
 
Considering these factors, moving during the off-season months of October to April may save money and be easier. Don’t choose the worst months to move.

Less Demand

Moving services are slowest in the middle of the month. This makes relocation services easier to discover and cheaper.

Less Competition

Mid-month is less competitive. In the middle weeks, you may locate more apartments or better conditions because many individuals move at the beginning or end of the month.

Moving on a given day of the week may change your movement. These weekends have fewer movers, so you may get reduced discounts and more services.
 
Mondays and Fridays are busy because most people move on weekends. Tuesday or Wednesday may offer more moving companies, vehicles, and lower pricing.
 
Remember that where you live and whether relocation services are available may impact your situation. Plan ahead, call moving firms, and compare costs and availability to find the ideal week and day to move.

More Time in Hand

Start early to maximize your moving truck or container rental. This lets you move without rushing.

Escape Heavy Traffic

Early morning moves avoid rush hour. Traffic is usually lighter in the morning, so you’ll get there faster.

Avoid Harsh Weather

Many regions have nicer weather in the morning. Moving while it’s colder is more comfortable and less likely to develop heat exhaustion or other weather-related issues.

Energetic Moving Crews

Hired moving teams are more energized and concentrated in the morning. Starting early can keep them motivated and speed up the relocation process.

The optimum time to relocate depends on your situation, where you live, and your flat block or neighborhood’s restrictions. Talk to your moving company, and flat management, and prepare ahead to ensure a smooth moving-in apartment.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Apartment Move

Prepare for a smooth flat move. 8.4% moved in 2021. The movement rate was 1948’s lowest. 27,059,000 Americans migrated in 2021. More advice follows.

Make A Schedule

Start by listing your tasks and their due dates. This includes choosing a new home, packing, hiring movers, transferring services, and notifying the relevant people. Organizing the process into manageable steps will help you avoid mistakes.

Notify your Landlords

Tell your landlord you’re leaving per your lease. Provide any notice and arrange a move-out check. Inform your future landlord of your move-in date and any paperwork they require. Clear communication between parties will ensure a smooth transition.

Set up your Utilities and Services

Call your utility providers to schedule a turnoff on the day you move out. Turn on your new apartment’s power, water, internet, and cable. To avoid service delays and ensure a smooth change, do this early.

Schedule Professional Services

Hire movers, cleaners, and other professionals early. Research and compare company quotations to find the best and most trusted professionals for your requirements. Make sure they’re open on your moving day and that you understand their offerings.

Pack and Label Boxes

Pack and mark your boxes. This will help you unpack faster and find critical items. Make an inventory list of your packed boxes.

Let Acquaintances Know New Address

Change your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurers, and other key organizations. Inform loved ones of your move.

Take care of Logistics and Parking

Reserve parking or receive permits for your moving truck or other cars at both your present and new apartments. This will improve loading and dumping and reduce issues.

Following these steps and staying organized can help you relocate to your new flat smoothly.

Increased Competition

Summer is a popular time to move for families, college students, and young employees. More movers mean more competition, which raises rates.

Limited Availability

During peak season, reliable movers may have few openings. They can prioritize high-paying consumers.

Higher Cost of Supplies

Costs of moving goods can go up in the summer because there are more people moving and need more boxes, packing supplies, and truck rentals. When many individuals move, these products cost higher due to supply and demand.

Extra Costs for Special Services

During peak season, storage, packing, and special item handling may cost more. Due to demand and shortages, movers may charge more for these added services.
 
Moving in autumn or winter, when demand is lower, may save you money. If you schedule early, compare quotations, and are flexible with your move dates, you can get cheaper moving prices.

Time impacts moving costs and experience. Moving in autumn or winter can save money and improve renting terms. Moving services in mid-month is cheaper and less popular.

Moving on Tuesday or Wednesday may be beneficial because demand and rates are lower. Early early movers maximize rental time, avoid traffic, handle extreme weather better, and employ moving workers’ higher energy levels.

These time considerations can improve, save, and speed up your moving-in apartment. Know what movers won’t move before moving.

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