Summer moving is popular for good reason. With school out, longer daylight hours, and generally better weather, it’s often the most convenient time for families to move. But there’s a catch: high demand for movers means higher costs, less availability, and the challenge of working in extreme heat.
Still, your move doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With careful planning and strategic timing, you can save money, stay safe, and enjoy the process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to navigate the busiest moving season, from booking the right crew at the right price to keeping your cool on moving day.
Why So Many People Move in the Summer
If it feels like every other house on the block has a moving truck parked outside in the summer, you’re not wrong. According to our research on the best times to move, 45% of all moves happen between May and August. That’s almost half of all relocations packed into just 4 months. Here are some of the reasons why:
- School Schedules: Families with children prefer summer moves because they’re less disruptive to school routines. Kids have time to adjust to their new surroundings and can start the new year without missing classes.
- College Transitions: College students also pack up in summer, either moving out of dorms, into their first off-campus apartment, or relocating for an internship. Our 2021 study found that 43% of Americans who began college in 2020 moved away from home, and many of these students relocated again during summer breaks between academic years.
- Favorable Weather: While summer heat can be intense, many people prefer it to the risks of moving in other seasons. The longer daylight hours also provide more time to get the job done.
The downside? This spike in demand directly impacts costs. When everyone wants the same dates, movers book up quickly and prices rise. That’s where smart planning comes in.
How to Save Money When Moving in the Summer
Planning ahead can help you avoid the worst of summer’s price hikes while still taking advantage of the season’s benefits. With a few strategies, you can keep costs under control without compromising on service quality.
Book Your Movers Early
Summer calendars fill up fast. Because demand is so high, moving companies and labor-only crews get booked up weeks, or even months, in advance. Booking early, ideally 4 to 6 weeks or more before your move date, not only secures your spot but can also lock in better rates before peak-season pricing kicks in.
Starting your search early also gives you time to do your research. Instead of grabbing the first available option, you can take your time to compare movers. Plus, you can use HireAHelper’s platform to make it even easier to see side-by-side comparisons of local moving companies based on their prices, services offered, and, most importantly, verified customer reviews.
Move Mid-Month or Mid-Week
If you have some flexibility, one of the easiest ways to save money is by avoiding the busiest days. Most people move on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and at the beginning or end of the month to align with leases. Moving companies know this, and prices on these peak days reflect the demand.
By scheduling your move for a weekday, you can often find significantly lower rates. Similarly, if you can move in the middle of the month instead of the 1st or the 31st, you’re likely to see more availability and better pricing.
Be Flexible With Your Move Date
When you start your search for movers, try to have a small window of potential dates. Even small adjustments to your moving timeline can lead to significantly better pricing. If your ideal date shows high prices or limited availability, check rates for the days immediately before and after. Sometimes shifting by just one day can save you hundreds of dollars.
“An 8 am or 9 am start time allows you to get the bulk of the heavy lifting done before the day reaches its peak temperature.”
Also, be mindful of holiday weekends. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day are extremely popular and expensive times to move. If you can, schedule your move for the week before or after these holidays. By being flexible, you’ll have more negotiating power and better options.
Look for Discounts and Off-Peak Deals
Many movers on HireAHelper’s marketplace and elsewhere offer promotions for specific groups. Just check the provider’s profile or ask before booking. Common discounts include:
If you have a smaller move, such as a studio apartment or just a few large items, ask about special rates. Some companies specialize in smaller jobs and can offer a more competitive price than a crew that’s used to moving large houses.
Also, labor-only moves, where you provide the truck or moving container and movers handle the loading and unloading, often cost less than traditional full-service options. If you’re comfortable driving a rental truck, this approach can cut your total moving costs substantially.
Summer Moving Tips for Comfort and Safety
Hot weather creates challenges that require specific preparation and planning. It’s not just about comfort; it can also pose safety risks for you, your family, and the moving crew. These strategies protect your belongings, keep everyone safe, and make the physical process more manageable during peak summer heat.
1. Start Early in the Day
The sun is at its most powerful and temperatures are at their highest in the afternoon, typically between 12 pm and 4 pm. To avoid the worst of the heat, schedule your movers to arrive as early in the morning as possible. An 8 am or 9 am start time allows you to get the bulk of the heavy lifting done before the day reaches its peak temperature.
Starting early offers several benefits:
- Reduced health risks: Working in cooler morning temperatures lowers the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Better for your movers: Your moving crew will be fresher and more energetic at the start of their day, so your move will be faster and more efficient.
- Protects your belongings: Some items, especially electronics, can be sensitive to extreme heat. Less time spent sitting in a hot truck is always a good thing.
2. Protect Heat-Sensitive Items
Temperatures inside a closed truck can rise well above the outside air temperature, putting certain belongings at risk of melting, warping, or being permanently damaged. Pack a separate box or two of heat-sensitive items to transport in your own air-conditioned vehicle. These items should include:
- Electronics: Laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and TVs can be damaged by extreme heat.
- Media: Heat can also damage DVDs and CDs and cause vinyl records to warp.
- Artwork and Photographs: High heat and humidity can ruin old photographs and delicate oil paintings.
- Candles and Cosmetics: Anything that melts, including candles and lip balms, should be boxed in a protective container or moved with you.
- Medications and Toiletries: Many medications lose their effectiveness when exposed to heat.
- Food and Beverages: Anything perishable should travel with you. Canned goods can also spoil or even burst in extreme heat.
- Aerosol Cans: Hairspray, cleaning products, and spray paint can explode in high temperatures.
- Plants: Most plants don’t like hot, stagnant air. If you’re moving locally, water them lightly and carry them in your car.
3. Stay Hydrated and Cool
One of the most important rules for summer moving is staying hydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly when you’re doing physical labor in the heat. Plan ahead to have plenty of fluids and cooling supplies on hand for everyone.
- Stock up on water: Have a large cooler filled with ice, bottled water, and sports drinks readily available. Be sure bring enough so you’re able to offer some to your movers throughout the day as well. They’ll be working hard, and this simple gesture helps keep them safe and comfortable.
- Pack snacks: Have easy-to-eat snacks like granola and energy bars on hand to keep energy levels up.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking athletic wear are ideal. Choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes for safety.
4. Keep Essentials Accessible
On moving day, the last thing you want is to be digging through a dozen boxes looking for sunscreen. Pack a box of first-day essentials containing items you’ll need immediately in your new home and during moving day. It should include:
- Sunscreen and toiletries
- Hats and sunglasses for everyone
- A portable phone charger
- Basic first-aid supplies (bandages, pain relievers)
- Any necessary medications
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- A change of clothes for everyone
And make sure you carry the box with you. Don’t put these items on the moving truck where you can’t access them when needed.
5. Prep Your New Home for Summer Move-In
A cool destination with running water makes unloading faster and safer. You should spend a few minutes prepping your new place before the truck arrives. Here are the steps to take:
- Set up utilities in advance: Contact utility companies to ensure that electricity, water, and internet are all set up before your arrival.
- Turn on the AC: If you can get access to your new home the day before, turn on the air conditioning. Set it to a cool temperature so the house has time to get comfortable before you and the movers arrive with all your belongings.
- Have fans ready: If your new place doesn’t have central AC, set up window units or box fans in key areas to get the air circulating as soon as you arrive.
Summer Moving Do’s and Don’ts
To keep things simple, here’s a quick list of summer moving dos and don’ts. From bringing plenty of water for your movers to avoiding open-toed shoes in the heat, these reminders can help you stay safe, prepared, and better equipped to handle the challenges of peak moving season.
Do:
- Offer your movers water and sports drinks: Keeping the crew hydrated is a small act of kindness that makes a big difference. It helps them stay safe, energized, and work efficiently. Be sure to also bring plenty of water for yourself and your family.
- Check the weather forecast: Stay on top of the weather forecast in the days leading up to your move. If a major heatwave or thunderstorm is predicted, you can prepare and make any necessary adjustments.
- Clear all pathways: Before the movers arrive, make sure walkways, stairs, and hallways are completely clear of clutter at both your old and new homes. This prevents trips and falls and makes the loading and unloading process faster and safer.
Don’t:
- Wear heavy fabrics or open-toed shoes: Dark colors and heavy materials like denim will make you feel hotter. In addition, flip-flops or sandals might be heat-appropriate footwear, but they are a major safety hazard during a move. Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
- Leave your children or pets unattended: The heat, open doors, and constant motion of moving day can be stressful and dangerous for kids and pets. Arrange for a babysitter or a pet-sitter to keep them safe and out of the way.
- Forget to rest: You might want to push through until the job is done, but don’t forget to take breaks. Step into the shade or an air-conditioned room for a few minutes to drink water and cool down. Pushing yourself too hard in the heat can lead to serious health issues.
Is Summer the Right Time for Your Move?
If you have the flexibility to move any time of year, summer is convenient, but it’s not your only option. Consider these pros and cons to see if a summer move makes sense for you.
Pros:
- Convenience for families: Aligning with the school calendar remains the top reason for a summer move.
- Longer daylight hours: More sun means more time to get everything done without having to work in the dark.
- Easier home sales: The housing market is most active in the summer, making it a good time to sell your home.
Cons:
- Higher costs: Peak demand means you’ll likely pay more for movers and truck rentals.
- Scheduling challenges: The best moving companies often get fully booked, so you need to plan far in advance.
- Extreme heat: The heat poses health risks and can damage sensitive belongings.
If moving in the summer isn’t absolutely necessary for you, fall and spring offer a sweet spot: milder weather and lower demand. You might find better rates and more flexibility by moving in September, October, March, or April. Not sure which date is best? Try browsing multiple dates on HireAHelper’s marketplace and comparing live prices and availability in your area.
Final Thoughts
Moving in the summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With early planning, smart scheduling, and a few practical tips, you can save money and make the process smoother. Remember, small details like booking movers early, staying flexible with your dates, and keeping everyone cool and hydrated can make a big difference in how your moving day feels.
At HireAHelper, our goal is to connect you with highly rated, affordable movers who can take the heavy lifting off your shoulders, so you can focus on settling into your new home instead of stressing about the move.