Autumn is beautiful and bountiful, a time of balance and reflection. There is a sense of rationality and finality to it that make the harvest season highly inappropriate for drastic changes and new beginnings – such as house moves. Or so it may seem.
In fact, fall is a great time to move – the weather is mild, movers’ rates are lower, and professional help is easily available. If you plan your relocation right, you’ll have a safe and smooth moving experience and will be able to settle into your new home (and even make some new friends) before the holiday season starts off.
To ensure your successful relocation, however, you need to be well aware of the challenges of a fall move and to be ready to effectively overcome them.
Here is everything you need to know about moving in the fall.
Pros and cons of moving in the fall
With autumn comes the end of the peak moving season and the scorching summer heat. Moving costs get lower and dealing with strenuous relocation tasks becomes a bit easier in the milder weather. However, it gets dark earlier, the weather changes quickly, and the school year is in full swing making it difficult for children to transition to a new educational institution.
Moving in the autumn has its considerable advantages, but presents some unique challenges as well:
Benefits of moving in the fall
Lower moving costs, lower competition, and lower (but not too low) temperatures all tip the balance in favor of fall moving:
- Pleasant weather – Neither freezing cold nor sweltering hot, autumn weather is ideal for a house move – carrying heavy items around is less exhausting in the mild temperatures, there’s no risk of your belongings being damaged by extreme heat or extreme cold, you don’t need to worry about snow and ice (at least not until November), etc. Your relocation will be faster and more efficient in the cooler weather. And it will be easy to organize a yard sale in the weeks before your move so you can get rid of unwanted items and pocket some extra money for relocation expenses;
- Lower moving costs – Moving during the fall is much more cost-effective than moving in the summer. Not many people choose to relocate in the autumn months, so there’s less demand for moving services and rental trucks – therefore, most moving companies are willing to offer lower prices in order to secure more jobs. Movers are more likely to negotiate and may reduce their rates by as much as 20% for a fall move (See also: When is the cheapest time to move);
- Higher quality moving services – Moving companies won’t be fully booked in the autumn, so there will be many reputable movers available for your preferred moving date. And since you’re likely to receive multiple quotes within your budget, you’ll have greater freedom to choose the best company for you – based not only on what they charge, but also on their experience, reputation, and quality of service. What’s more, when moving in the fall, you’re certain to get an experienced moving crew that won’t be in a hurry to another move or too exhausted after a previous job and will perform your relocation with great care and professionalism;
- Greater flexibility and convenience – Movers aren’t too busy in the fall, so they will be able to accommodate your demands and preferences – you’ll have no problem ensuring convenient pickup and delivery dates and times. Rather than being forced to move when your chosen moving company can fit you in, you’ll be able to perform your relocation exactly when you want to – even weekend dates will be easily available in the autumn months;
- Safer and faster delivery – Roads are less busy in the autumn and there is no snow to block them and no ice to make them dangerous, so driving is safer and easier and you’re more likely to receive your shipment in due time and in excellent condition. And your own car trip across the country (if you’re moving long distance and driving to your new home) will be nice too – the roads will be safe and the scenery will be amazing;
- Easier to meet people – It’s usually still warm enough in the fall for people to spend time outdoors – there are many festivals, games, and bonfires taking place and it’s easy to meet your new neighbors and mingle with your new community. Autumn is the perfect time to make new friends in a new area.
Despite all these advantages however, there is a good reason why fall isn’t the most popular time of year to move house.
Disadvantages of moving in the fall
Fall moving has its own set of challenges:
- Rain – It rains often during the autumn months, so it may very well rain on your parade on Moving day too. Fog and high winds are also common during this time of the year, so the weather may still be a detriment, despite the mild temperatures;
- School – If you have school-aged children, moving right after the start of the school year will be quite stressful for them. It will also be difficult to find a good new school for your kids as classes will be full and curriculums – set. Besides, school calendars are different in different school districts, so it may turn out that your kids are missing several weeks of lessons as a result of the move;
- The holiday season – It’s difficult to organize and perform a move with the holidays approaching – you need to balance celebration plans with moving preparations and you may need to relinquish parties and family gatherings or to travel soon after the relocation, etc. And if you’re flying to your new home, airfare will be more expensive and harder to book close to the holidays.
Even if you don’t think that fall is the best time of the year to move though, you may still need to relocate in the autumn months. In such a case, you need to be well prepared for the challenges that await you.
And if you do think that fall is the perfect time for a house move, you will definitely want to know how to perform your autumn move in the safest and smoothest way possible.
Related: When is the best time to move house?
Tips for moving in the fall
You cannot control the weather or make transitioning to a new school any easier, but there are still many things you can do to facilitate your fall move, minimize the stress, and ensure the successful end of your relocation adventure:
1. Set your move for well before the holidays so you have time to settle in and make your new place feel like home until Thanksgiving and Christmas – and can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
2. Plan for school (if relevant) – Find a good new school for your kids well in advance, take care of the necessary paperwork, talk to the principal and your children’s new teachers, find out what the curriculum differences are, and see if you can sign up your little ones for the same extracurricular activities they enjoy in their current school.
3. Pack for the season – Pack seasonal clothes and cold-weather items together and label the boxes so that you can easily find what you may need shortly after the move. Don’t forget to put some warm clothes and blankets in your survival box.
4. Plan for rain – Follow the weather forecast closely, but keep in mind that even if it is not supposed to rain on moving day, things may change quickly and it may start drizzling (or pouring down) as the moving truck pulls in front of your home. You need to be properly prepared:
- Provide your items with adequate protection against moisture – pack your belongings in plastic bins, wrap larger household items in plastic wrap, etc.;
- Make sure the moving truck is parked as close to the entrance of your home as possible;
- Take precautions to protect your floors and carpets against mud and moisture – line the entryway with old towels and rugs and cover the floors with tarps, plastic sheeting, or other suitable waterproof coverings.
See also: Moving in the rain
5. Dress appropriately – Choose comfortable, lightweight clothes and sturdy, waterproof shoes with anti-slippery soles. Dress in layers as your body temperature (and the outside temperature) will keep changing during the day and you will need to put on and shed clothes often. Have a hooded rain jacket on hand and keep some extra shirts, hats, and gloves readily accessible
6. Keep the walkways clear of fallen leaves and debris – The beautiful multicolored autumn leaves can be a great hazard during a house move – they are quite slippery (especially when wet from recent rain) and make footing unstable.
So, be sure to sweep aside fallen leaves and other debris from the driveway and sidewalks around your home on the morning of moving day, before anyone starts carrying heavy boxes and hauling bulky items to the moving truck. Keep your broom handy, as new leaves may fall on the walkways during the day.
7. Account for the shorter days – When planning your autumn move, keep in mind that the days get shorter during the fall months and it gets dark earlier – schedule your move for the morning, so you can finish the job in daylight.
8. Setup the utilities in advance – You will want to take a hot shower and relax in a warm atmosphere after your autumn move and you will need to turn on the lights as early as 5 or 6 pm – you need water, electricity, and gas in your new home. Be sure to contact your service providers ahead of time and arrange to have the utilities in your new place running on move-in day.
See also: How to transfer utilities when moving
9. Get your car serviced – If you’ll be driving to your new home, make sure your car is in good shape for traveling in the changing autumn weather – have the battery and the cooling system checked, triple check the heater, change the oil, add antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, etc.
10. Hire professional moving help – Movers are easily affordable and easily available during the fall; they will work quickly and efficiently in the mild temperatures; they know how to keep your items safe from rain and other autumn challenges; and they will deliver your shipment safely and in due time – there is no reason not to hire a moving company for your fall move.
See also: Why should I hire professional movers?
Bonus tip: October is arguably the best month to move – the weather is warm, there is no risk of snow and ice, the days aren’t too short yet, there is a great choice of top-rated movers, moving costs are low, and the holidays are still far enough away. Book your October move now!
