When most people think about the best time of year to move, summer probably comes to mind. While warmer weather and school breaks make summer a popular time to move, it isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.
If you have flexibility in your moving date, fall can be one of the best times to move. Cooler temperatures, potentially greater scheduling flexibility, and less competition than the peak summer months can make a September, October, or November relocation an attractive option.
For homeowners and businesses in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, fall also offers a comfortable window between the heat of summer and the snow and ice that can arrive during winter.
Here are a few reasons to consider a fall move.
1. You'll Avoid the Peak Summer Moving Season
Summer is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for moving companies. Families often try to relocate when children are out of school, college students are changing residences, and the housing market is more active.
By fall, some of that demand has eased.
Moving outside of peak season may give you more flexibility when choosing a moving date, particularly if you can schedule your relocation on a weekday.
That doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute, though. It's always a good idea to contact your moving company as soon as you know when you'd like to move.
2. Cooler Weather Can Make Moving Day More Comfortable
Anyone who has carried boxes or furniture in 90-degree weather knows how exhausting a summer move can be.
Fall's cooler temperatures can make the physical side of moving much more comfortable. That's particularly helpful when you're spending hours carrying belongings between your home and the moving truck.
In Western Pennsylvania, early and mid-fall can provide a sweet spot: you're past the hottest days of summer but may still be ahead of winter's snow and ice.
Of course, Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable in any season, so you'll still want to keep an eye on the forecast as moving day approaches.
3. You Can Declutter as the Seasons Change
A fall move gives you a perfect opportunity to decide what you actually want to take to your new home.
As you're putting away summer clothes and pulling out sweaters, coats, and holiday decorations, ask yourself whether you really need to pack everything.
Sort your belongings into categories:
Keep
Donate
Sell
Recycle or discard
The less you take with you, the less you'll need to pack, transport, and unpack.
Pay particular attention to seasonal items you haven't used in the past year. There's little reason to move something to a new home only to leave it untouched in another closet, basement, or garage.
4. You Can Get Settled Before the Holidays
Moving in September or October can give you time to settle into your new home before Thanksgiving and the winter holidays arrive.
Instead of spending December surrounded by moving boxes, you can use the weeks after your move to unpack, organize, decorate, and make your new space feel like home.
If you're planning a late-fall move, prioritize unpacking the rooms you'll need most during the holidays. Clearly labeling boxes containing seasonal decorations can also make them much easier to find.
5. Fall Can Be a Good Time for Business Moves, Too
The advantages of fall aren't limited to residential moving.
Businesses may also use the season to complete an office or commercial relocation before the end of the calendar year.
A fall relocation can give your organization time to:
Set up its new space before year-end
Prepare for the upcoming year's operations
Reconfigure offices or workspaces
Coordinate furniture, equipment, and technology
Complete the transition before holiday schedules become complicated
An experienced commercial moving company can help develop a relocation plan designed to minimize disruption to employees and customers.
6. Storage Can Help Bridge the Gap
Sometimes the timing between leaving one property and moving into another doesn't line up perfectly.
That's where storage can help.
Short-term storage can provide additional flexibility if you're:
Waiting for your new home to be ready
Downsizing
Renovating before moving in
Staging a home for sale
Temporarily relocating for work
George Moving & Storage offers storage solutions that can be incorporated into your overall moving plan, so you don't have to coordinate your move and storage separately.
Tips for Planning a Fall Move in Western Pennsylvania
Fall may offer some advantages, but every move requires preparation. If you're planning a September, October, or November move, remember to:
Watch the weather. Fall in Western Pennsylvania can mean anything from warm sunshine to cold rain.
Clear wet leaves. Leaves can become slippery on sidewalks, driveways, and steps, creating a safety hazard for anyone carrying boxes or furniture.
Keep seasonal essentials accessible. Don't bury jackets, rain gear, boots, or umbrellas at the bottom of a moving box.
Plan around shorter days. Daylight decreases quickly as fall progresses, so consider that when developing your moving-day timeline.
Book your movers in advance. Fall may be outside the summer peak, but popular dates can still fill up.
Make Your Fall Move Easier with George Moving & Storage
There isn't one perfect season to move. The best time depends on your schedule, family, business, and destination. But if you have some flexibility, fall deserves serious consideration.
For more than 50 years, George Moving & Storage has helped homeowners and businesses navigate relocations throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia, and beyond.
Whether you're planning a local residential move, long-distance relocation, commercial move, or need storage between locations, our team can develop a moving plan around your needs.
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