Why Fall is the Best Season to Move

August, 2022

There’s no doubt about it, the best time of year to move is the fall.

Certainly, there are lots of things to like about summer: the warmer weather, the longer days, and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also no secret that summer is the prime moving season. But while the summer is the most popular time to move, that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to move.

Over 80% of moves happen in Canada between May and early September, peaking with college students moving into apartments around Labour Day weekend. That leaves only 20% of moves happening over the fall, winter, and early spring — which is a good thing if you’re planning a fall move.

The school year is the primary reason families prefer to move during the summer. Most parents want their children to start the new school year in their new school, rather than changing and adjusting to a new school after the academic year has already started. That’s certainly understandable.

But even if we factor in the challenge of moving during the school year, we’d still argue that fall is the best moving season. From the agreeable weather to the flexibility in scheduling, read on to see why fall is the best time of year to make your move.

Flexibility and Availability

Because summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies, availability is much more limited than any other time of the year. You’ll need to book far in advance — typically a minimum of 6 weeks. Even then, you still might not get the dates and times you’re looking for.

However, fall is a great time to move because there is more availability in your moving company’s schedule, and you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a move-in date. In the spring, everyone is trying to schedule their moves for the same few summer weekends, which can make it difficult to find a date that works for you. If you don’t book your move far enough in advance, you’ll likely have to settle for whatever time is available. Hopefully, it’s close to your desired move-in day.

Back to School

It’s easy to see why most families want to get their moves done between the end of the school year and the start of the next. But if you find yourself moving after the school year has started, there are a few things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

First, start the transfer process early. Make sure you understand all the requirements and get started with taking care of the paperwork. It’s also a good idea to contact your child’s new principal and teachers to see if it’s possible to meet them or schedule a call. This will help your child feel comfortable with the move and give them a chance to get to know their new school. 

Second, if you’re moving in the fall, you’re likely anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months into the school year. Regardless, try to identify any curriculum differences between the old and new school. This way you can request coursework from the new teachers beforehand and make sure your child is on track. Don’t forget that a tutor may be helpful with making the transition. 

Finally, ask about the school’s strategies for helping new students. Some schools have a buddy system or other programs or resources to help new students adjust.

When your child moves to a new school, there may be a period of adjustment, but most children settle in within a few weeks and quickly make new friends. If you’re moving in the fall, you’re not very deep into the school year. There shouldn’t be much adjustment for your child to the new curriculum, if any.

Families move during the school year all the time, so try not to worry. It’s likely your children will settle in quickly and enjoy their new environment.

Cooler Temps = Easier Moves

Weather-wise, fall is definitely the best time of year to move. For starters, the weather is much more pleasant than during the summer months — September and October can be some of the best months for weather in Canada. The heat and humidity of summer can be really tough to deal with when you’re packing and unpacking, and trying to move heavy furniture and boxes around. 

Likewise, we all know how unpredictable the winter months can be when it comes to the weather. You can certainly move in the winter, but there are extra steps and precautions involved when moving during that time of the year. Moving in the middle of a blizzard, ensuring slippery stairs and walkways are clear, and dressing for the cold are just a few things you don’t need to worry about during a fall move.

And while we all get excited in the early spring about the promise of warmer weather to come, it’s still not an ideal time of year to be moving. There’s a good chance we’ll be dealing with snow, slush and mud well into April, and we know there’s a good chance we’ll experience at least one spring blizzard, no matter how hard we wish it away!

Home Sweet Home – For the Holidays

The holidays are a special time of year, and there’s nothing like being settled into your new home to make them even more enjoyable. Of course, there’s always the potential for a few hiccups along the way. Having some time to get settled before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season means you’ll have ample time to prepare and invite family and friends over to celebrate.

Not only will you avoid the stress of trying to get everything done during the holidays, but you’ll also have a chance to show off your new home when everyone is in a festive mood. So if you’re thinking of making a move soon, don’t wait until the last minute. Get a head start on the holidays by planning your move now. With a little planning and some professional help, you can make sure that your holidays are merry and bright – in your new home.

We Keep Ottawa Moving

All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to plan your move for the fall season. With a little bit of planning, you can avoid the stress of moving during the summer and take advantage of the benefits of moving in the fall.

We’ve been in the moving business for over 70 years and have made many moves, in all seasons, to many areas across the country. If you have a move coming up and need help packing or moving, contact us today for a hassle-free moving quote.