September through November is the moving industry's best-kept secret. Summer's peak prices have dropped, the weather is comfortable for heavy lifting, and movers have open schedules. Here is why fall might be the perfect time for your next move.
Moving rates drop 15-25% after Labor Day as demand falls sharply. A move that costs $5,000 in June might cost $3,800-$4,200 in October. Truck rental companies also reduce rates significantly. U-Haul and Penske one-way prices can drop 30-40% for fall moves. The savings are most dramatic for long-distance moves where seasonal pricing fluctuations are largest. The first two weeks of September still carry some summer pricing, but by mid-September rates hit their autumn lows.
Fall offers the most comfortable moving weather in most of the country. Temperatures between 50-70 degrees are ideal for physical labor without the heat exhaustion risks of summer or the ice hazards of winter. Movers work more efficiently in comfortable temperatures, which can reduce your labor hours. In southern states, fall is especially welcome after months of 90+ degree heat. The main weather risk is early-season hurricanes in the Southeast (September-October) and early snowfall in northern states (November).
The biggest drawback of fall moving for families is the school calendar. Moving after school has started means mid-year enrollment for your children, which can be disruptive. If possible, time your fall move to coincide with a school break or the end of a grading period. Some families choose to move in September and let children start the new school year at their new school from day one. For families without school-age children, fall moving has no calendar-related downsides.
The fall housing market works in buyers' and renters' favor. Sellers who listed in summer without success are more willing to negotiate on price by October. Rental inventory opens up as leases that began in the previous fall come up for renewal. Competition from other buyers and renters is lower, giving you more time to make decisions without bidding wars. If you are selling a home, listing in early September captures the last wave of serious summer buyers while avoiding the holiday slowdown.
Book movers 3-4 weeks in advance (less lead time needed than summer). Schedule mid-week moves for the lowest rates since weekends are still popular. Get quotes from at least 3 companies since competition for your business is higher when demand is low. If moving to a new state, research the weather patterns for your specific route since November conditions in Minnesota are very different from November in Georgia. Use our free moving cost calculator to estimate your fall move budget and see how much you save compared to summer pricing.
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October and November are typically the cheapest months to move, with rates 20-30% below summer peak. January and February are also cheap but come with cold weather challenges. September offers a good balance of lower rates and comfortable weather.
Yes, fall is often a buyer's market. Sellers are more willing to negotiate, competition is lower, and there is still enough inventory from summer listings. Late September through November can offer the best deals before the market slows for the holidays.
Book 3-4 weeks in advance for a fall move. Since demand is lower than summer, movers have more open dates. However, the best companies still book up, so do not wait until the last week.
