The Best Time of Year to Move if You’re Moving to or From Pennsylvania

When planning to relocate to or from Pennsylvania, getting the timing right can make a big difference in how smoothly the move goes. Read on to discover the best time of the year to move based on your needs!

Factors to Consider When Planning Your Pennsylvania Move

The following factors can help you determine which time of year is best for your relocation. 

1. Your Family’s Schedule

Before setting a moving date, take some time to coordinate with your family. This way, you can avoid clashes with school and work commitments or other important events. Summer can be a convenient time for everyone — your kids will be on break, and you and your partner can take time off work.

However, a spring move might be disruptive for your children, as they’ll need to transition schools when the year is almost over. An early winter move can also be challenging to plan due to all the holidays. 

2. Pennsylvania’s Weather

The Keystone State experiences all four seasons, from sweltering summers to snowy winters. Heavy rains are also common during spring and summer storms, and they sometimes lead to flooding, which is one of the most common extreme weather events in Pennsylvania. Comfortable temperatures and clear skies are ideal for hauling furniture and boxes — icy or rainy conditions can create obstacles and potentially delay your move. 

3. Your Moving Company’s Availability

The more availability your moving company has, the easier it will be to lock in your chosen date. Peak Pennsylvania moving season takes place from May to September when the weather is the most agreeable. This is the busiest time of the year for movers, with many of them being at full capacity — especially during the summer.

The winter and fall months, from October to April, make up the off-peak moving season. Demand is lower, making booking your ideal dates a breeze. However, relocating close to holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas can be tough because many companies close. 

4. Moving Costs

As you plan your relocation, one of the biggest things to keep in mind is how much it’s going to cost. Relocating during the peak season can come with a hefty price tag, with rates being 20% more expensive than Pennsylvania’s moving off-season. A fall or winter move can help you save money, with many moving companies offering discounts and reduced rates.

The Best Months to Move to or From Pennsylvania

While moving during the summertime can be convenient for your family, this time of year sees the highest demand and prices. Conversely, relocating during the fall and winter can be better for your budget, but you’ll need to be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions. Ultimately, the best months to move depends on your top priority: 

• Budget-friendly rates: If you want to save money, consider relocating in January or February. These are Pennsylvania’s coldest months with the most snowfall, so moving rates will likely be at their lowest. Since you’ll be moving after the festive season, you’ll also avoid the hassle of scheduling conflicts with family gatherings and the chance of your moving company being closed for the holidays. 
• Stress-free coordination: Balancing work, your kids’ school schedules and packing up your entire home can be a juggling act that requires some serious time management skills. For those wanting a stress-free move above all else, pick a moving date in the early summer when your children are on break.
• Prime moving weather: Snow usually falls from the end of November to the end of March, and there’s a year-round risk of rain. From late spring to early summer, you could find the trifecta of no snow, mild temperatures and little rain. If you’re hoping to avoid weather surprises that could derail your plans, this is likely the best time to move to Pennsylvania or relocate from the state. 

What if you want to keep moving costs down while increasing the odds of sunny skies on the big day? An early fall move in October could offer a win-win solution, with lower moving rates and more balanced conditions before the first snowfall of the season. Alternatively, moving in April will allow you to benefit from spring’s mild weather before the spike in prices. 

Seasonal Tips for Your Pennsylvania Move

Here are some tips to help ensure your relocation is as seamless as possible. 

Winter

From frigid temperatures to potential snowstorms, moving during Pennsylvania’s winter months comes with many challenges. To set yourself up for a successful relocation, one of the smartest decisions you can make is hiring a reliable moving company.

Professional movers are trained to adapt to and overcome weather-related issues. Before your moving or arrival day, they’ll closely monitor road conditions and weather reports. If necessary, they’ll make alternate arrangements, minimizing disruptions and ensuring your belongings arrive safely. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of a winter move is that it’s cold. Be sure to dress warmly, and keep the boxes with your sweaters and jackets easily accessible if you want to put on an extra layer. You can also set up a room inside the house for you and your family to stay cozy throughout the day — some blankets and a cup of hot cocoa or coffee can make the day a lot more enjoyable! 

Another concern is getting snow on your items. When you work with a moving company, they’ll ensure your belongings are protectively wrapped while being transported to or from their truck. 

Summer

If you’ve got your sights set on a summer relocation, contact your movers ideally no later than six weeks before your moving day. Planning ahead will help you snag your preferred dates before they get booked up. 

For those who’ve decided on DIY packing to save some money while moving during peak season, ensure you’re ready to go when the moving company arrives. While adding packing services might not sound like a big deal, a fully booked company likely won’t be able to accommodate this last-minute request. 

With heat waves becoming more frequent during Pennsylvania’s summers, here’s how to handle the scorching temperatures: 

• Avoid packing heat-sensitive items: Items like candles, vinyl records and musical instruments can’t withstand the heat in moving trucks, so bring these items in the car with you. 
• Keep cool: Take care of yourself, your family and your pets. Drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. 
• Use the utilities: Keeping your HVAC on at your current home and making sure it’s turned on at your new home will make things more comfortable for everyone. 

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall bring milder temperatures that can make moving a pleasant experience. Here’s how to deal with some of the challenges of these transitional seasons:

• Sweep up the leaves: While autumn’s fallen leaves give this season its charm, piles that accumulate on your sidewalk or porch can create a slippery surface. 
• Protect your home: Springtime in Pennsylvania brings a fair amount of rain, so make sure your house and belongings are protected. A good moving company will use carpet cling and rug runners to keep your home mud- and dirt-free. They can also wrap all your items, as well as pre-stage your furniture and boxes close to your home’s entrance to quickly load everything during dry spells. 
• Keep seasonal clothes accessible: Spring and fall are unpredictable, making it tricky to pack when you frequently alternate between sweaters and shorts. Keeping a few pieces of clothing for all seasons accessible allows you to stay comfortable regardless of your moving day’s temperatures. 

Choose Corrigan Moving Systems for Your Pennsylvania Move

Whether you feel the summer is the best time to move from Pennsylvania or you’ve opted for a winter relocation, Corrigan Moving Systems is here to help. For more than 95 years, we’ve delivered top-notch moving services to families moving to and from the Keystone State. From expert packing assistance to secure storage solutions, we’ll work with you to create a moving plan tailored to your needs. 

Choose Corrigan Moving Systems and schedule a free in-home or virtual estimate today!