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

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The Best Time of Year to Move if You're Moving to or From New York

New York state is one of the most famous places on the planet — home to both the iconic NYC and the breathtaking Niagra Falls. With stunning natural scenery across the state and some of the highest-ranking public schools in the country, it is an excellent place to live and raise a family.

If you’re planning to relocate to or from New York, it’s smart to consider the time of your move. Timing can affect everything from how smoothly your interstate relocation goes to your moving company’s rates and availability. Read on to learn about the considerations of each season to help you set your moving date. 

What Is the Best New York Moving Season?

New York experiences all four seasons, from snowy winters to hot summers. Each season has its advantages and challenges when moving.

Spring

Spring is a popular time for New York relocations. As the days get longer and sunnier, this season brings mild weather that is perfect for hauling boxes and furniture. However, it can also come with some rain and the odd snowstorm, potentially disrupting your moving plans. 

May marks the start of peak moving season in New York and the rest of the country. Because a lot of people tend to relocate at this time of year, prices for interstate moving companies will likely be higher. As the demand spikes, finding availability with your movers might also be tricky.

Relocating in early spring will allow you to beat the rush before the busy season begins, but a late spring move will offer better weather. 

Summer

From June to August, the moving season is in full swing. If you don’t mind hot and humid summers, this is considered one of the best times to move from New York or to the state because:

  • It’s school break: If you have children, a summer move avoids disruptions to their school year. 
  • The weather is great: While rainfall is fairly evenly spread out across all four seasons statewide, you’ll experience fewer weather-related obstacles during the summer months, making coordinating your move a lot easier.
  • There are more hours of daylight: The days in summer are the longest, meaning you’ll have more hours of daylight to complete your move.

However, moving during this season can be pricey. Rates can be 30% higher compared to New York’s off-season rates. In addition to being prepared for higher estimates, you’ll also want to lock in your dates with your moving company well in advance — summer is the busiest time of the year for them, meaning limited availability. 

Between balancing school schedules and packing up an entire family’s worth of items and furniture, a seamless move requires careful coordination. If ease and convenience are your top priority, opt for an early summer relocation when your kids are on break. 

Fall

Fall offers a balance between a lower moving demand and more comfortable weather, making it a contender for the best time to move to New York or relocate from the state. Thanks to cooler temperatures and more moving company availability, this season can offer a hassle-free move. 

October is officially the start of the off-peak season, so you’ll likely enjoy reduced moving rates. Plus, many companies offer discounts to attract more customers as moving activity starts slowing down. However, the later your moving date, the fewer hours of daylight you’ll have to complete your move. 

Additionally, this season comes with some rain and strong wind in certain regions, which can complicate things on your moving day. To benefit from the lower costs but experience more balanced weather, consider relocating in the early fall. 

Winter

Winter

If you aren’t thrilled about the idea of a winter move, you’re not alone. Many people avoid moving during this season because: 

  • The weather is harsh: The freezing temperatures, snowstorms and icy conditions in New York can create some hurdles for your relocation.
  • It’s the festive period: Beyond potential scheduling conflicts with family gatherings and festivities, relocations planned close to Christmas and New Year’s can be tricky to coordinate. 
  • There’s limited daylight: The days are short in the wintertime, which means less daylight for moving.

However, relocating during the winter months comes with some major perks. Because December through February makes up New York’s moving off-season, you can save a lot of money. 

January is the perfect time to relocate for those looking to keep their expenses in check. This is the state’s coldest month, with the highest chances of snow and ice, so moving rates are typically low. Plus, if you move after the holiday season, companies will have greater availability, making securing your ideal dates much easier. 

How Can New York Weather Impact Your Moving Plans?

New York’s weather can be unpredictable, with changing patterns in rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events catching the state off guard. There’s always a chance that you’ll need to change your plans, such as postponing your move until the weather improves, even if you’ve scheduled your move during the peak season.

Working with a reliable moving company, like Corrigan Moving Systems, is a must — especially if you’re considering relocating during the quieter fall and winter months. Your moving team will carefully monitor road conditions and weather reports to minimize disruptions and help keep your belongings safe. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, they’ll keep you in the loop and make alternate arrangements.

How to Choose the Right Moving Company for Your New York Relocation

Just like choosing the right time of the year, deciding which moving company you hire can shape how efficient and stress-free your interstate move turns out to be. While it is always recommended to go with a name you know or get a referral from friends, family or your real estate agent, consider the following factors when selecting a company:

  • Reviews and reputation: A trustworthy company will have a solid reputation in the community and plenty of good reviews from happy customers. 
  • Licensing and valuation: Only hire an interstate mover with the necessary licenses and valuation coverage, as required by federal law. This way, you’ll have peace of mind that your items are protected during transit. 
  • Upfront pricing: Ensure the estimates you receive specify all fees and expenses related to your move — steer clear of movers with vague pricing. 
  • Stellar customer service: Your mover should be attentive and responsive, promptly addressing all your concerns and questions. 
  • Range of services: The right company can create a customized moving plan that includes everything from packing help to storage.

Once you think you’ve found some good options, ask each company the following four questions before finalizing your decision:

  1. Do they require a cash deposit before your move? 
  2. Do they have a physical local address? 
  3. Can they provide their licensing information, such as their Department of Transportation number? 
  4. What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau, and do they hold certification with the American Moving and Storage Association?

If the answer to any of these questions is a “no,” it might be a sign that you’re dealing with a suspicious company or are potentially being targeted by a moving scam. 

Trust Corrigan Moving Systems With Your New York Move

Corrigan Moving Systems is one of the most trusted moving companies in New York and has helped families with interstate relocations since 1929. Along with providing long-distance relocation services, we offer full-service packing assistance and secure storage solutions. Regardless of the season, your belongings will be in good hands — literally and figuratively. 

To learn more about our offerings or schedule a free in-home or virtual estimate, contact us today!

Trust Corrigan Moving Systems With Your New York Move

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