If you’re relocating to Ohio, you’ll be happy to hear that the state is an incredible place to live, thanks to its affordability, quality of life and natural beauty. On the other hand, you might be planning to leave your home in the Buckeye State — perhaps you’ve received an exciting job opportunity across the country, or maybe you simply want a change of scenery.
Whether you’re moving to or from Ohio, finding the best time of the year for your relocation can smooth out the process. Each season brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so the ideal timing ultimately depends on your needs.
To help you determine which time of the year is best for your relocation to or from Ohio, consider the following:
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of moving during each of the four seasons.
The winter months coincide with the busy festive period, making scheduling a move between the holidays and family gatherings challenging. Ohio’s winters are also notoriously harsh. From heavy snowfall and icy roads to freezing temperatures, moving during the winter months is no small feat — especially with the days feeling shorter. Even clear skies can quickly turn into a snowstorm that affects road conditions and visibility.
However, relocating to or from Ohio during the winter is possible. It just takes a bit of planning to set yourself up for success. Hiring a moving company is a must, as they are experienced in tackling winter-related moving challenges and can help ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Your movers will also monitor the forecast, adapting to any unexpected changes in the weather.
Despite the obstacles, there are benefits of moving in the winter. December, January and February are considered Ohio’s moving off-season. Due to the low demand, moving companies often have much lower rates and offer discounts, making this time of year great for those with a tight budget. There is also typically more availability, making booking your ideal dates a breeze.
During the spring in Ohio, the average temperature ranges from the mid-40s to the low 50s. With milder weather conditions, this season brings a great opportunity for those who want to avoid an interstate relocation during the winter.
The end of May marks the beginning of the busiest time of year for moving, but the months of April and May are rather quiet. This means that companies may still offer relatively low rates and have good availability. Just ensure you schedule your moving day for early spring — the later you leave it, the harder it might be to find movers available over your selected dates. As peak moving season kicks in, the prices for relocation services typically go up.
However, springtime moving has a few downsides. For families with school-aged children, relocating during this time of year can be tough due to exams and end-of-year events. Additionally, this season is when Ohio’s tornado activity is at its highest, with thunderstorms and rainfall being common in the late spring.
With the state’s sunny days and temperatures above 70 degrees, you have a good chance of lucking out with ideal conditions for your moving day. Plus, summer brings longer days, which means you’ll have extra hours of daylight to get everything done.
Because summer is generally characterized by warm weather, it is often considered the best time to move to Ohio. No matter where you’re relocating from, you’ll likely avoid the bitter cold or snow on the day you move out of your home. Plus, moving during school breaks can mean fewer disruptions for your kids, allowing them to finish the year before starting fresh in a new state.
Yet, because this is the peak moving time across most of the country, the summer is the most expensive time to move. While many professional movers expand their availability, booking the times and dates you want might still be tricky.
Another challenge is Ohio summers get extremely hot, with temperatures routinely soaring into the 90s. This heat can turn moving into a sweaty affair, making the process a lot tougher. This season is also the state’s wettest time of year, with the potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to disrupt your plans.
The months of September to November can be an excellent choice for a range of moving needs. Along with the beautiful scenery, as the trees turn orange, yellow and red, the weather gets cooler — but it hasn’t reached that biting cold level just yet. Compared to Ohio’s sweltering summers, moving in autumn can be enjoyable. Though you may experience frost and rain, the weather will be much milder than other seasons.
Because October is the start of the off-peak moving season, moving companies may lower their prices and introduce discounts and deals. The drop in demand also means it will likely be much easier to lock in your preferred dates. Plus, with a fall relocation, you’ll feel right at home in your new space by the time the holidays arrive.
From a cost and weather perspective, this season is the best time to move from Ohio. Yet, regardless of whether you’re relocating to or from the state, you may experience scheduling conflicts if you have school-aged kids. Moving at the start of the school year can be tough for the entire family.
While a summer relocation is beneficial for families with children, those trying to save money could opt for an off-season move. If you’d prefer to move in milder weather conditions, then a fall or spring location is ideal.
Once you’ve decided on a date, planning is essential. Start the process at least three months before your moving day, or even sooner if you’ve set a date during the summer. Here are some tips to help you get started:
No matter the season, Corrigan Moving Systems is here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. For more than 95 years, we’ve been delivering top-tier moving services to families moving to and from Ohio.
From expert packing to reliable long-distance transportation, we’ll work with you to create a customized moving plan that fits your needs. Our skilled movers can navigate any challenge, including the state’s extreme weather conditions. You can trust us to keep you informed and your belongings safe, making alternate arrangements if necessary.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a free virtual or in-home estimate.
