With a housing market this hot, there’s bound to be an uptick in people looking to move —even in the cooler months. Traditionally, summer is peak moving season, but making a fall or winter move has unique advantages.
Because fall is considered the off-season for home buying, not only are homes slightly cheaper, but fewer people are actively moving, which means prices for movers and rentals may be lower, too. Another benefit of moving during the fall is that you’ll be settled and ready to spend the cozy holidays in your brand new dream home.
Ready to embrace an autumn move? Keep reading for fall moving trends and tips for planning a smooth move.
1. Track the weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable, especially in certain regions. Factor in the distance you’ll be traveling and the amount of time you’ll need to make the move, then begin tracking weather reports to find the best time to move.
A bonus: cooler temperatures can make the moving experience much more enjoyable, compared to doing it in the heat of summer.
2. Book your movers
Even though fall isn’t the busiest season for moving companies, it’s still in your best interest to book your moving company as soon as you decide on your move date. The further ahead you book, the more likely you are to get the exact dates you want at a better price.
It’s also a good idea to discuss contingency plans with your movers early in the process. What’s the plan if the weather on the day of the move is unsafe? Planning for emergencies and unfavorable conditions ahead of time will set your mind at ease and potentially prevent you from having to re-book everything.
3. Involve your kids in the move
If you have kids, they’re probably well aware that a move is coming, but once you sign all the papers and start making plans, they may feel out of the loop. Involving your kids in the moving process early can get them excited and help them adjust to the changes that are coming.
You can start with packing. Teach your kids how to pack boxes, wrap fragile toys, tape boxes and write labels. This saves you time and helps your kids feel like they’re part of the big picture when it comes to the move. For more tips, check out our stress-free guide to moving with children.
4. Keep cutting costs
Moving in the fall can save you an average of 25-35% compared to moving in the summer, but there are even more ways to cut costs.
- Downsize: The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it will be. Consider donating or putting on a garage sale before you start packing.
- Find free boxes: Boxes are a necessity, but you can avoid the expensive cost and look for free moving boxes.
- Get multiple quotes from moving companies: Prices will vary and you may be able to leverage different quotes to negotiate lower rates, especially during the off-season.
- Be flexible with your dates if possible: Ask your moving company what it would cost to move on different dates Moving mid-week is often cheaper than moving during the weekend.
5. Inventory while packing
While you’re sorting through your items to pack them correctly, you can save yourself time—and stress—in the future by putting together a home inventory.
Not only does a home inventory help you decide how much personal property coverage you may need, but it also allows you to keep track of everything you own. Having an inventory makes it easier to unpack in your new home and file an insurance claim if needed. Technology can make the process even easier. With a home inventory app, you can take a video of your home or provide pictures for proof of what you own.
6. Pack for the weather
It’s always better to plan—and pack—for the worst weather just in case. That way you’re prepared if the weather is colder or wetter than you anticipated. Here are a few tips:
- Protect the fragile first: Take the time to separate fragile items and things prone to water damage. You can use shrink wrap to protect smaller items like books and moving blankets to cover bigger pieces like pillows.
- Preserve wooden furniture and appliances: These are the items most susceptible to moisture and rain.. Plan to have them wrapped and secure before your move, whether or not the forecast looks rainy. You’ll avoid electrical damage to electrical and minimize the risk of warping wood.
- Protect your boxes: Cardboard isn’t waterproof. Your moving boxes will get soggy and start to fall apart if they’re exposed to moisture, especially for extended periods of time. Keep them covered and protected at all times, even if that means making the extra effort to shrink wrap them.
7. Protect both homes during the move
If it’s a wet day when you’re moving, you run the risk of tracking water and mud throughout your old and new homes. That’s why it’s smart to have towels and tarps on hand to mitigate any damage you and the movers might cause walking in and out of the spaces.
8. Wear the right clothes
Moving is hard work. You need to be comfortable and ready to work up a sweat, but you also need to stay warm and safe. To prepare for the weather and the potential workout, make sure you grab the following items:
- Rain jackets or ponchos
- Non-slip shoes
- Moving gloves
- An extra set of clothes if the first set gets too wet
- Umbrella
Pro tip: Designate a place for your all-weather moving attire, so you can grab it in a hurry or take it off if the weather allows. This will ensure items don’t get left behind during the busy process of the move.
9. Don’t forget your movers
Coming off the hectic season of summer, your movers may be exhausted, so try to be helpful. You may want to offer them some bottled water and snacks. Then you can stand back and let the professionals do their thing.
Home insurance can help
Many people don’t know that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers your belongings while they’re at your home, during the move and even when they’re stored at a commercial facility. Of course, there are exceptions, like damage occurring while you’re packing the items or when the movers are handling them.
To fully understand how and when you’re covered, it’s important to read through your agreement with the moving company and give your insurance provider a call. You may want to consider special riders for extra protection during the move.
With your home packed up and ready for your fall move, rest assured that everything is prepared for and your property is covered. At Hippo, we have 4x higher coverage limits on electronics and enhanced coverage on appliances, so you can rest easy. Not a part of the Hippo family yet? Get an instant quote, or talk to one of our specialists so we can help facilitate your fall move.
