Moving During Peak Season? Here’s How to Prepare

7 October 2025

Moving is stressful any time of the year, but if you’re planning to relocate during peak moving season—typically between May and September—you’re in for an even bigger challenge. The high demand for professional movers, rental trucks, and even storage units can make the process more expensive and complicated. But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can navigate the chaos and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for a move during peak season, from booking movers in advance to packing like a pro.

Why Is Peak Moving Season So Busy?

Before diving into preparation tips, let’s address the elephant in the room—why is peak moving season so hectic?

1. Summer Break for Students & Families – Many families prefer to move between school years to avoid disrupting their children’s education.
2. Warmer Weather – Nobody wants to move in the cold, icy conditions of winter if they can avoid it.
3. Lease Renewals & Job Relocations – Many rental leases end during the summer, and companies often relocate employees around this time.
4. Real Estate Market Activity – Home sales tend to peak during spring and summer, leading to more moves.

With so many people on the move, you’ll need to be extra prepared to avoid unnecessary headaches.

Book Movers and Trucks Early

1. Secure Movers at Least 6-8 Weeks Ahead

Moving companies get booked up fast in peak season, so waiting until the last minute can leave you scrambling. If you know your moving date, don’t hesitate—lock in your movers as early as possible.

🔹 Pro Tip: Get quotes from multiple moving companies to compare prices and availability.

2. Reserve a Rental Truck in Advance

If you’re going the DIY route, booking a rental truck early is just as important. Prices fluctuate based on demand, and waiting too long could mean either paying more or not finding an available truck at all.

🔹 Consider This: Some truck rental companies allow you to reserve months in advance, which can save you money and guarantee availability.

Be Smart with Packing

3. Start Packing Weeks Before the Move

Packing takes way more time than you think. The last thing you want is to be stuffing boxes the night before your move. Start at least a month in advance, beginning with things you don’t use daily.

✅ Start with: Seasonal décor, books, extra kitchenware, and off-season clothing.
✅ Leave for last: Essentials like toiletries, daily clothing, and important documents.

4. Declutter Before Packing

Why pack things you don’t need? Moving is a great opportunity to purge unnecessary items. Donate, sell, or throw out things that won’t have a place in your new home.

🔹 Ask Yourself: Have I used this in the last year? If the answer is “no,” it’s probably time to let it go.

5. Label Everything Properly

You’ll thank yourself later for this one. Clearly labeling boxes with their contents and the room they belong in can save you a ton of time unpacking.

✅ Use color-coded stickers for each room.
✅ Mark boxes containing fragile items to prevent mishandling.

Consider Moving on a Weekday

6. Avoid Moving on Weekends & the 1st or 15th of the Month

Weekends and the beginning or middle of a month are the busiest (and priciest) times to move. If possible, aim for a weekday move, preferably mid-month, when demand is slightly lower.

🔹 Bonus: Some moving companies offer discounts for weekday moves due to lower demand.

Prepare for Weather Challenges

7. Stay Hydrated & Dress Comfortably

Summer moves can be brutally hot. Stay cool by:
✅ Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
✅ Keeping water bottles handy for yourself and your movers.
✅ Taking breaks if it’s an especially hot day.

8. Protect Your Belongings from Heat Damage

Not everything holds up well in high temperatures. Items like electronics, candles, and perishable goods should either be transported in a climate-controlled vehicle or packed with heat protection.

🔹 Example: If you’re moving long-distance, avoid leaving sensitive items in a hot moving truck for extended periods.

Notify Important Parties in Advance

9. Update Your Address Before Moving Day

The last thing you want is to miss important mail or bills. Update your address with:
✅ USPS for mail forwarding
✅ Your bank and credit card providers
✅ Utility companies for service transfers
✅ Any subscription services you use

Have a Backup Plan

10. Prepare for Delays & Unexpected Issues

With peak season comes the risk of delays—traffic, scheduling conflicts, or last-minute cancellations. Have a contingency plan in place just in case things don’t go as smoothly as hoped.

✅ Keep extra cash on hand for unexpected moving costs.
✅ Have an emergency overnight bag with essentials in case your belongings get delayed.

Final Thoughts

Moving during peak season can be tough, but with careful planning, you’ll be ahead of the game. The key is to book early, pack efficiently, and be flexible with your schedule. While it may feel overwhelming at times, remember that every box packed is one step closer to settling into your new home.

Got a peak-season move coming up? Start taking small steps today, and you’ll make the process much smoother when moving day arrives.