If you’re planning a move between May and September, you’re in for one of the busiest — and most competitive — times to relocate. Summer is peak moving season, and with good reason: school’s out, the weather’s clear, and homes sell faster.
But that also means higher prices, tighter schedules, and more people on the move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan ahead, avoid common summer-moving mistakes, and make your relocation smooth. Plus, we’ll show you how United Local Movers helps keep things organized and stress-free — even during the busiest months of the year.
Why So Many People Move in the Summer
It’s not just about the heat — it’s about timing. Here’s why summer is the top season for moves:
- School breaks: Families prefer to move when kids are out for the summer — makes sense!
- Better weather: No snow delays or icy sidewalks — just clear skies and open roads.
- Housing market: More homes go on the market in spring and summer — which means more closings and more relocations.
- College moves: Freshmen heading off to school, seniors coming home — college schedules drive demand too.
The result? Moving companies book fast, trucks fill up, and prices rise. If you’re moving during this time, early planning is your best friend.
What Makes Peak Season Tricky
There’s a reason movers call this “the busy season” — and it’s not just about the heat. You may run into:
- Full calendars: Reputable movers get booked weeks — sometimes months — in advance.
- Higher rates: Demand drives up costs. Be ready for price jumps, especially on weekends.
- Traffic and scheduling conflicts: More moves mean tighter windows and longer wait times.
- Heat fatigue: Moving in high temps can be tough on everyone — so hydration and timing matter.
- Book early: Reach out to movers at least 6–8 weeks ahead. At United Local Movers, we start filling our schedule fast — so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Be flexible with dates: Mid-month and weekday moves tend to be less packed than weekends or holiday periods.
- Pack ahead: Start early and spread out the work. Less panic, better pace.
- Stay cool: Protect sensitive items like electronics and food from overheating. Stay hydrated and wear light layers.
- Early morning slots: Book first thing in the day to beat traffic and heat.
- Avoid holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day bring extra demand — and delays.
- Sync closing dates: If you’re buying or selling a home, line up your move date early to avoid overlap.
- Guaranteed availability: Real movers have space on their calendar — and confirm early.
- Clear communication: From quotes to delivery, you should always know what’s happening.
- Experienced crews: Reliable teams trained for speed, safety, and summer logistics.
- Climate-smart packing: Proper materials to protect your stuff from heat or humidity.
- Try portable storage: Great if you need more flexibility or want to stage your move slowly.
- Declutter before you pack: The less you move, the lower your cost — and stress level.
- Make sure your new place is ready: Confirm utilities, keys, and access before moving day hits.
How to Get Ahead of the Rush
Success in peak season starts with preparation. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Scheduling Smart During the Busy Months
Timing matters — and small adjustments can make a big difference:
Choosing the Right Mover
Peak season separates the pros from the part-timers. Look for a company that offers:
At United Local Movers, we handle dozens of summer moves every week — and we pride ourselves on keeping things smooth, even when the pressure’s on.
Extra Tips to Make It Easier
Need Extra Time Before Moving In?
If your new home isn’t quite ready — or you’d like to take a short break before unpacking — we’ve got your back. We offer best-rate temporary storage so you can move on your own timeline. No rush, no pressure — just peace of mind while you settle in at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Moving in peak season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With smart prep, early booking, and the right team, you can make your summer move feel easy — not exhausting.
Let United Local Movers help you handle the logistics — so you can enjoy the freedom of starting fresh in your new home, even in the middle of the busiest moving season.
