Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful. One way to make your move easier is to pick the right time of year. In California, each season has its own good and bad points for moving. This guide will help you figure out the best time for your move in the Golden State.
California is a big place with many different climates. The weather can be very different depending on where you are. The coast, the mountains, and the deserts all have their own weather patterns. This means that the best time to move can change depending on where in California you’re going. Let’s look at each season and see what it’s like for moving in California.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the most popular time to move in California. There are good reasons for this, but also some problems to think about.
The good things about moving in summer are pretty clear. The days are longer, so you have more daylight hours to get things done. This can be really helpful when you’re trying to pack up a whole house or apartment. You can start early in the morning and keep working until late in the evening if you need to.
In most parts of California, summer is also very dry. You don’t have to worry much about rain ruining your cardboard boxes or making the ground muddy. This makes it easier to move things in and out of your home and the moving truck.
For families with kids, summer can be a great time to move. School is out, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting your children’s education. They can help with the move and have time to get used to their new home before school starts again.
But summer moving isn’t all sunshine and roses. Because it’s such a popular time to move, it can be harder to find movers. The ones you do find might charge more because they’re in high demand. You might have to book them well in advance to make sure you can move when you want to.
The heat can also be a big problem in some parts of California. In places like the Central Valley or the desert areas, temperatures can get really high in the summer. Moving heavy boxes and furniture in that kind of heat can be exhausting and even dangerous if you’re not careful.
Summer is also wildfire season in California. This can cause problems even if you’re not in an area directly threatened by fires. Smoke can make the air quality bad over large areas. It’s a good idea to check air quality reports and keep an eye on wildfire news when you’re planning a summer move.
If you decide to move in the summer, there are some things you can do to make it easier. Book your movers as early as you can to make sure you get the date you want. Try to start your moving day early in the morning before it gets too hot. Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning. And always check the weather and wildfire reports before your moving day.
Fall (September – November)
Fall can be a really nice time to move in California. The weather is usually mild in most parts of the state, which makes the physical work of moving much more comfortable.
One big advantage of moving in the fall is that it’s after the busy summer season. This means moving companies might have more openings and their prices might be a bit lower. You might not have to book as far in advance as you would in the summer.
Fall in California can be really beautiful. If you’re moving to an area with lots of trees, you might get to enjoy some nice fall colors. This can make your move feel a bit more special and enjoyable.
But fall moving does have some downsides. In Northern California, you might start to see some rain in the fall. This can make moving more difficult, especially if you’re moving things that shouldn’t get wet.
If you have kids in school, a fall move can be tricky. The school year will have already started, so you’ll need to think about how to handle the change in schools. This might mean extra planning to make sure your kids can settle into their new school smoothly.
The days also start getting shorter in the fall. This means you might have less daylight to work with on moving day. You’ll need to plan your time carefully to make sure you can get everything done before it gets dark.
If you’re planning a fall move, it’s a good idea to check long-term weather forecasts. This can help you prepare for possible rain. You might want to have some tarps or plastic sheeting on hand to cover things if it does rain.
Think about school schedules too if you’re moving with children. Try to time your move for a weekend or school break if possible. This can make the transition easier for your kids.
Despite these challenges, many people find fall to be a great time to move in California. The milder weather and lower costs can make up for the potential difficulties.
Winter (December – February)
Winter might not be the first season you think of for moving, but it can actually be a good time to move in California. There are some real advantages to winter moving, especially if you’re trying to save money.
The biggest plus of moving in winter is that it’s the cheapest time to move. Moving companies aren’t as busy, so they often lower their prices to attract customers. You might be able to save quite a bit of money on your move if you’re willing to do it in the winter.
Because it’s not a popular time to move, you’ll have more choices when it comes to moving dates and times. You won’t have to compete with as many other people for the services of moving companies.
In Southern California, winter temperatures are often quite mild. This can make the physical work of moving much more comfortable than it would be in the heat of summer.
But winter moving in California does come with some challenges. Many parts of the state get a lot of rain in the winter. This can make moving wet and messy. You’ll need to be extra careful to keep your belongings dry.
If you’re moving to or from a mountainous area, you might have to deal with snow. This can make driving tricky, especially if you’re not used to driving in snow. You’ll need to check road conditions and be prepared for possible delays.
Winter days are short, which means less daylight for your move. You might need to start early and work quickly to get everything done before it gets dark.
The holiday season falls in winter, which can complicate things. Moving services might be limited around Christmas and New Year’s, and you might not want to be in the middle of a move during the holidays.
If you do decide to move in winter, there are ways to make it easier. Make sure to waterproof your valuable items. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes if you can, as they’ll stand up better to rain.
Give yourself extra time for your move. Winter weather can cause delays, so it’s good to have some flexibility in your schedule.
If you’re moving to or through mountainous areas, check road conditions carefully. You might need chains for your tires, and some roads might be closed in bad weather.
Try to plan your move around the holidays. Moving companies might have limited service during this time, and you probably don’t want to be unpacking on Christmas Day.
Despite the challenges, winter can be a good time to move if you’re prepared. The money you save might make it worth dealing with some rain or chilly weather.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a popular time to move in California, and it’s easy to see why. The weather is usually pretty nice, and there’s a feeling of new beginnings in the air.
One of the best things about moving in spring is the weather. In most parts of California, spring brings pleasant temperatures. It’s not too hot and not too cold, which makes the hard work of moving much more comfortable.
The days are getting longer in spring, which means more daylight hours for your move. This can be really helpful, giving you more time to get everything done without having to rush.
Spring in California can be really beautiful. If you’re lucky, you might get to see wildflowers blooming during your move. This can make the whole experience feel more positive and exciting.
But spring moving isn’t perfect. One thing to watch out for is spring break. This popular vacation time can make moving services more expensive and harder to book. If you’re planning a spring move, try to avoid the weeks when most schools have their breaks.
While spring is generally drier than winter in California, you might still get some rain. Late-season storms can pop up and complicate your moving plans. It’s a good idea to be prepared for possible rain, just in case.
For some people, spring can be a tough time because of allergies. If you or anyone in your family has allergies to pollen, moving in spring might be uncomfortable. All that sneezing and sniffling can make the work of moving even harder.
If you’re planning a spring move, try to book your moving services early. This is especially important if you’re moving around spring break time. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the date you want at a price you’re happy with.
Be ready for possible rain. Have some tarps or plastic sheeting on hand to cover your belongings if it starts to drizzle. Consider using plastic bins for items that absolutely can’t get wet.
If allergies are a concern, talk to your doctor about medication that might help. You might want to wear a mask while you’re moving to reduce how much pollen you breathe in.
Despite these potential issues, many people find spring to be an ideal time to move in California. The nice weather and the spirit of new beginnings can make your move feel like the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.
Things to Think About No Matter When You Move
While each season has its own good and bad points for moving, there are some things you should think about no matter when you decide to move in California.
Local events and festivals can really affect your move, especially in bigger cities. For example, if you’re moving to San Francisco during Pride Week or to San Diego during Comic-Con, you might find that hotels are full and traffic is bad. This can make your move much harder. Always check if there are any big events happening in your new area around your planned moving date.
California has a lot of different microclimates. This means that the weather can be very different in places that aren’t that far apart. For example, it might be foggy and cool in San Francisco but hot and sunny just a few miles inland. When you’re planning your move, look into the specific climate of your new area, not just the general California weather.
Your work and school schedules are really important to think about when you’re picking a moving date. If you can, try to time your move for when it will cause the least disruption to these important parts of your life. A weekend move might be best if you can’t take time off work. If you have kids in school, moving during a school break can make things easier.
The real estate market in California can change a lot depending on the time of year. In many areas, spring and summer are the busiest times for buying and selling homes. This might affect when you can move into your new place or when you need to be out of your old one. It’s a good idea to talk to a local real estate agent about the best timing for buying or selling a home in your area.
No matter when you decide to move, planning ahead is really important. Start getting ready as early as you can. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and make your move go more smoothly.
Be flexible if you can. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, especially when you’re doing something as big as moving. If you can be a bit flexible with your dates and plans, it can help you deal with any unexpected problems that come up.
Moving can be hard work, but it’s also an exciting new start. By thinking carefully about when to move and planning well, you can make your California move as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you choose the sunny days of summer, the crisp air of fall, the quiet of winter, or the new growth of spring, your perfect moving season is out there. Good luck with your move!