Your Go-To Guide for Moving to a New City During Peak Rental Season

Moving to a new city during peak rental season is almost like hopping on a rollercoaster — it’s exhilarating, heart-pounding, and maybe even a little bit scary. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re chasing a dream job, embarking on an educational journey, or simply craving a change of scenery, we’ll guide you through the ups and downs of this ride.

In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of moving to a new place during the busiest time of the year for renters and share some insider tips to help you navigate the twists and turns with ease. So, fasten your seatbelt, grab your favorite snack, and let’s get ready to tackle the thrilling adventure of relocating during peak rental season.

Read on to discover our tips to make your transition as smooth as possible.

The pros of moving to a new city during peak rental season

1. Ideal weather conditions

One of the biggest advantages of moving during peak rental season is the weather. In most parts of the country, peak rental season coincides with summer, which means you can enjoy warm, sunny days during your move. This can make the process of loading and unloading your belongings much more pleasant.

2. School breaks

Generally speaking, peak rental season falls between May and late August, which aligns with school breaks. This means your kids won’t have to miss classes or adjust to a new school in the middle of the school year. The same ease applies to college students choosing to move during the summer. No classes mean more time to pack, plan and book help.

3. Increased apartment availability

Many leases come to an end during peak rental season, which means there is a higher turnover of apartments. This is actually a good thing for you because you’ll have a wider selection of apartments to choose from when you’re on the hunt for your next pad.

The cons of moving to a new city during peak rental season

1. Higher moving costs

One major downside of moving to a new city during peak rental season is the price tag. Most likely you’ll see steeper rates for moving companies and rental trucks because many renter are trying to book them during the moving frenzy. Plus, if you’re thinking of hiring professional movers, you may need to book them well in advance, or you might miss out.

2. Busy moving services

With so many people changing apartments during peak rental season, moving services can be stretched thin. This means you may end up waiting longer for a moving truck or not get the move-out date you want. If you do need pros to handle your move, make sure to contact and book a moving company in the spring, way before the summer rush. Alternatively, if you’re moving to a new city temporarily and don’t want to take all of your stuff with you, check out storage options near you.

3. Traffic congestion

Peak rental season coincides with summer travel, which means more traffic on the roads. This can make your move take longer and be more stressful, so use your time management skills and schedule everything in advance. If moving to a new city is wearing you out and you can’t do any more planning, just take a deep breath and try to remain patient every step of the way. It will all be worth it in the end and you won’t feel completely drained by the time you settle in your new rental.

Tips for making your move easier

1. Start planning early

To avoid the stress and chaos of relocating during peak rental season, start planning your move as early as possible. In fact, this is the solution to almost all the issues that might come up along the way. This means researching moving companies, booking your rental truck, and notifying your utility providers well in advance. If you have friends or coworkers who have done the moving dance before, call them and ask if they have any tips. And, if someone offers a hand, don’t hesitate and take it — or ask for help if you need it. No shame in that game..

2. Be flexible with your moving date

If possible, try to be flexible with your moving date. Moving on a weekday or during the middle of the month may be less expensive and less busy compared to weekend moves or those at the start or end of the month. This may come a long way when it comes to the overall effort of moving to a new city in peak rental season, as it will likely be easier on your wallet and your peace of mind.

3. Pack smart

To make your move as efficient as possible, pack smart. Label your boxes clearly so you know what’s what, and pack items you’ll need right away in a separate, easily accessible box. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need to reduce the amount of stuff you have to move. And, before you actually start packing, check out some useful guides on how to pack fragile objects to make sure all your loved items are transported to your new apartment safely.

4. Hire professional movers

If your friends or family can’t help with the move, try to find a company specialized in doing just that. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. While hiring professional movers can be pricey and add to you overall relocating costs, it can also make your move a breeze. Do some research on moving companies in your area and read reviews to find one that’s solid and fits your budget.

5. Stay organized

Throughout the moving process, stay organized. Keep important documents, such as your lease agreement and moving contract, in a safe place. Make a checklist of tasks to complete before, during, and after your move to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Actually, now is a great time to get list-happy: Jot down to-do lists or use apps to track your grocery runs, stuff you need for the new place or even ways to connect and meet people in your new city.

Embrace the adventure of moving to a new city

Despite the challenges of moving to a new city during peak rental season, this can also be an exciting adventure. Embrace the opportunity to explore your new surroundings, make friends, and enjoy a fresh start in your new apartment.

The moving process may indeed be stressful for some renters, but it’s only temporary. If you plan it out thoroughly and keep a positive mindset, you’ll be able to navigate the challenges of moving to a new city during peak rental season seamlessly and start the next chapter of your life on a high note.