What is the best time to move in NYC? Know before you go.

Whether you live in the Big Apple or are looking to relocate to the City for the first time, moving in New York is an exciting venture filled with endless possibilities (think: Central Park days and Broadway nights).   

For most people, the best time to move in NYC is summer. Besides the weather, most apartments tend to become available during the month of July. 

When determining the best time to move in NYC for you specifically, below are just a few considerations to think about. Once you’ve weighed all your options, reach out to Orange Truck to get a free, no-obligation instant quote). Long-distance or local, we can move you anytime, anywhere. 

In the meantime, let’s talk about moving times in NYC: 

• Day of Week: While it depends on your own unique needs and timelines, the last few and first few days of each month tend to be peak moving days. This is especially true in the spring in summer, when moving tends to spike (however – if you’re looking to make a winter move, snow doesn’t stop us). Mornings and afternoons are the most popular times – because moving is exciting! It’s natural to want to start the process early so that you can be in your new home as soon as possible that day. From a logistics perspective, many elevator buildings don’t let people move after 5PM or on Sunday. If you’re looking to pick a day of the week, both Friday and Saturday are in-demand moving days. 

• Seasonality: There is such a thing a peak moving season, which is typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There are many reasons for this, but mostly due to things like kids being out of school, more people taking time off work, rental inventories increasing, and maybe most importantly, the weather being more friendly and predictable.  

• Money: Did you know that February is the cheapest month to rent in New York? For those of you looking to save a buck, signing a new lease in February might be the right move for you. 

• School-Aged Children: Another key moving consideration is schooling and/or other childcare services. With enrollment dates typically happening in the spring or summer, planning in advance is paramount to a seamless transfer. Preparing your daycare arrangements, pending your needs, is another top consideration. Daycare slots tend to fill up far in advance, with waitlists lasting months (or sometimes even years). Knowing these factors, summer moves might be best, to allow for enrollments and adjustments before the back-to-school season officially kicks off.  

• Holiday Bustle: We can’t talk about New York without also considering the volume of tourists that enter the City, particularly around the holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. If possible, try to avoid moving too close to these specific days. It can be difficult to navigate a large moving truck amongst the holiday decorations and influx of people enjoying the sights. 

If you have any questions about when to make your NYC moves, we are always available to discuss the best options for you. We’re here to help. 

You can also start by getting an instant quote here.