Tips for Moving in the Fall to Make Your Move Easier

If you’ve ever tried to book movers in July, you know how fast the calendar fills up. Fall tends to be a calmer story. The summer rush has wound down, the temperatures are easier on everyone carrying a couch up the stairs, and winter’s worst weather hasn’t arrived yet.

That doesn’t mean a fall move runs itself. From the leaf-covered driveways of Atlanta, GA to the first frosty mornings in Boise, ID, shorter days, changing weather, and a few seasonal chores can catch you off guard. This guide covers what to plan for so your move goes smoothly.

Peak season and moving costs work in your favor

Peak moving season runs through the summer months, when demand for movers, truck rentals, and storage is at its highest. Once it’s back-to-school time and vacations are over, demand usually drops, and that can mean more choices and more flexibility on your timeline.

Mark Van Ryswyk of Catchouse points out that fewer people moving can work to your advantage, noting that movers, inspectors, and lenders are “less booked than in peak summer season, which can mean more scheduling flexibility and sometimes better rates on moving services.”

Even so, the start and end of the month tend to stay busy, so book your movers as early as you can. Get a few quotes on the cost to move, ask about weekday availability, and confirm what’s included before you commit.

Plan around the school calendar

If you’re moving with kids, fall can be the trickiest season of the calendar. Moving mid-semester can be tough on students, so think about timing before you pick a date.

• Look into enrollment steps and record transfers at the new school before you move.
• Ask about start dates, bus routes, and any required paperwork.
• If you can, aim for a natural break like a long weekend or holiday so kids have time to settle in.
• Pack a few familiar items, like favorite bedding or a favorite book, in an easy-to-find box.

>>Read: Moving with Kids: A Guide to Buying and Adjusting to a New Home

Prepare for fall weather and shorter days

Fall weather can swing from sunny and mild to cold and soggy at a moment’s notice, and the sun sets earlier than it did over the summer. Char McCurdy, COO of Summit Property Management, suggests building your move around the light, advising people to “do the heavy lifting in daylight and keep flashlights handy in case power or lighting isn’t on yet.”

A little more planning goes a long way:

• Protect your belongings. Use plastic bins or wrap cardboard boxes in case of rain, and keep important papers and electronics in dry areas.
• Prep your path. Lay down floor protection, keep extra towels handy, and clear wet leaves from walkways so nobody slips with a box in hand.
• Check the forecast. If a storm rolls in, it might be worth it to see if you can change your move-in date on short notice.

What renters should know about fall availability 

Rental listings often thin out as the busy summer season ends, so you may have fewer options than you would in spring or summer. The upside is that landlords can be more flexible when units have been sitting for a while, so it’s worth asking about move-in dates, lease terms, and incentives.

If you’re moving out of a rental, give yourself a chance to protect your deposit. Mia Fairly of One Source Atlanta Property Management recommends a walkthrough before you hand over the keys, suggesting “a pre-move-out inspection to give tenants an opportunity to address issues before leaving.”

Also read your lease’s move-out clause so you know the notice requirements, cleaning expectations, and how to return your keys. Snap dated photos of each room before you go, and do the same when you move into your new place.

>>Read more: First-Time Renter’s Guide

How maintenance for new homeowners before winter

If you’re buying, you’ll want to get your new home ready for the colder months. Start with the basic fall home maintenance, like heating, gutters, and exterior upkeep, before the first freeze arrives.

Here are a few tasks to add to your list:

• Schedule annual maintenance for your heating system and fireplace before freezing temperatures hit.
• Clear your gutters so melting snow and rain have somewhere to go.
• Swap out furnace filters and test your thermostat.
• Check windows and doors for drafts.
• If you live somewhere with an irrigation system, have it winterized before temperatures drop.

The fall moving timeline

The exact timeline can vary depending on your situation, but here’s a general timeline to help you stay on track for a smooth move in the fall: . 

Four to six weeks before 

• Book movers or reserve a truck.
• Confirm your school, rental, or closing dates.
• Start decluttering and packing off-season items.

Two to three weeks before

• Schedule utility transfers, especially heat, and set up internet service.
• Update your address with the post office, banks, and subscriptions.
• Get quotes for storage if you need it.

One week before

• Pack a “first night” box with bedding, toiletries, chargers, a warm layer, and basic tools.
• Confirm details with your movers and check the weather forecast.
• Do a final walkthrough of your current home.

Moving day

• Start early to make the most of the daylight.
• Protect floors, doorways, and boxes from rain and mud.
• Keep valuables, documents, and medications with you.

>>Read: Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

The one item people forget

Every move has a few things that slip through the cracks, and a few are specific to the fall season. Dawn Templeton of Templeton Real Estate Group says that when moving in the fall, “people tend to forget to purchase leaf bags for gathering all the fallen leaves.” Add rakes and gloves to your list while you’re at it, because a yard full of leaves is a lot less charming when you’re trying to unload a truck.

Make your fall move a smooth one

With some planning, a fall move can be easier than you’d expect. Book early, watch the weather, plan around school and rental timelines, and get your new home ready for winter. Once the boxes are unpacked, you’ll be set up for a cozy season in your new place.

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