Whether you’re moving a few neighborhoods away or across the entire country, relocating is never a minor decision. Figure out the best timing with a few tips:
Consider All Elements
You have so many things to think about when moving that it’s easy to get bogged down with the minutiae. You might become so fixated on which of your housing options has higher quality granite countertops or the convenience of the laundry’s room layout, just to look up and realize you haven’t taken the surrounding neighborhoods into account. Yes, the small things matter. But there are more ancillary factors that can matter just as much and should not be bypassed in the process.
Consider the weather during your preferred moving time. If you’re looking to move somewhere with a cold climate, avoid moving in the dead of winter. Or if you do choose to relocate during that season, look into car insurance in your new home state before you go. Making sure you’re covered in the state to which you’re headed will go a long way in giving you peace of mind when you move in inclement conditions. Along those lines, you can use a tool like InsuranceQuotes.com‘s map tool to quickly find an estimate of the cost of your future car insurance.
Beyond the weather, consider additional timing elements, like those that can affect you and your family personally. If you have a job offer in the area, ask if there’s any flexibility with your start date. If your field has certain months that are known to be most chaotic, see if you can start your new job in the slower season. That will give you time to familiarize yourself with the company before the busy peak hits.
Another consideration is nearby school schedules. If you have young ones, avoid moving in the middle of the school year, as this can be an especially hard transition. Aim for the beginning of the school year if possible, or the start of summer.
Start with the End in Mind
With all of the important timing components to keep in mind, the real estate market is the biggest. Renting earlier in the year, and signing closer to the beginning of a month will usually net you the most cost savings with your rental. Some statistics show the cheapest days of the week to sign your lease are Mondays and Fridays, so it doesn’t hurt to even plan this part out strategically.
If you’re looking to buy, the seasons are less clear. It can vary state to state (and year to year). Spring is the most popular time to buy but not always the most ideal. There is the highest amount of inventory in spring, but consequently also the most competition. Winter, conversely, offers less competition but greater hassle because of weather conditions.
As you plan for your big move, be sure to think about weather, road conditions, job start dates and school calendars. And don’t forget to take into account the fluctuations of the real estate market. With some strategic planning, you can make an advantageous move a smooth one.
