On behalf of the Moving team, we are happy to help you gain insight into the moving season. Here you will discover when most people move, why timing is crucial and how to organize your move smoothly. We will also show you how to save on costs and how to minimize the chance of stress.
How many people are moving?
Many Dutch people change addresses several times, and that often starts with their first rental home or room. According to estimates by the CBS, people move an average of 7 times in their lives. That is quite something. Maybe you are someone who moves for the first time around the age of twenty, or maybe you move later. Every situation is different, but the fact remains that countless moves take place every year throughout the country.
Example of the best time to move
I recently spoke to a young couple who had just received the keys to their new home. They were nervous about hiring a moving company for the first time, but they quickly discovered that good help makes a world of difference. They told me that they played it smart by comparing quotes and saved a lot.
When do most people move?
You may be wondering: when exactly do people move? The answer usually lies in two popular times of the year. Many people choose spring and summer because they benefit from better weather and longer days. Others choose fall or winter because there is less competition on the housing market and moving companies often have more time to help you.
The best season to move
1. Summer months: ideal moving season
June, July and August are the height of the moving season. Families are looking to move before the new school year starts, and many people have vacations, which gives them more time to lug boxes.
2. End of the month: best time to move
During this period, you usually don't have to pay rent twice, because rental contracts often run synchronously with the beginning of the following month. People therefore often choose this timing to avoid double charges.
3. End of the year is the best time to move
Many people move around December for tax reasons or because they want a fresh start in the new year. However, this can quickly become busy as holidays approach and movers sometimes limited availability.
Why Timing Matters When Moving
You might think: I'll just pick a date that seems convenient to me. However, a move requires extra attention to planning. If you choose a busy period, the rates of many different moving companies increase and you pay more. It can also be difficult to find a moving van or moving elevator to reserve when demand is high. However, if you have time and flexibility, it is best to move in a quieter season and save money.
This is how people move better
Also consider what is practical for you. If you have children, it may be more convenient to move to a new school during the summer holidays. If you work freelance, you may be able to move during the low season and experience less stress. Are you still unsure about when to move? Read on and discover the best time for you to move.
Moving to a new municipality in the summer
Are you moving soon? Summer feels like the most popular time to move for many people. The weather is usually favorable, and you often have longer days that you can use to load and unload moving boxes. You will get used to a new community faster if you have enough time to walk around and get to know your neighbors. A tip is to arrange transportation and moving services well in advance. The competition for moving companies can be fierce in the summer. So check in advance when you can move.
“I didn’t want to be lugging things around in the rain, so I planned my move for July,” one customer told us. She loved that she could start landscaping right away without having to deal with bad weather.
Moving in the fall
Moving in the fall often gives you more peace and quiet and less hustle and bustle with most moving companies. The heat of summer is gone, and you are still far away from the cold of winter. Still, you have to take rain and possibly some stormy days into account. If you pack smart and protect your belongings well, this will not cause major problems. Fall is sometimes the best time to move if you can get a new home around September and you are not tied to school holidays. But hey... all periods have their own pros and cons.
Practical tip: Keep a close eye on the weather forecast so that you don't get any unpleasant surprises on the day itself. If necessary, organise a sturdy protective cover for your furniture.
Moving in winter
Moving in the winter may sound inconvenient, but it also has advantages. The demand for moving companies decreases, which means you have less competition. This can be better for your wallet, because you can sometimes get a discount on the rental of a moving truck. It is best to move on a day when the roads are passable and when it is not freezing or snowing too hard.
This is how people move: a good example
Example: Paul moved in January and had to deal with frost. He decided to pack his furniture extra in the old house to prevent damage. In the end, everything went smoothly because the moving company started early in the morning. By noon, they were done, and he could use the rest of the day to set up his new address. We often want to choose the most popular season, but often the other months of the year are also perfectly fine. It is best to figure out for yourself which season is best for you and what you need to take into account.
Above all, look at yourself
A move is very personal. Your old house may have already been sold, but you may still need to do some work or paint. Or maybe you opt for a rental property that you can move into soon. In any case, always ask yourself what is best for your situation. If you have children, they may be looking forward to a summer holiday at a new school. If you work full-time, a quiet period at work can be ideal for your move. Know when it is best to move. Spring is often nice for moving, but when do you have to work again, for example? October may be the best month for you to move.
A professional moving company can help you
Although you can of course do the move yourself, it saves a lot of time professional moving company you often hassle. You can tackle the job together, but the movers know all the tricks of the trade. They know how to load heavy furniture efficiently, and how to get your belongings to the right place without damage. They also often offer handy extras, such as a moving lift, packing tape and sturdy boxes. There are also many handyman companies that can help you. For example, do you have a lot of bulky waste? Then you can, for example, hire a clearance company. Doing only physical work yourself to save costs is not always good for your back. Use professional services. This may entail higher costs, but in the end it may be the best! Research has shown that the average Dutch person moves once every 10 years, so that's not so bad, right!?
Compare quotes from different moving companies
It pays to request quotes from multiple parties. This way you avoid paying too much or discovering too late that a company no longer has a place on your desired moving date. Look at reviews, ask about insurance and watch out for hidden costs. Sometimes a company offers clarity about availability and price within 24 hours. At Moving you can now receive multiple free quotes for free and without obligation with one form!
“We compared five quotes and chose the most advantageous option,” says Marloes, who recently moved with her family to another part of the country. “Because of the competitive price, we had budget over for new furniture.”
Example of moving in spring
Let’s say you want to move in the spring. You like the days getting longer and you want to decorate your new home without it being sweltering. Spring is the season in which you usually have less competition than in the summer, but you do have to deal with increasing demand. If you start planning early, you can choose the best timing and make sure everything is ready before summer arrives. This is usually the time of year when everyone renovates everything. If you still have to sell your old house during this period, this will often go faster because it turns out that people buy a house more quickly in the spring! Rent-buy, it doesn’t matter. A rental house is also often rented out faster in the spring.
Paint smell, moving box and moving
Liesbeth moved to a terraced house in the suburbs in April. She chose that month because she didn't want to pay high rates. She also liked the fact that she could prepare her garden for the warm months. Thanks to the calm planning and her early start with packing, she was able to move into her new home within a weekend. Moving in the spring means avoiding an autumn storm!
Choose the season that suits you
When do most people move? They do this mainly in the spring and summer, because that is a logical time for many families and working people. However, it can be worthwhile to move in the fall or winter. You will then enjoy less crowds and sometimes more favorable rates. In the winter, of course, you have the holidays, which makes you more likely to be occupied with that. Then you are so busy decorating your old house that you have no time at all to furnish your new house. So choose the period that suits you so that you can immediately enjoy your new home.
This way you can best choose what suits you
Ultimately, it is important that you choose a moving period that suits your personal situation. Maybe you have not yet sold your old house, or you are waiting for the keys to a new home. Buying or renting does not matter. It is all about your comfort and budget. Do not forget the practical matters such as a change of address! Do not hesitate to ask different moving companies about their rates and availability. With the right moving service, you will move quickly and efficiently! This way you make a well-considered choice and you can move to your new address with peace of mind.
(Team Moving wishes you a smooth move and is ready to answer all your questions.)
