Best Time to Move in the DMV (DC, Maryland & Virginia)
The timing of your move affects everything, from what you’ll pay to how smoothly the day goes. If your schedule allows, you can time your move when rates drop and movers have more openings. But if your date is already set by a semester ending, closing date, or transfer? That’s completely normal, and you can still plan strategically.
We’ve coordinated thousands of moves throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and here’s what we’ve learned: understanding the patterns around cost, availability, and weather helps everyone, whether you’re choosing your ideal date or working with the one you’ve got. This guide walks you through what to expect each season and how to make your timeline work for you.
Summer: Peak Season Means Peak Prices
June through August is the busiest moving season in the DMV, and that popularity comes with trade-offs.
Summer is a popular time to move because school is out. The long daylight hours give people more time to load and unload, and many people have vacation time built into their summer schedules.
The high demand means you’ll pay 20-30% more than off-peak rates. Popular dates book up fast, so last-minute moves can be harder to coordinate. And DMV summers are hot and humid.
If you’re moving during the summer, schedule an early morning start. You’ll finish before the afternoon heat peaks, and your movers will appreciate it.
Fall: When Conditions and Costs Align
September through November offers what many people consider the best time to move to DC and the surrounding areas.
Temperatures stay comfortable, usually in the 60s and 70s, which makes the physical work manageable. Moving companies have more availability as summer demand drops off, and rates come down compared to the peak season. You can settle into your new home before the holidays arrive, which gives you time to unpack and get organized.
However, for families with kids, school has started. Many families time their moves during fall break or a long weekend to minimize disruption. Rain becomes more common in October and November, but professional movers know how to protect your belongings in wet weather.
Winter: Lowest Prices of the Year
December through February is the slowest season for moving companies, which means the best rates and the most flexibility.
The savings can be substantial. You’ll pay 25-30% less than summer rates, and you’ll have more flexibility with your dates.
The challenge is the weather. Some DMV winters are mild with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Others bring snow and ice that can delay your move or make conditions difficult. December also creates holiday conflicts that many people want to avoid, plus shorter daylight hours mean you’ll need to start early to finish before dark.
A winter move delivers real financial benefits. Just build in some buffer time around your preferred date in case conditions force a postponement.
Spring: Moderate Weather, Moderate Pricing
March through May is a middle ground between winter savings and summer convenience. This is often the best time to move into an apartment because more units are available to rent and the weather generally cooperates.
The trade-off is rain. The DMV averages 3-4 inches of rainfall monthly during spring, with April and May being particularly wet.
Target mid-March through mid-April if you can. You’ll avoid the worst winter weather and beat the summer rush.
The Day of the Week You Move Makes a Difference
Most people want to move on Saturday because it doesn’t interfere with work. That demand drives up weekend rates across the board.
Weekday moves cost less and give you more scheduling options. If your job offers flexible time or you can take a day or two off, you’ll see real savings. Weekday traffic in the DMV is challenging, but it’s more predictable than weekend congestion from events and tourists around the National Mall.
Moving Month-End Creates a Bottleneck
Most leases end on the last day of the month, which creates concentrated demand during the final week. You’ll compete with more people for moving trucks, elevator reservations in apartment buildings, and parking spots. Prices often increase during this peak period.
Moving mid-month gives you breathing room. Availability improves, rates drop, and logistics get easier.
If your plans allow, it’s ideal to reserve your movers 6-8 weeks before your preferred date, especially for the summer. Last-minute bookings make you take whatever’s available at whatever price, and you lose any negotiating power.
DMV-Specific Challenges to Navigate
Traffic in the DMV ranks among the worst in the country. Weekday rush hours from 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM can turn short distances into long delays. Weekend traffic around tourist attractions creates similar problems. Schedule your move to avoid these windows whenever possible.
Major events, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Fourth of July on the Mall, and presidential inaugurations, can shut down streets and create massive traffic backups. Check the DC events calendar before you finalize your date.
Many DC areas require permits for moving trucks, and you may need to reserve space or obtain permits days in advance. Sometimes life dictates your timing regardless of ideal conditions. Professional movers work year-round and know how to handle any situation, so don’t stress if you can’t move during the “perfect” season.
When You’re Ready to Plan Your Move
Georgetown Moving and Storage Company has coordinated relocations throughout the DMV area for over 20 years. We work in every season and every situation, and we understand that your needs go beyond general advice.
Here’s what we offer:
- Local and Long-Distance Moving: Professional service, whether you’re moving across town or across the country, with guaranteed 1-3 day delivery on long-distance relocations.
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Secure storage when your timeline doesn’t align perfectly with your new home’s availability.
- Professional Packing Services: Expert packing that protects your belongings during transit.
We’re locally owned, fully licensed, bonded, and insured through the United States Department of Transportation. Our GSA approval reflects our commitment to the highest professional standards. And our transparent pricing means no surprise fees; what we quote is what you pay.
Call us at (703) 889-8899 or contact us online for a free, detailed estimate. Our team will look at your specific situation and help you plan the logistics, whatever your timeline looks like. Whether you’re moving next month or next season, the best month to move into a new house is the one that works for you, and we’ll make sure it goes smoothly.
Get Your Free On-Line Estimate
Get your free, no-obligation moving quote today from Georgetown Moving and Storage Company — the trusted Washington, DC movers with 20+ years of proven experience.
