Best Time to Relocate to a New City

Best Time to Relocate to a New City. When it comes to living life to the fullest and taking advantage of everything it has to offer, timing is everything. A great bargain, an opportunity that can’t be missed, the time of year…if you’re considering relocating to a new city, when you move is almost as important as where you move.

When it comes to living life to the fullest and taking advantage of everything it has to offer, timing is everything. A great bargain, an opportunity that can’t be missed, the time of year…if you’re considering relocating to a new city, when you move is almost as important as where you move.

Whether you’re moving for work or because you’re ready for a change of pace, these indicators might mean it’s time to postpone your relocation (or not).

> Employment: Most people considering a major move have financial or employment reasons. If you’ve recently been offered a new job, you might not get much say in when you relocate. However, if you’re just starting your job search, consider January and February as your ideal time. Most industries do the bulk of their hiring during the first few months of the year when budgets are still being set and new projects/processes put into implementation.

> Moving Ease: If you’re starting a new job in January/February, the good news is that your moving company is also likely to make your relocation easier. These are considered “non-peak” times to move, which means you’ll get more flexibility in moving dates, more personalized service, and maybe even some moving discounts. Summer months tend to be the busiest for moving, so avoid your relocation during June, July, and August, if at all possible.

> Real Estate Changes: Oftentimes, a move isn’t facilitated by a job change but by a housing one. If your family recently grew in size or underwent another life change, it might be a good time to consider that relocation you’ve always wanted. Buying and selling a home is a big process, so if you can roll it together with that big move to a new city, it will be easier on your whole family.

> Retirement/College: Certain times of your life are better for making major transitions, including going to college, getting married, or retiring. Because you’ll be changing so much about your life already, it’s an ideal time to try out a new life experience in a new city. These changes also tend to coincide with an upgraded (or downgraded) home, so it’s a double win.

> Magnet Cities/States: There are certain areas in the United States where it’s incredibly popular to move right now, including Austin, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Denver, and Salt Lake City (just to name a few). Many of the cities have already broken out; others are poised to do so soon. Ideally, it’s best to move to one of these locations before the housing prices and rental markets surge, so keep an eye on moving trends to find out where the next big explosion is likely to take place.

Above all else, pay attention to what’s best for your family. Yes, summer is the busiest time to move, but if you have kids, allowing them to finish out a school year might be the best choice. Sure, the real estate market might be expensive in your intended destination, but you might have a good job and higher salary to offset it. Look at all the determining factors and work with a real estate agent and moving company you trust to find the perfect timing.