Tips for Moving During Peak Season

Written By

Machaela Casey
Truck on freeway

How to Make Your Summer Move a Success

The busiest (and most expensive) time of the year to move is May 15-August 31. The weather is warm. The kids are out of school. It’s the most popular time of year for families—and businesses—to relocate.

Movers unloading a moving truck

Moving Season 2022

This year, it’s more important than ever to understand the challenges of moving during the summer months. Inflation and the cost of fuel have combined to increase moving costs. The high demand to move during the summer will push those prices even higher. Many moving companies are already booked through the summer.

The cause for this high demand is connected to the Coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic changed many industries, including the moving industry. With many jobs going remote, more and more people are deciding to relocate.

The increase in price and demand only means one thing. It’s going to be more challenging than ever to book a quality mover.

We Know Peak Season Moves

At Nelson Westerberg, we’ve been in the moving business for over 100 years. In that time, we’ve moved people, companies, laboratories, and more. We’ve moved pretty much everything: heavy machinery, oversized items, vehicles, and more. Plus, we offer a range of extra services to support your move.

Our company has helped families moving residences and companies relocating to a new address. And, we have worked through years and years of peak moving seasons. We know what it takes to plan a quality a move during the summer months.

The First Step: Start Looking Early for the Right Mover

Many of the top companies are booked 3-4 months out for the summer. If you haven’t signed a contract with a company yet, get to work ASAP.

Avoid waiting until the last minute. If you do, you might not be able to find anyone. Or, worse, you’ll be stuck with a company that nobody else wants.

Research Their Record

Before you sign a contract with a moving company, check their licensing and safety record. You want your cargo to arrive on time and undamaged. To ensure your goods are in the right hands, research the safety record of the company that you want to hire. It’s easy.

Any company that crosses a state line must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Go to the FMCSA website and search by company name or US DOT number to view their safety record.

Insist on a Written Contract

No matter what company you choose, always sign a contract that outlines the terms of service. Your contract should also include insurance policies, pickup and delivery dates, and any extra services that you request. Never accept a verbal contract. Make sure that your mover is committed to moving you and will do what they promise.

Ask about Accessorial Services

Many of the top companies offer support services to make move easier. First, think about what you need. Then, research what companies can make it happen. For example, you may need packing or unpacking services. Or, you may require short-term or long-term storage solutions.

Just as you want to book your move early, you’ll want to book these services early, too. The moving industry, like industries throughout the country, is suffering a labor shortage. You want to ensure that your company has the employees secured to do the jobs that you need.

How to Get Ready for Your Summer Move

You found your moving partner. You signed a contract and scheduled the extra services you’ll need. Great! Now all you have to do is move addresses. That’s easier said than done. Don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of tips to make that process a little bit easier.

  1. Get rid of stuff:  Remember, in any move, your biggest expense will be the weight of the shipment. So lighten the load. Before you pack one box, go through your space, room by room.First, donate items you no longer need, or throw out things that are no longer usable. Don’t spend the money to move goods that will just go into the trash at your new location. Next, be aware of things that your moving company may not move, like fireworks, chemicals, food, and plants. Make a plan to dispose of these items on your own or be prepared to move them yourself.
  2. Source your packing materials: Gather everything that you’ll need to safely and securely ship your cargo. You’ll need boxes of all sizes-small, medium, and large. If you’re shipping dresses and coats, you may want wardrobe boxes.For glass wear and other breakables, purchase some re-enforced boxes with cardboard inserts. You’ll also need packing materials, like bubble wrap and newspaper. If doing all of this seems like a hassle, consider hiring a packing service through your moving company. Yes, it’s an extra cost. But, it could be worth the time and effort it would save you.
  3. Start packing early: Packing will always take longer than you think. Remember, you’re not just packing a home. You’ll be packing everything on your property. For example, you could also be packing a garage, basement, attic, and back deck, also.Begin by packing items that aren’t currently in use. Start with things like holiday decorations and winter clothing items. Get any out-of-season items packed away first. You may also have to move bulky items, like a hot tub or piano. Make a plan for any oversized items that may require special handling.
  1. Contact the post office: About three weeks before you move, contact the post office to arrange for a change of address. This detail is important. You don’t want to miss anything important that may come in the mail. Also, forgotten mail containing personal information left in your mailbox could make you susceptible to identity theft.
  1. Begin to make friends: There’s no doubt it can be hard to meet people when moving to a new area. Before you even move in, work to build connections in your new town. Join social media groups in your new location. Introduce yourself (virtually) to your new neighbors and you’ll make new friends in no time.If you have kids, ask for recommendations for things to do in the area. You might even be able to enroll your kids in some camps or activities when they arrive. Give them a chance to make new friends before school starts.

A Summer Move Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

If you have a big move coming up this summer, plan ahead. Research and book your movers a few months in advance.

Sit down and make a list of everything that you need to do before moving day. First, start packing early. Then, work to set up your support network in your new town. Take the time now to get organized, and you’ll be ready.

We’re Professional Peak Season Movers

We know what it takes to schedule and execute a peak season move. We’ve been in the moving business for over 100 years. We have a full fleet of moving trucks to get you where you need to go. Our drivers are experienced and have been with us, on average, for fifteen years. You’re in good hands with us.

No matter what you need to support your peak season move, we can provide it. From packing to moving and storage, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re moving a business or corporation, we can help with that, too. We’ll provide corporate relocation support. Or, we’ll partner with your corporate relocation management system to get your business and your employees moved right.

Contact us today. We’ll help make your summer move a success.