A commercial move is a huge undertaking and every business has unique needs. Start by looking for a business relocation service with positive reviews and testimonials on Yelp, Google, AngiesList, and BBB. Then, plan your move months in advance. Update financial accounts, subscriptions and business listings with the new address.
The peak moving season is usually during the summer months, from May to September. About 60% of all moves take place in this time frame and the high demand affects everything from availability to pricing. If you need to move during the peak season, it is imperative that you plan and book your services well in advance.
During this time, many professional moving companies are booked solid. While you may be able to find last-minute services, they will likely not be as experienced or reliable. It is also a good idea to avoid holiday moves like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day as these are the busiest days for moving services.
Another factor to consider is if you have children and the impact that the move will have on them. For families with school-age children, the best time to move is during the summer when the kids are on vacation and will not have to start a new school in the middle of the year.
If your business operates on a Monday through Friday schedule, you might want to consider scheduling your move for the middle of the month and a weekday. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends and you will have more flexibility with movers’ schedules.
The timing of your commercial move will greatly affect its success. Choosing the right timing for your move will help you reduce costs, limit downtime and ensure that all of your employees are available to assist in your relocation.
Whether you are moving in the peak or off season, there is always a better time than the rest to get the job done. It just requires some research and planning to determine the optimal timing for your specific needs. With the right guidance and a bit of luck, your move will be a smooth and stress-free transition for your entire team.
Off Season
Moving companies are able to offer more flexibility during the off season, as they don’t have the same level of demand. This is a great way to save money on your move and help you get it done more quickly.
While moving during the summer is popular because kids are out of school and leases end, it’s not the best time for a commercial move. The hot weather can make it difficult for moving crews to work outside for long periods of time, and it can lead to uncomfortable working conditions for everyone involved.
During the off season, there is usually less traffic and congestion on the roads, making it easier for your commercial move to go smoothly. In addition, many movers offer discounts during the off season. Whether you’re looking for a deal on a new storage unit or want to rent a truck, it’s worth shopping around during the off season to see what special offers are available.
The end of the month is another great time to move because it is typically when rental leases expire. This means there will be fewer people moving in and out of apartments, so you can get a better rate on a storage space and move your belongings faster.
If you have some flexibility when it comes to your move, we recommend choosing a day during the middle of the month. This is the least busy time for moving companies, so they will have more availability and can work with you to schedule a time that works for you.
Another perk of moving during the off season is that you’ll probably be able to find more affordable packing supplies, like boxes and bubble wrap. It can be frustrating to visit your local supply store during peak moving season, only to find that your preferred box sizes are out of stock. If you’re planning a long-distance move, an off season PCS move will shave days or weeks off the transit time for your shipment. You’ll also avoid the inconvenience and expense of living out of a hotel room while your stuff makes its way across the country.
Mid Month
Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring professionals, it’s important to know the best time of year, month and week for a commercial move. This will help you avoid high costs and save on downtime and disruptions to your business.
While it is possible to relocate during any season, peak moving times are usually in the summer from May through September. This is because it’s when many people typically move. This increases the demand for moving companies, and can lead to higher rates.
In contrast, the off-season typically occurs from mid-September through April. It’s during this time that demand for moving services is lower, and you can usually find a better deal on your move.
It also gives you breathing space to assess your current commercial real estate needs and determine if there could be a better property option before your lease ends. This can be beneficial for your company, as it allows you to engage in a “stay vs. go” process and make the most of your budget.
When planning your move, it’s also important to consider the impact that the change will have on your employees. You’ll want to communicate the transition well in advance, so that to-do lists aren’t forgotten or overlooked and there is time for any necessary retraining to take place. Lastly, it’s important to update all of your business systems and records with your new address. This includes your company website, financial accounts, social media, subscriptions and local listings (Google, Yelp, etc.).
Ideally, your commercial move will happen during the weekday, rather than a weekend. This will be less disruptive to your employees’ work schedules and will allow you to move more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, you’ll be more likely to get employee participation in the move if it is happening during the workweek, as they will have other obligations on the weekends. So, if you have the flexibility, try to schedule your move during the weekday during the off-season to reduce downtime and gain employee buy-in. If you can’t move during the weekday, try to plan for a mid-month move.
Weekday
If you work a traditional 9-5 job or have school-aged children, chances are you have strong opinions about each weekday: Mondays are the pits, Fridays feel like halfway to the weekend, and Wednesdays might as well be Thursday without any of the leftover glow. But when it comes to commercial moves, the day of the week may not have as much bearing on your success as you think.
Choosing the right timing to move your business can help you save on moving costs and avoid disrupting your normal operations. It can also ensure your company has the breathing space needed to conduct a thorough workplace strategy and understand property requirements before sourcing relocation options or engaging in a stay vs. go process with your landlord.
If you’re able to choose the day of your move, opt for a weekday over a weekend. Weekdays are less expensive because fewer people move on those days. Aiming for a mid month move can further reduce costs as moving companies aren’t typically as busy in the middle of the month. Avoid summer moves if possible since these tend to be the most costly due to peak season and students leaving for or returning to school. However, if you have to move in the late spring or summer, don’t panic. Just be sure to book during a weekday and avoid Memorial Day through Labor Day.