For many Australians, moving during the summer is much preferred due to the warm climate and prospects of a fresh start in the new year. However, with much of Australia having the same idea, moving in the warmer months can often feel like a competitive sport. If you are set to be moving during the cooler period, it’s good to know that there are many advantages that an autumn relocation can bring. Between saving a couple of bucks and getting the pick of dates and times for moving day, here are some reasons why moving in cooler weather is worth celebrating rather than dreading.
Property Market Advantages
Finding and most importantly securing the right property during summer can be as tricky as securing AFL tickets for the grand final. With such a competitive market, property prices and rental costs tend to be through the roof during summer, which means you’re often juggling paying more than you should just to compete and getting less than you should for your budget. Autumn house hunters often avoid this issue as they face less competition in the property market. With fewer buyers and renters actively looking, there may be more negotiating power and time to make decisions without the pressure of competing offers. Property managers and real estate agents typically also have more time to attend to clients' needs during this quieter period meaning finding your forever home might just be that bit easier.
Off-Peak Deals
Moving house is generally a costly affair, between stamp duty fees, strata reports and furniture costs, the payments can quickly rack up which means saving money where possible is often needed. Luckily, one of the biggest opportunities that comes with moving in autumn is the discounts that off-peak periods bring. Much of the moving industry such as professional removalists and insurance companies often offer better deals during off-peak seasons as there is much less demand. For moving companies, the summer hustle and bustle is over by this time which means cost premiums are often removed and many will be able to offer comparative price matches within reason. Whilst these deals may seem futile at the time of booking your move, as the process unfolds you will undoubtedly be grateful for the additional savings, regardless of if it’s $100 or $10,000.
Comfortable Weather Conditions
Despite many choosing to move in summer due to the warmer weather, moving in autumn may be a much more pleasant experience. Packing and moving boxes can be exhausting even at the best of times, but packing in mid-summer heat is particularly sweat-inducing, making it a gruelling task to undertake. An autumn relocation provides the opportunity for much cooler weather with temperatures sitting between 14.6 - 22.2°C whilst also still having many bright and sunny days. This sweet spot between not too hot and not too cold will make the physical activity of moving much safer and overall a more enjoyable experience.
A Quiet Period to Settle
Autumn is often referred to as a shoulder season, that quiet period where summer is finally over and winter breaks haven’t yet begun, making the perfect time for a gentle transition. With kids back at school and the excitement of summer activities drawn to a close, autumn is generally a great time to move as there’s a lot less going on. Having the children in school and a reduced social calendar gives you the opportunity to take time with packing and organising, without being interrupted by playdate pick-ups and fights over screen time. Whilst others might chase the summer rush, autumn movers are gifted with a peaceful pocket of time to move without sacrificing their energy or their sanity.
Pick of the Bunch
Lower demand for moving services means only one thing - you get your pick of the very best. While summer sees moving companies turning away bookings and juggling waitlists, autumn begins to transform into a mover's market where you hold all the cards. You go from struggling like you’re booking the 7 pm dinner slot on valentines day to cherry picking your perfect moving date and time, whether that be a quiet Wednesday afternoon or a buzzing Saturday morning. Not only does autumn moving mean that you get to choose your perfect moving day, but it also generally means that you get to pick the best removalists for the job as well. AFRA-accredited movers often get snapped up quickly in the summer months, which means that you generally either have to be flexible with your own dates or sacrifice quality and go to a less reputable company. Moving during off-peak seasons means that you can take the time to carefully select a reliable and trustworthy service that works for you rather than battling it out for the final slot with a company you are unsure of.
Considerations of Moving in Autumn
Of course, with all the advantages that can be found in moving in autumn, there are also some aspects to take into consideration. Although moving locally whilst children are in school can be particularly helpful, if you’re moving interstate or far enough that schools have to be changed over, then it can become slightly more complicated. Children can sometimes struggle with the transition more when having to integrate in the middle of term time. Having systems in place to help them make a smooth transition in school can ensure ease and relaxation for the whole family.
Another potential complication of moving in autumn is also the reduced daylight hours. While the cooler weather generally brings the chance of an easier move, the reduction of daylight hours can make it slightly more challenging to get everything done quickly. To avoid trying to move whilst it’s dark, book your removalists for the early morning. This way, by the time they have unloaded the truck at your new home, you should still have plenty of time to start settling. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your new home be! So take the time to do little bits each day rather than overwhelm yourself with doing it all at once.
Reminders
Remember that moving house is a significant life event that deserves careful consideration and execution, regardless of the season. By choosing autumn for your relocation, you're giving yourself the gift of time, comfort, and potentially substantial savings. So instead of following the summer crowd, consider embracing the golden hues and cooler temperatures of autumn for your next move – your wallet, your movers, and quite possibly your stress levels will thank you for it.
