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If you’re planning a move between late spring and early fall, you’re entering what the industry calls peak moving season. Typically running from May through August, this four-month window sees a dramatic surge in moving activity across the country—and especially here in Southern California. From local home transitions in Acton to long-distance relocations and military PCS orders, the demand for reliable movers skyrockets during these months.
Why Is Everyone Moving at the Same Time?
Several factors collide during the summer to create a perfect storm of moving activity:
- School Breaks: Families with children prefer to move during summer to avoid mid-year school transitions.
- Lease Renewals: Many apartment and rental contracts expire between May and July, prompting waves of tenant turnover.
- Military PCS Orders: Summer is peak season for Permanent Change of Station moves, especially for service members and their families across California’s bases.
- Job Relocations & Real Estate Closings: Companies often align transfers and onboarding with the summer window, and the real estate market typically hits its high during these months.
This collective movement means movers, trucks, and storage units get booked quickly—and the best moving dates become scarce faster than most people expect.
Early Action Is the Key to a Smooth Move
If you want your move to land on your schedule—not someone else’s—you need to plan ahead. Booking early gives you:
- A better selection of dates (especially for weekends and month-ends)
- Access to experienced moving teams
- Time to arrange services like packing, storage, or vehicle transport
- Flexibility if your closing, lease, or job start date shifts
Waiting too long during peak season often results in rushed decisions, limited availability, or—worst-case scenario—having to settle for an unverified mover with questionable credentials.
When to Start Planning to Get the Date You Want
Start Planning at Least 6–8 Weeks Out
To increase your chances of getting the exact date and services you need, we recommend starting the planning process at least 6–8 weeks before your desired move date. This is especially true if:
- You’re moving during the first or last week of the month
- Your move falls on a weekend
- You’re relocating in or around holidays like Memorial Day or July 4th
Planning ahead doesn’t just improve scheduling—it gives you time to shop around, compare estimates, and confirm that you’re hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced mover.
Going Long-Distance? Start Even Earlier
If you're planning a long-distance or interstate move, or if you’re relocating a large household, you'll want to start even earlier—ideally 8–10 weeks in advance. These moves involve more coordination, larger trucks, specialty packing, and sometimes storage logistics. Early booking ensures you’re not left scrambling for availability or stuck with a mover who doesn’t specialize in complex relocations.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we specialize in cross-country moves, military relocations, and multi-room transitions—and we know how important early communication is for success.
Key Steps to Take Immediately
Not sure how to begin? Here’s what we recommend doing the moment you know a move is coming:
Take Inventory and Declutter
Walk through your home and decide what’s going with you. The fewer items you bring, the faster (and cheaper) your move will be. Sell, donate, or discard anything you no longer use or need.
Research Moving Companies
Look for companies that are licensed, insured, and well-reviewed—especially those with experience in your specific type of move (e.g., residential, commercial, military, long-distance). Be wary of vague pricing, lack of credentials, or pressure to commit without a clear estimate.
Decide What Services You’ll Need
Do you want a full-service move where the team packs, loads, and delivers everything? Do you need storage between homes? Will you be transporting a vehicle, piano, or safe? Planning for these needs now helps movers like us provide an accurate quote and timeline.
Flexibility Is Your Secret Weapon
Weekday > Weekend | Mid-Month > Month-End
Most people want to move on a Friday or Saturday at the end of the month—right when leases end, home closings happen, and school years wrap up. That’s why these dates tend to be the first to book up—and sometimes the most expensive due to demand.
Instead, consider:
- Mid-week moves (Tuesday–Thursday)
- Mid-month scheduling, between the 10th and 20th
- Early morning start times, which are cooler and give you more of the day for unloading
These small shifts can open up access to more availability, better pricing, and less competition for resources like trucks, storage, and specialized crews.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we offer flexible scheduling options—including early morning departures—to help our clients beat the heat and the rush. We’ll always work with you to find the best available window that fits your needs and timeline.
Work Backward from Your Key Deadlines
If your move is tied to a lease termination, real estate closing, military base assignment, or job start date, start the conversation with your moving company early and communicate those milestones clearly. This gives your movers a chance to plan delivery windows, packing days, and transportation schedules around your commitments—not against them.
We often build custom timelines for clients with tight transitions or overlapping deadlines. Whether you need to store your items for a few days, split your move into phases, or coordinate with on-base access requirements, our team has the experience to make it work.
Consider Storage as a Bridge Between Dates
Even with the best planning, move-in and move-out dates don’t always line up perfectly—especially during the summer peak season. Whether you're waiting for escrow to close, your new lease to start, or on-base housing to become available, those in-between days (or weeks) can create major stress if you don’t have a plan.
That’s where temporary storage solutions come in—and they can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical nightmare.
When Your Move Dates Don’t Match Up
It’s more common than you think to have a few days—or even a few weeks—between leaving your old home and getting the keys to your new one. Scenarios that often create these timing gaps include:
- New home construction or remodeling delays
- Overlapping closings on real estate transactions
- Waiting for military or corporate housing to be ready
- Lease overlap issues or late notice from landlords
- Relocating before a job start date without permanent housing secured
Rather than scrambling to find a friend’s garage, overstuffing your car, or rushing into temporary lodging that’s not move-in ready, storage gives you breathing room.
The Benefits of Short-Term and Climate-Controlled Storage
Using storage strategically during a move can help reduce stress and increase flexibility, especially during busy summer months when you may not be able to secure the exact move-in date you want.
Key benefits include:
- More control over your moving timeline
- Protection for your belongings in a clean, secure environment
- Access to partial loads or phased delivery when you need only part of your household goods right away
- Peace of mind, knowing your items are being monitored and protected from the elements
For sensitive or high-value items—like electronics, artwork, musical instruments, or heirloom furniture—climate-controlled storage ensures temperature and humidity don’t become hidden threats during the holding period.
Don’t Wait—Reserve Your Spot Today
Moving during peak season doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a bit of early planning and the right moving company on your side, you can avoid the stress, stay on schedule, and secure a moving experience that’s smooth from start to finish.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we know summer moves can be high-pressure—especially with tight timelines, extreme heat, and heavy demand. That’s why our veteran-owned, licensed, and fully insured team is committed to giving every customer the same professionalism, precision, and personal care we bring to every job.
But the key to a stress-free summer move? Acting now. Prime dates go fast, and once the calendar fills up, options become limited. Don’t let your ideal timeline slip away.
Ready to Lock In Your Ideal Moving Date? Let’s Get Started!
Contact The American Dream Moving & Storage Today:
📞 (818) 337-9495
🌐 vetsmoveyou.com
📍 Based in Acton, CA – Proudly Serving All of Southern California
🎖️ Ask about our exclusive military and veteran discounts
