Best Times to Move in 2022
Moving is a necessary evil that nearly everyone faces at one point or another in their lifetime—one that, if not well-orchestrated, can end up being an extremely overwhelming, time-consuming and expensive endeavor.
One of the BEST ways
you can set yourself up for success with relocation in 2022—as a company or an employee—is to plan the timing of your move well in advance, around peak busy season.
By avoiding extremely popular moving dates, you can take advantage
of greater availability and lower prices for trucking capacity, moving providers, and other moving-relating services.
In an effort to support you in your planning efforts, northAmerican® Van Lines has released its 2022 Best Times to Move Calendar that contains tips, helpful reminders and color-coded days that classify dates as ideal, busy
and busiest.
Key Takeaways from northAmerican’s 2022 Corporate Moving Calendar:
The BUSIEST times to move:
- May 16th-September 9th
- December 21st-December 31st
BUSY times to move:
- May 5th-May15th
- September 10th-September 30th
- November 13th-November 22nd
- December 10th-December 20th
What to Expect During a Busy Moving Season
Though it’s ideal to avoid popular moving dates to maximize the success and efficiency of your move, we understand that it may not always be feasible.
If that’s
the case for you, we recommend allocating as much time as possible to plan and book your services—the further in advance, the better. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing one or more of these challenges…
Scheduling conflicts.
When moving services are in high demand, it often has a domino effect on other services throughout the moving process, as well. For example, scheduling appointments for internet service, cable, electricity and gas for their new residence may prove
challenging if the respective service providers are experiencing an influx of requests for installation or activation.
Truck shortages. Additionally, the U.S. truck driver shortage, while not new, is still very much a reality.
As demand for the already limited trucking capacity fluctuates throughout the year, so do prices. As a result, many employees who are given a lump sum may find that they are either unable to secure moving services for their intended move date or are
forced to pay significantly higher prices for their move.
Extended closing dates. One final thing to keep in mind, for employees who are purchasing and/or selling a home during high-demand times, is that inspections, appraisals
and the escrow process may also be impacted, potentially pushing out close date(s).
2022 Moving Trends
As the market starts to settle into its “new normal,” real estate experts, movers and homebuyers are gearing up to predict what will happen next year. Here are a few moving trends you
can expect in 2022 so that you can be prepared and plan your move accordingly:
Rising inventory levels. Data from Realtor.com reveals
that inventory levels are on the rise and movers can expect a more buyer-friendly market in 2022.
Prices will not be dropping anytime soon. However, while prices are expected to rise, experts expect this to happen at a
much slower pace than we saw in 2021.
Continued exodus to suburbs. A trend first accelerated by the pandemic, 2022 will continue to see the suburbs attracting large numbers of buyers. Check out Forbes Home to learn more.
Moving Tips and Guides for Success
SEASONAL MOVING TIPS:
SUMMER: If you’re moving during peak season (from May to September), you’re advised to start planning your relocation 3-4 months[1][2]
in advance, as moving services are in high demand during this busy period.
WINTER: Sidewalks and driveways should be clear of snow and ice on moving day. To learn more about moving in winter, read our Guide to Winter Moves.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE FACTS:
What NOT to move. Did you know that there are items that are considered unsafe or non-permissible to move? Familiarize yourself with that
list so you can be prepared by reading A Guide For What Can’t be Moved.
Moving pets. Moving can be stressful on our furry friends. Help make the transition for them as smooth as possible by following this guide on moving pets safely.
Relocating employees to Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, or South Carolina? Visit our guides page to download our state-specific guides and share them with your relocating employees.
Lump Sum & Reimbursement Programs. Relocating employees, specifically those using a lump sum or a full-service
corporate relocation program for their move, will likely encounter inconvenient delays for services and higher prices for their household goods move during these busier times. Scheduling moves for less impacted dates can help make a move go more
smoothly.
Planning your 2022 employee relocations around busier times is a great start, but did you know that working with a relocation provider can offer a wealth of benefits including securing trucking capacity and improved pricing? If you are not currently working with a corporate relocation company, we now offer a way for you to try us before you sign a contract. Business Class by northAmerican® Van Lines allows you to experience our award-winning service without the commitment. Contact
Bobbi.Maniglia@northAmerican.com to get your company in Business Class today!