The Best Time To Move to NYC: Key Points
- Spring and autumn have the best weather for moving to New York.
- Summer has the most inventory and options and is the most popular season to move.
- Winter has the toughest weather and lowest inventory but best prices.
- Avoid moving to NYC during holidays and major events as well as on the first and last day of the month when leases start or end
So, it’s settled — you’re moving to New York to pursue that dream job or join your loved one. But when is the best time to move to NYC? It can be summer, winter or anything in between, depending on whether you’re looking to pay lower rent prices, relocate in an agreeable climate, or move on a budget.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What is the best time of the year to move to New York
- What are the pros and cons of taking the move in different seasons
- What periods to avoid when considering a move
- How professional packers and movers can help you in relocating
Need help to move to New York? Contact Imperial Movers
What Is the Best Time To Move to NYC?
The best times to move to New York are spring (between March and May) and autumn (between September and November).
Why? There are several reasons — rental prices often drop, the city’s weather is mild, and moving companies are more flexible with scheduling.
Worried that you might not make it within this window? Let’s look at the pros and cons each season offers so that you can plan what’s best for you.
Moving to NYC in Spring: Pros & Cons
Spring is when the Big Apple shakes off the winter chill, bringing that “fresh start” energy that makes you think about moving. But is it the right season for you?
Pros
- Pleasant weather, which allows a comfortable move without the stress of snow or extreme heat
- More rental options as landlords list more vacant spaces
- Better transportation conditions, which reduce the risk of disrupting your moving plan
Cons
- Higher demand, as college grads and job seekers begin hunting for places to rent
- Higher prices and faster lease signing
Moving to NYC in Summer: Pros & Cons
Summer is the busiest season for moving, with New York offering a wave of new relocation opportunities. Find out if this is your season.
Pros
- A wide variety of housing options, as leases commonly end in June, July, or August with landlords releasing the highest number of rentals
- More daylight hours, allowing you extra time to pack, move, and settle in
- Easier scheduling for families as children are on vacation and moving won’t disrupt the school year
Cons
- High moving costs for both rental and moving services due to the peak season
- Hot and humid weather, making moving physically exhausting
- Increased traffic and congestion, potential parking restrictions and longer delays
Moving to NYC in Autumn: Pros & Cons
Autumn covers the city with a golden veil, offering a break between the summer rush and winter’s cold — an ideal time for many to relocate.
Pros
- Lower rental prices after the summer rush, allowing for better deals or concessions like a free month
- Mild temperatures, making relocation easier and more comfortable compared to summer and winter
- More availability of moving companies, which have open schedules and may offer discounts
Cons
- Limited listings as many of the apartments have been taken
- Unpredictable weather with sudden storms or early cold snaps.
- Back-to-school crowds, which can make moving challenging
Moving to NYC in Winter: Pros & Cons
Winter makes New York move at a quieter, slower pace, making it a suitable time for moving.
Pros
- Lowest rental prices, as this is the off-season for NYC rentals
- More flexible lease negotiations due to the lower number of renters
- Easier scheduling for movers who are less busy during this time of the year
Cons
- Cold weather that can make your move challenging, especially if there’s snow or ice
- Limited listings since fewer people move in winter
- Complicated logistics due to the holiday season and heavy traffic in some areas
Need help to move to New York? Contact Imperial Movers
Factors That Affect the Best Time To Move To New York
The season is not the only thing to consider when planning your move to NYC. Here’s what else you should think about.
- Rental market: Prices go up in summer due to high demand. In winter, you can find better deals and have more negotiation power.
- Moving costs: Summer moves can cost 20–30% more than winter due to high demand.
- School calendar: Families prefer moving during school breaks, while singles or couples without kids may decide to relocate during the academic year.
- Traffic & parking: Summer and holidays bring heavier traffic, while off-peak seasons make logistics easier.
Rates of NYC apartments differ by season, which can affect your decision when to move
What Time To Avoid When Moving to New York
Avoid moving:
- On holidays — Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving weekend
- On the first and last day of the month, when most leases start or end
- During major events like the NYC Marathon, Pride Parade, or UN General Assembly
During these periods, there is a lot of traffic, a higher demand for moving services, and stress levels are at their highest.
How Movers Can Help When Planning Your Move
Planning a move to NYC isn’t just about picking the right season — it includes taking care of countless details, from building restrictions to parking permits and moving up and down tight stairwells.
If you’re uncertain about managing these detailed and challenging tasks, you might consider hiring a professional moving company.
They will:
- Help you time your move strategically, avoiding peak traffic and booking windows.
- Take care of logistics, including elevator reservations and certificate of insurance (COI) requirements.
- Pack, disassemble and do the heavy lifting.
- Advise on how to prepare for weather-related challenges in any season.
Trusting your relocation to professional packers and movers is worth every penny! For more insights, check out our detailed guide.
Professional movers will help you time your move strategically, providing clarity about peak traffic and booking windows
The Best Time To Move to NYC: Key Takeaways
- If you’re planning a move to New York, spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable weather conditions.
- Summer brings the biggest range of available rentals and is the busiest time for relocations.
- Winter offers fewer listings and more challenging weather — but also some of the most competitive pricing.
- Avoid moving during peak periods like holidays, month-ends, and major city events.
Relocating to New York? Imperial Movers Can Help
No matter when you’re planning your move to New York, Imperial Movers is your trusted relocation partner.
Our range of services includes packing and unpacking, long-distance moving, and international moving.
The best news? We operate in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island year-round.
Our team is:
- Experienced in navigating NYC’s weather, traffic, and regulations
- Equipped with professional tools to handle delicate, bulky, or high-value items such as fine art, pianos, and furniture
- Available for last-minute moving, off-season relocations, or tight scheduling needs
Whether you’re moving to New York during a snowstorm in January or a heatwave in July, Imperial Movers’ crew is here to support this journey.
Looking for a reliable moving company? Contact Imperial Movers
