DON'T MISS A THING

Moving isn’t just about packing boxes and hiring a truck. It’s also about timing. Especially in a city like Seattle, where weather, housing trends, and traffic can significantly affect your moving experience. 

If you’ve been wondering when the best time to move is, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re relocating within the city or moving to Seattle for the first time, understanding the rhythm of the Emerald City can make all the difference.

Let’s break down the best and worst times to move in Seattle, so you can save money, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the process (or at least not hate it entirely).

Seattle’s Unique Climate and Its Role in Your Move

Seattle has a reputation for rain, and let’s be real, it’s well-earned. The city averages over 150 rainy days a year, which can create challenges if you’re hauling furniture across slick sidewalks or trying to keep your couch from becoming a soggy sponge.

Seattle’s weather is a major reason why timing matters so much here. You don’t want to be battling a downpour while maneuvering a mattress up a slippery stairwell. On the flip side, the city offers some incredibly beautiful, mild summer months that make moving much smoother.

So, When Is the Best Time to Move in Seattle?

Let’s get right to the point. If you’re wondering when the best time to move is, the answer is mid to late summer, particularly July through early September. Here’s why:

July, August, and Early September

• Weather: These are the driest and sunniest months in Seattle. Moving during this window reduces the chances of rain and offers longer daylight hours.
• Ease of Access: Sidewalks are dry, roads are clear, and your move is less likely to be delayed due to weather.
• Peace of Mind: There’s a psychological benefit to moving when the skies are clear; it just feels better.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. These months are also the most popular for moving, which means:

• Moving company rates go up due to high demand.
• Availability is limited, so you need to book early, sometimes several weeks in advance.

Still, if you can plan and lock in a reputable local mover operating in Seattle, this window gives you the smoothest move in terms of logistics.

The Worst Time to Move in Seattle

Now that we’ve covered the golden window, let’s talk about when to avoid making a move, late fall through early spring, especially November to February.

November through February

• Weather Woes: Rain is at its peak. Streets are slippery. Unloading in wind and drizzle isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous.
• Short Days: With sunset around 4:30 PM, you’re racing against the clock.
• Holiday Chaos: November and December bring travel, holidays, and retail congestion. Moving during this time can feel like swimming upstream.
• Icy Conditions: While snow isn’t common in Seattle, icy mornings can complicate things, especially in neighborhoods with steep hills.

Unless you’re forced by lease dates or job changes, this period is generally the most stressful time to move.

Shoulder Seasons

March to June

Spring in Seattle is notoriously fickle. You might get sunshine or a sudden hailstorm within the same hour. That said, late May to June starts offering better weather and longer days.

Pros:

• Lower moving rates than peak summer
• Gradual improvement in weather
• Less competition for apartments

Cons:

• Frequent rain showers
• School still in session (harder for families with kids)
• Some hiking trails and roads may still be muddy or closed

September to October

While early September is still part of the prime window, late September through October is a hidden gem for budget-conscious movers.

Pros:

• Cool, dry weather persists through early fall
• Lower moving company rates start to kick in
• Great time to snag rental deals as landlords scramble to fill units before winter

Cons:

• Days get shorter
• You’re racing against the onset of the rainy season
• Students returning to school can cause traffic congestion in some neighborhoods

How Timing Affects Cost

In Seattle, moving prices are not static, they fluctuate depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of the month. Here’s how:

Peak Season = Peak Pricing

• June to early September = highest rates
• Expect to pay 20–30% more for professional movers
• Truck rentals and moving supplies are also pricier

Off-Peak = Savings

• Late fall and winter months often have discounts
• Moving companies may be more flexible with scheduling and pricing

Want to save some serious money? Consider moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and mid-month (around the 10th–20th), when demand dips.

School Calendars and Family Moves

If you have kids, the academic calendar might determine your moving window more than anything else.

• Best time: Summer break (late June through August)
• Alternative: Spring break or winter break if you’re making a shorter local move

Relocating mid-year can be hard on kids, so most families aim for summertime, even if it means paying a premium.

Rental Cycles and Housing Availability

In Seattle’s rental market, timing also affects housing availability. Here’s a breakdown:

Peak Rental Turnover

• June to August sees a lot of lease turnover
• Best selection of apartments and houses
• Expect fierce competition

Off-Season Openings

• November to February has fewer listings
• Landlords may be more willing to negotiate rent or offer move-in specials
• Less pressure to sign on the spot

If flexibility is your superpower, moving during the off-season could land you a better deal.

Don’t Forget Traffic and Road Conditions

Seattle traffic is no joke. Highways like I-5, I-90, and the 520 Bridge can get backed up for hours. When planning your move, avoid:

• Rush hours (7–10 AM and 3–7 PM)
• Major sports events, Seahawks and Mariners games turn the city into gridlock
• Weekend festival closures in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard

Some moving companies offer early-morning start times to beat traffic. Be sure to ask your local mover operating in Seattle about their traffic-savvy scheduling options.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Move 

Even if you can’t choose your ideal month, there are still ways to make your move easier:

• Watch the Weather: Download a reliable weather app and check forecasts daily leading up to your move. If rain’s in the cards, pick up tarps, plastic bins, and waterproof gear.
• Reserve Early: If you’re moving in the summer, don’t wait until the last minute. Reserve movers and trucks at least a month in advance, sooner if possible.
• Hire Professionals: Hiring a local mover operating in Seattle gives you access to people who understand Seattle’s quirks, its hills, parking challenges, and microclimates.
• Be Flexible with Your Date: If you’re flexible, let the moving company suggest dates when they’re less busy. You’ll often get better pricing and service.
• Declutter First: Fewer boxes = cheaper and easier move. Use the seasonal transition to purge what you don’t need.

Moving in January vs. July

Take two couples. One moves in January. They get a cheaper rate from their movers but battle rain, frozen sidewalks, and a last-minute truck cancellation due to icy roads.

The other couple moved in July. They pay more, but the skies are clear, everything runs on time, and their movers finish two hours early.

Both survived, but one enjoyed the process a lot more.

Timing Is Everything

There’s no universal “perfect” time to move, but in a city like Seattle, timing can make or break the experience. Whether you’re chasing dry weather, hunting for rental deals, or trying to keep the kids on track with school, thinking ahead is key.

If you’re still asking yourself, “When is the best time to move?”, the answer depends on your goals:

• Want the easiest move? Shoot for July to early September.
• Looking to save? Aim for late fall or winter and take advantage of discounts.
• Need housing options? Search in early summer when inventory peaks.

Whatever your choice, working with a local mover operating in Seattle will make your journey easier, smoother, and far less stressful.

Now that you know the best and worst months to move in Seattle, you can plan with confidence, and maybe even enjoy the process (we said maybe).

More to Love!

Want To Move Quickly? Here’s What You Should Be Looking For
Minimalist Moving: How to Declutter and Simplify Your Move