Moving in Winter vs Summer in DC

Side by side

The differences come down to four things.

• Booking. Summer weekends need four to six weeks of notice. Winter dates are often open the same week.
• Price. The season itself does not set our price. Weekends and month-end cost more in both, and summer has more demand for them.
• Daylight. Summer gives you light until after 8pm. In December it is dark before 5pm.
• Weather risk. Summer brings heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings cold, and now and then snow or ice.

Preparing for a summer move

Heat slows everything, and some of your things do not tolerate it.

• Ask for the earliest start time, so the heavy work is done before the afternoon.
• Turn on the air conditioning at the new place the day before.
• Keep candles, vinyl records, cosmetics, and medication out of the truck. Carry them in your car.
• Do not leave electronics in a hot truck longer than the drive.
• Have cold water available for everyone.
• Watch the afternoon forecast for thunderstorms. We wait out lightning.

Preparing for a winter move

Cold is manageable. Ice and darkness are what need planning.

• Start in the morning, so unloading happens in daylight.
• Keep the heat on at both homes.
• Shovel and salt the walk, the steps, and the spot where the truck will park.
• Lay towels inside both doors. We use floor runners and wipe the dollies.
• Keep plants and anything that can freeze, such as paint, cleaning liquids, and canned drinks, out of the truck.
• Let TVs and computers warm to room temperature before you plug them in.

If the weather turns

Rain and light snow do not stop a move. Lightning, ice, and untreated roads do. If the forecast looks unsafe, we contact you early and look at nearby dates together, and your hold carries over.

Which to choose

If your dates are flexible, the easiest moves are in the months between the two, in April, May, October, and early November. If you have to pick one, winter suits people who want a short-notice date and a lower-demand calendar. Summer suits families tied to the school year who can book well ahead.