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Whether you're buying your first home, relocating for a new job, or making space for a growing family, the timing of your move matters.
Beyond packing boxes and hiring movers, the season you choose can impact everything from home availability to how smoothly your transition goes.
For many Florida homebuyers, summer is the top choice—and for good reason. But is summer the best time of year to move? The answer often depends on your personal goals, family schedule, and financial readiness.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of moving in summer, explain why pre-approval is a smart move (especially in a competitive market), and help you decide the right timing.
Apply for pre-approval with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Is summer the best time of year to move?
For many homebuyers—especially families with school-age children—summer is the best time to move thanks to expanded housing inventory, flexible schedules, and a smoother transition before the school year begins.
Why pre-approval should be your first step in moving
Industry reports consistently show nearly 60% of moves occur between May and August, with July being the most popular month. Pre-approval can help buyers act quickly in Florida’s fast-moving summer real estate market.
- Show sellers you’re serious: Pre-approval signals sellers that your financing is secure, giving your offer an edge in competitive situations.
- Make house hunting easy: Know your budget and focus on homes that fit your financial plan.
- Move quickly: Summer homes often sell fast, sometimes within days. Pre-approval helps you act fast when you find “the one.”
Why summer moves are so popular
Summer is more than just sunshine and beach days. It's a strategic window for relocation, particularly in Florida’s dynamic market. Here’s how moving during peak season could work in your favor.
Aligning with school calendars
Summer offers a seamless transition for families making Florida moves.
Relocating during school breaks allows children to:
- Settle into a new home
- Explore their neighborhood
- Start the academic year fresh
- Avoid disrupting current classes
In Florida, where school zoning often drives housing decisions, this timing ensures families secure homes in preferred districts well before fall enrollment deadlines.
Weather and daylight advantages
Longer daylight hours provide flexibility for packing, traveling, and unpacking, which can be very helpful in balancing work schedules and moving tasks.
While northern states avoid icy winters by moving in summer, Floridians benefit from predictable dry spells before the rainy season peaks.
The heat is intense, but strategic planning (early mornings, hydration breaks) mitigates discomfort far more easily than navigating snowstorms or freezing temperatures elsewhere.
Career opportunities and relocation flexibility
Summer aligns with hiring cycles and corporate fiscal calendars, making it a popular window for job transfers, promotions, or new roles.
Employers often support mid-year relocations, offering flexibility to settle into a new home before year-end deadlines.
In Florida’s growing economy, this timing dovetails with industries like tourism, real estate, and tech that ramp up operations ahead of peak seasonal demand.
Expanded housing inventory
Summer marks peak real estate activity nationwide, but Florida’s market sees a unique surge.
As seasonal residents (“snowbirds”) return north, homes listed in spring often hit the market by early summer, giving permanent buyers fresh options that can translate into more choices and fewer compromises.
Streamlined logistics
With longer daylight hours and predictable weather, summer simplifies the practical side of moving.
Key advantages include:
- Greater availability of movers and trucks (book at least 8–12 weeks in advance for peak dates)
- Flexible help from friends/family, thanks to vacation schedules
- Time for kids to adjust before school starts—a critical perk for families prioritizing smooth transitions
Seasonal opportunities in Florida
Summer offers hidden advantages for Florida buyers
- Less competition from seasonal buyers, who typically purchase in fall/winter
- Potential pricing flexibility as sellers with vacant properties may negotiate to avoid carrying costs through hurricane season
- Quieter neighborhoods as part-time residents depart, letting you gauge a community’s year-round vibe
Things to consider before a summer move
While summer offers undeniable perks, peak season demands careful planning, especially in Florida’s competitive market.
Moving costs
High demand drives up costs across the board:
- Moving services often charge 10–25% more between May and August.
- Truck rentals, storage units, and temporary housing book quickly, with prices peaking in popular coastal markets like Miami or Tampa.
- Buyers in high-demand neighborhoods may face bidding wars, pushing sale prices above asking prices.
Florida’s summer heat
Relocating in 90°F humidity can be uncomfortable, but it would be wise to make adjustments for those who are heavily affected by the heat.
- Schedule heavy lifting for early mornings or evenings (avoid 11 a.m.–3 p.m. heat peaks)
- Prioritize hydration breaks and shaded rest areas
- Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sunscreen
Remember: Heat exhaustion is no joke, particularly for children or older adults.
Competitive pressures
Summer’s popularity means faster decisions and tighter timelines:
- Desirable homes sell 30% faster than in fall or winter, leaving little room for hesitation.
- Renters face non-negotiable lease terms as landlords capitalize on high demand.
- Movers, contractors, and utility providers often require bookings 6+ weeks in advance—delay, and you risk missing your ideal date.
How to decide if summer is the best time of year to move
Choosing the best time to move in Florida depends on more than just the season—it’s about aligning your personal, financial, and logistical circumstances with the housing market.
1. Assess your job schedule, family needs, and school calendars
For families with children, moving during summer break often reduces disruption and allows time to settle in before a new academic year. However, an off-season move could offer lower costs and less competition if you're not tied to school schedules.
2. Budget is another major factor
Summer typically comes with higher moving costs due to increased demand for movers, rentals, and temporary housing. Do you have enough low-cost or free support to make a move happen?
3. Weather also plays a role
While Florida summers offer predictable sunshine, heat, and humidity can complicate the physical aspects of moving. Are you flexible in your schedule to factor in weather?
4. Housing market conditions
Summer often brings more inventory but also stiffer competition. Timing your move alongside a home purchase or sale may require flexibility based on when your ideal property becomes available.
Ultimately, the best time to move is when your financial readiness, personal schedule, and housing goals are aligned. Careful planning ensures a smoother transition, regardless of the season.
Choosing your ideal moving season in Florida
There’s no universal “best” time to move; only the time is best for you.
At MIDFLORIDA, we help you move on your terms with mortgage solutions tailored to Florida’s market and local guidance to navigate seasonal challenges.
Get pre-approved with MIDFLORIDA to lock in rates and make your ideal timeline a reality.
