Finding the Ideal Moving Date: Beyond Seasons—Tax, Holidays, School Calendars
When a good amount of Canadians think about moving, the conversation usually starts and ends with the seasons. Summer, especially late June through August, is well-known as the busiest moving period across the country (no surprises here). Warmer weather, longer days, and the convenience of not trudging through ice and snow make it an obvious choice.
But here’s the truth: picking the right moving date isn’t just about choosing a season (it is much more than that). If you’re only factoring in the weather, you might miss out on some key opportunities—or challenges—that can make your move smoother and potentially more affordable. Beyond summer heat and winter storms, your choice of moving day can be influenced by tax deadlines, Canadian holidays, and even school calendars.
Let’s break down how each of these factors plays into finding your ideal moving date.
1. Tax Season: A Hidden Factor in Moving Decisions
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the Canadian tax calendar can play a quiet role in moving. If you’re relocating for work, self-employed, or running a small business, the timing of your move could affect your deductions or even your cash flow.
Moving Expense Deductions: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows eligible taxpayers to claim moving expenses if they’ve moved at least 40 kilometres closer to a new work location or school. Timing your move close to the start of a new job or academic year ensures you’ll qualify for the deduction in the same tax year.
Cash Flow Considerations: If you’re moving around April, right when taxes are due, it can create added financial stress. Setting aside funds for both the move and tax payments may stretch your budget. Many Canadians find it easier to plan moves after their tax return arrives, using the refund to help cover moving costs.
Fiscal Year Moves: For business owners, aligning a move with the end of your fiscal year can simplify bookkeeping and avoid mid-year complications with business addresses, expenses, and payroll.
In short, thinking about tax season before circling a date on the calendar could help you save money and avoid a cash crunch. A smart move if you ask us.
2. Holidays: Convenience vs. Cost
Canadian statutory holidays often sneak up as unexpected moving hurdles. On the surface, a long weekend might feel like the perfect time to schedule a move—you’ve got an extra day off, friends and family are more available, and it seems convenient. But there’s a catch:
High Demand = Higher Prices: Long weekends like Canada Day, Victoria Day, and Labour Day are in especially high demand. If you book movers during these times, you may end up paying premium rates.
Traffic Headaches: Holiday weekends usually mean heavier road traffic, cottage country rushes, and full parking lots. Moving trucks stuck in traffic not only delay your schedule but may also increase your final bill if you’re being charged by the hour.
Limited Availability: Some moving companies reduce staff or close entirely on statutory holidays. This can limit your options and create stress if you’re hoping to secure a reputable mover.
That said, moving on a holiday isn’t always a terrible idea. If you’re handling a small local move on your own and can avoid peak traffic times, a holiday could actually give you breathing room without taking time off work. But if you’re hiring professionals like us, you’ll want to book far in advance—or consider a weekday move to save costs and reduce stress.
3. School Calendars: Timing for Families
For Canadian families, the school calendar is often the biggest factor in choosing a moving date. Uprooting kids mid-year can be extremely stressful, and most parents prefer to plan a move that minimizes disruption to school routines. We all know what a disaster things could be otherwise.
Summer Moves for School Transitions: This is one reason summer is so popular—children can finish the school year, enjoy a break, and start fresh in September at their new school. It gives kids time to adjust to a new home and neighbourhood before tackling new classmates and teachers.
Mid-Year Moves: Sometimes, life doesn’t wait for June. If you need to move during the school year, many families find that transitioning around winter break or spring break helps ease the change. These natural pauses in the academic year give children a chance to settle without missing as much class time.
Post-Secondary Moves: If you have older kids heading to college or university, late August is peak moving season. Residence move-in days, rental turnovers, and student relocations all collide, making this one of the busiest times of year in Canadian cities with large student populations. If you’re moving during this time, plan well in advance to avoid supply shortages and booked-up movers.
4. Beyond the Calendar: Other Smart Considerations
While tax deadlines, holidays, and school calendars all play a massive role, a few other timing factors are worth considering if you want to be thorough:
Mid-Month vs. Month-End: Most leases in Canada turn over at the end of the month, making those days incredibly busy for movers. If you have flexibility, a mid-month move is often less stressful and more affordable.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Like holidays, weekends are high-demand times. Moving on a weekday may mean taking a day off work, but you’ll often get better availability, lower rates, and less traffic.
Weather Considerations: Yes, seasons still matter—especially in Canada. Late spring and early fall often provide a balance of manageable weather, lower demand, and fewer scheduling conflicts.
Personal Milestones: Don’t forget your own calendar. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even major work projects can all clash with moving day. Choosing a date that keeps stress low and avoids piling too much on your plate is worth every bit of planning.
5. Tips for Choosing the Right Date
So how do you actually pin down the “ideal” moving day for you? Here are a few practical steps:
Check All Calendars: Line up your work, school, tax, and holiday calendars to identify potential conflicts.
Get Quotes Early: Prices and availability change quickly—especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Ask About Flexibility: Some moving companies in Canada offer lower rates for flexible dates. If you’re not tied to one specific day, you might save.
Factor in Prep Time: Don’t just think about the move itself—give yourself enough time before and after to pack, unpack, and settle in.
Prioritize Your Needs: A “perfect” date for one person isn’t perfect for another. Choose based on your family’s situation, work obligations, and financial comfort.
Our Final Thoughts
Moving in Canada is rarely a simple task, but choosing your date wisely can make the process far smoother. While most people focus on seasons, it pays to look beyond the weather. Tax deadlines, holiday schedules, and school calendars all play a role in determining when the timing is right for everyone involved.
By thinking strategically and weighing your options, you can save money, reduce stress, and make the transition into your new home a little easier. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, the right timing can be just as important as the right moving company. Call us today to see how we can help you pick the right date for your move.
