When most people think about moving, they picture summer weekends with moving trucks lined up in neighborhoods. But savvy movers know a secret: January might actually be the best time of year to relocate in Orlando.
While conventional wisdom suggests avoiding winter moves, January offers unique advantages that can save you money, reduce stress, and set you up for success in your new home.
Why January is Moving’s Hidden Gem
The Cost Savings Are Real
Lowest Rates of the Year:
Moving companies operate on supply and demand, and January sees some of the lowest demand of any month.
Industry Rate Differences:
- Summer peak season (May-August): 20-30% higher than off-season
- Fall (September-October): Moderate pricing
- Winter (December-February): Lowest rates, 15-25% below peak
- Spring (March-April): Moderate pricing
Translation: The same move that costs $1,500 in July might cost $1,100-1,200 in January. For long-distance moves, savings can reach $500-1,000 or more.
More Negotiating Power:
With fewer moves on the schedule, moving companies are more willing to negotiate on price, throw in extra services, or accommodate special requests.
Availability and Flexibility
Your Choice of Dates:
During summer, you might wait 3-4 weeks for your preferred moving date. In January, you typically have your choice of dates and can often book with just 1-2 weeks’ notice.
Preferred Time Slots:
Want to move on a Saturday morning? In January, it’s usually available. This flexibility extends to specific dates, time of day, ability to reschedule, and extended loading/unloading time.
Last-Minute Moves:
If you need to move quickly due to job changes or lease issues, January makes last-minute relocations much more feasible.
Better Service Quality
Less Rushed Crews:
During peak season, moving crews often handle 2-3 moves per day. In January, they typically handle one move per day with adequate time for careful, attentive service.
Experienced Crews:
Moving companies keep their best, most experienced crews working year-round. In January, you’re likely to get veteran movers rather than seasonal summer helpers.
More Attention to Detail:
Without the pressure of multiple moves, crews can take extra care with your belongings and ensure everything arrives in perfect condition.
Orlando’s Perfect January Weather
One of the biggest misconceptions is that winter moving means dealing with harsh weather. In Orlando, January offers some of the best moving conditions of the year.
Ideal Temperature Range
January Weather in Orlando:
- Average high: 71°F
- Average low: 49°F
- Humidity: Much lower than summer
- Rainfall: Minimal compared to summer
Why This is Perfect for Moving:
Comfortable Physical Work: Moving boxes and furniture in 72-degree weather is infinitely more pleasant than 95-degree summer heat with 80% humidity.
No Heat Exhaustion: Summer moving in Orlando can be dangerous. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks. January eliminates these concerns.
No Afternoon Thunderstorms: Orlando’s summer pattern includes daily afternoon storms. January sees far less rain, meaning fewer delays.
Belongings Stay Safe: Electronics, wooden furniture, and other heat-sensitive items aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures during transport.
Post-Holiday Financial Benefits
January is strategically positioned to take advantage of year-end and post-holiday economics.
Post-Holiday Sales
Furniture and Home Goods:
Retailers offer massive discounts in January:
- Furniture: 30-50% off
- Home décor: 40-60% off
- Appliances: 20-40% off
- Bedding and linens: 30-50% off
Strategic Moving Advantage:
Instead of moving heavy furniture that doesn’t fit your new space, sell it before moving and buy new pieces on sale after. You’ll often come out ahead financially while getting exactly what you need.
Tax Considerations
Tax Year Timing:
Moving in January puts you at the start of a new tax year, which simplifies record-keeping for any qualifying deductions and establishes clear residency timing.
Fresh Budget Start
January Financial Clarity:
Most people start the year with fresh budgets and financial goals. Moving in January allows you to:
- Incorporate moving costs into your annual budget
- Plan for new housing expenses from the start
- Take advantage of holiday bonus or tax refund timing
- Start utility costs aligned with the calendar year
Lease and Real Estate Timing
Rental Market Advantages
Less Competition:
Most leases end during summer months, creating intense competition. January sees much less turnover, meaning:
- More negotiating power with landlords
- Better selection without immediate pressure
- Time to carefully evaluate options
- Potential for move-in specials
Year-End Lease Benefits:
Many landlords prefer December 31st or January 1st lease start dates for clean accounting, offering discounted rent, waived fees, or flexibility on lease terms.
Real Estate Market Dynamics
Motivated Sellers:
Homes remaining on the market through the holidays often have motivated sellers willing to negotiate on purchase price, closing costs, repairs, and timeline flexibility.
Less Competition from Buyers:
Fewer people house-hunt in winter, meaning less competition and better deals. You’re not bidding against multiple offers.
Faster Closings:
Real estate professionals and lenders are less busy in January, often resulting in faster closing times.
Strategic Advantages of January Moving
Employment Timing
New Job Starts:
Many new jobs begin in January, making it perfect for employment-related relocations. Fresh start at new company, aligns with corporate fiscal years, benefits reset, and performance cycles begin.
School Considerations
Minimal Disruption:
January moves coincide with school semester breaks or new semester starts:
- Natural breaking point in school year
- New semester, new school feels more natural
- Time to adjust before state testing
- Opportunity to start fresh academically
Fresh Start Psychology
Mental and Emotional Benefits:
Clean Slate Effect: Starting the year in a new home reinforces the feeling of a fresh start, making it easier to establish new habits and routines.
Momentum Building: The energy of New Year’s resolutions carries into your move, creating positive momentum for change.
Closure: Moving at year-end provides psychological closure on the previous year and clear delineation of new beginnings.
Cost Comparison: January vs. Peak Season
Real Numbers
3-Bedroom House, Local Orlando Move:
July (Peak Season): $2,350-$2,800 January (Off-Season): $1,800-$2,200 Savings: $550-$600 (20-25% less)
Long-Distance Move (1,000 miles, 3-bedroom home):
July: $5,500-$7,000 January: $4,200-$5,500 Savings: $1,300-$1,500
These savings can be redirected toward furnishing your new home or building your emergency fund.
Your January Moving Checklist
December (4 weeks before):
- Research and book moving company
- Begin decluttering
- Start gathering packing supplies
- Finalize housing arrangements
Late December (2 weeks before):
- Pack non-essentials
- Confirm moving date
- Change address
- Notify utilities
Early January (1 week before):
- Complete packing
- Confirm details with movers
- Do final walkthrough
- Prepare essentials box
Moving Day:
- Start early
- Have coffee and snacks ready
- Supervise loading
- Begin new chapter
Make Your New Year’s Resolution a New Home
There’s something powerful about starting the year with a fresh address. It signals change, growth, and new possibilities. Combined with practical advantages like lower costs, better weather, and quality service, January becomes the ideal time to make your move.
Let Orlando Express Movers Start Your Year Right
At Orlando Express Movers, we love January moves. Our crews are experienced, our schedules are flexible, and we have time to give your move the attention it deserves.
Our January Moving Advantages:
Flexible Scheduling: Your choice of dates and times, with ability to accommodate changes.
Competitive Pricing: Take advantage of off-season rates while receiving premium service.
Experienced Crews: Our year-round professional movers, not seasonal helpers.
Quality Service: Time to carefully handle your belongings without the rush of peak season.
We’ve helped countless Orlando residents start their new year in a new home, and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Ready to Plan Your Fresh Start?
Don’t wait until spring or summer when prices spike and availability disappears. Plan your January move now and start the new year in your new home.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today for a free quote on your January move. Let’s discuss your timeline and create a moving plan that takes advantage of everything January has to offer.
Call us to book your January move and make your new home part of your New Year’s resolution.