Best time to move to MA (Boston: apartments, renters, movers)

[pixielisa]

Hey, I'm currently living in AZ (not recommended) and planning to move back to Boston, we have plans to live in either the north/south/ fenway areas, we have been told that the best time to move is either in the Winter, or June 1st, can anyone help us decide?

[heather3]

I would think the winter would be the worst time as once they get snow, it seems to stick around for awhile. I'm wondering why the date June 1 is a good date to move? I'm interested in others answers, too, as we may potentially move up there next Spring/Summer.

[shiver]

September 1 is the single biggest move day of the year in the Boston area (it can be near impossible to get movers that day unless you book way in advance). Many, many year long leases begin on this day (because of students). June 1 is pretty big too. Many medical residents/fellows come to Boston and those programs tend to start in late June. But there are a good number of moves happening in Jul and Aug as well. The summer is definitely the time of year when the greatest number of apartments come available.

The advantage of moving in non-summer months is that rents are likely to be lower and more negotiable because the demand just isn't as great. The downside is that supply isn't as good either. There will be fewer apartments available.

[heather3]

Thanks, Shiver. That's really interesting and makes alot of sense. I'll try to time our potential move accordingly

[brightdoglover]

Also, remember that you have to reserve movers/U-Hauls, etc., if you're actually moving on June 1 or Aug.31/Sept.1. In the areas OP mentions, the moving vans and all can be three abreast and blocking everything.
There are a fair number of lease turnovers on Jan.1, which is probably why someone mentioned winter as a good time to move. In town, a lot of rentals/leases are geared to school years, whether or not the renters are college students or not, and it tend to perpetuate accordingly.