Moving in August can feel like you’re right in the middle of peak moving season. Late summer is of course still busy for long distance movers and their customers, but by August, the biggest rush has usually passed. When you’re planning a long distance move in August, this timing can actually work in your favor.
While spring is a popular time for moves, and our data shows that June is our busiest month, we also see that August can be a smart time to move. Keep reading to see why moving in August is a little different from the rest of peak season, and our top tips to prepare.
| Time Period | The National Van Lines Data Says… | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| April through June (building to peak season) | About 30% of the year’s moves. | Busy run-up to peak season. Book as early as possible in this 3-month window. |
| June (peak season) | Our single busiest month, with moves running about 22% higher in cost on average. | Highest demand and tightest scheduling of the year. |
| July through September (slowing down) | About 28% of the year’s moves. | Volume is easing. August is still busy, yet noticeably calmer than June. |
Where August Fits Into Moving Season
At National Van Lines, we have nearly a century of experience with long distance interstate moves. This means we’ve seen some consistent patterns and trends, year after year, that tend to affect move timing, availability and planning.
The busiest time of year in the moving industry is known as peak season. Understanding how peak moving season works can help customers see why June is the busiest month by far, followed by May and July. By August, you’ll see that the moving rush starts to slow down.
According to our 2025 migration data, National Van Lines booked 30% of our moves in April, May and June. Then July, August and September follow closely behind at nearly 28%, meaning that early peak season is slightly more busy. So if you’re moving in August, you’re likely to get more pick-up date options, while still moving during the drier weather of the summer months.
To help make the most of your long distance August move, keep reading to learn our top tips.
1. Pack Smart for Different Summer Conditions
August weather isn’t the same everywhere, so where you’re moving from, or moving to, should change how you pack. Certain regions bring specific packing challenges that are easy to miss if you think about heat only in general terms.
In the Southeast, August means real humidity on top of the heat. According to NOAA’s U.S. Climate Normals, the Southeast is one of the more consistently humid regions of the country. Unfortunately, high humidity can cause wood to swell, glue to soften, and boxes to lose their strength. Most of us have noticed that this combination of heat and moisture can be tough on wooden furniture, musical instruments, and anything with paper or cardboard packaging.
The Southwest tells a different story. This region actually receives most of the year’s rain in July and August thanks to the North American Monsoon, a seasonal shift that brings afternoon thunderstorms to Arizona, New Mexico and nearby areas. That means an August move through the Southwest won’t necessarily be the dry, dusty experience that you might expect. Sudden storms can mean short bursts of heavy rain and quick temperature swings, so packing a few items where they stay protected from a fast-moving storm is worth the extra step.
During August moves, ambient outdoor heat can push the temperature inside a closed moving truck up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the outside air. Always transport heat-sensitive items such as candles, electronics, prescription medications, vinyl records and fine art inside your personal climate-controlled vehicle, rather than the moving truck.
Because August moves still come with summer weather concerns, getting ready for a summer move ahead of time can help you plan for the heat and make packing and timing decisions well before moving day.
Whether you’re moving from California to Florida or New Jersey to Arizona, knowing the types of regions and weather you’ll be dealing with will help you be much more prepared to pack for any conditions Mother Nature throws your way.
2. Build Your Moving Timeline Around the School Calendar
School start dates can vary considerably by state, yet this is one of the most overlooked details in an August move. Some districts start as early as the first week of August, and others wait until after Labor Day. Since switching schools is already a big life event for the kids, you’ll want to plan your move in a way that lets them adjust and gives you some breathing room.
As you plan your move and consider choosing a long distance moving company, look up the school calendar for your destination city. The National Center for Education Statistics School District Search is a reliable way to find the official contact information and website for any public school district in the country, which is the fastest path to an accurate, up-to-date calendar. When you use National Van Lines, you can provide information like this to your MovePro to help you figure out the best plan of action for timing a move around back-to-school demands.
3. Choose a Long Distance Moving Company With Peak Season Experience
Every year, the rate of moving increases steadily from springtime into a clear early-summer peak. As you’ve seen above, National Van Lines is busiest in June, with the following months decreasing in intensity. We have been moving families long distance for nearly a century. We’ve learned from annual patterns like these, and use our expertise to benefit our moving customers in peak season summertime or whenever they choose to move.
“August is a transition month for us just as much as it is for our customers. Our crews are coming off the busiest stretch of the year, and families moving in August still need the same careful coordination as anyone moving in June. We treat it that way, every time.”
Mark Doyle, President, National Van Lines
Plan Your August Move With National Van Lines
Moving used to mean picking a date and hoping for the best, but now you know exactly where August sits in the season. It’s past the moving rush, and the weather is still warm – there are many good reasons to feel confident about planning your long distance move in August. Working with a mover that understands every part of the moving calendar can help turn good timing into a successful move.
Ready to lock in your August move? Get a free long distance moving quote from National Van Lines or call 800-323-1962 to start planning with an experienced team.