The Best Time to Move in Palo Alto (and When to Start Looking for a Home, Apartment, or Office Space)

Moving in Palo Alto depends on what’s most important to you—weather, cost, or availability. Whether relocating to a new apartment, buying a house, or securing office space, timing plays a big role in getting the best deal and avoiding stress.

Best Time to Move Based on Weather

If you want the most comfortable moving experience, aim for:

• Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – The weather is mild, and you avoid extreme heat or winter rain.
• Avoid Summer (June-August) – Palo Alto can get warm, and moving during the peak of summer is physically exhausting.
• Winter (December-February) can be rainy – While moving companies may have more availability, wet weather can make moving trickier.

Best Time to Move Based on Cost

If saving money is a priority, timing is everything:

• Move During Off-Peak Season (October-April) – Fewer people move during fall and winter, so you may get lower rates from movers and better rental deals.
• Avoid Peak Season (May-September) – Moving companies and rental prices tend to be higher since this is when families relocate before the school year.

Pro Tip: If you must move in peak season, book movers and rentals as early as possible to lock in a reasonable price.

Best Time to Move Based on Traffic & Convenience

• Move Mid-Week (Tuesday-Thursday) – Traffic is lighter, and moving companies may offer better rates.
• Move Mid-Month (Between the 10th and 20th) – The beginning and end of the month are the busiest times for lease turnovers and moving companies.

When to Look for a New Apartment, House, or Office Space in Palo Alto

If You’re Looking for an Apartment:

• Best Time to Start Looking: April to June – This is when most leases turn over, giving you more options. However, rent prices can be higher due to competition.
• Best Time for Lower Prices: November to January – Fewer people are searching for rentals, so landlords might be more willing to negotiate lower rent or offer move-in incentives.

Pro Tip: If you want to balance availability and affordability, September or October can be a great time to move.

If You’re Buying a House:

• Best Time to Buy for More Options: Spring & Summer (March-August) – More homes hit the market, but competition is high, and prices may be at their peak.
• Best Time for Lower Prices: Fall & Winter (September-February) – Sellers who list in the winter may be more motivated to negotiate, so you could find a better deal.

Pro Tip: Start researching neighborhoods and getting pre-approved for a mortgage 3-6 months before you plan to buy.

If You’re Looking for Office Space:

• Best Time to Find New Office Space: Late Fall to Winter (October-January) – Companies tend to move less during the holidays, so landlords may be more flexible on lease terms.
• Best Time for More Options: Spring & Early Summer (March-June) – More businesses relocate or expand, so you’ll have more choices, but competition might be tougher.

Pro Tip: If you need a long-term lease, search 6-12 months in advance to find the best location and negotiate terms.

Final Thoughts & Moving Tips

• Plan ahead – No matter your move, start planning at least 2-3 months in advance to secure the best deals.
• Book movers early – If you’re moving during peak times, book moving services at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
• Consider temporary storage – If you have a gap between moving out and moving in, look into storage solutions in Palo Alto.

Would you like recommendations for reliable movers, storage units, or real estate resources? Let me know how I can help!