Fall is a beautiful time on Long Island, with crisp air, colorful foliage, and comfortable temperatures. It’s also an excellent time to move, as you’ll avoid the summer rush and winter weather challenges alike.
At Hillside Van Lines, we’ve helped countless families and individuals make simple, stress-free fall moves. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan and execute a successful fall move around Long Island and beyond.
Why Move in the Fall?
Before we dive into the planning process, let’s discuss why fall is an ideal time for moving on Long Island:
- Pleasant weather: Mild temperatures make the physical aspects of moving more comfortable, and let you have a more leisurely pace as a result.
- Lower demand: With summer over and school starting, moving services are often more available and potentially less expensive. Many offer discounts for those moving off-season.
- Holiday preparation: Settling in before the holiday season allows you to enjoy and get your new home ready for the holiday season.
Planning Your Fall Move: A Step-by-Step Guide
Start Early (2-3 Months Before)
- Research and book a reputable moving company (like Hillside Van Lines!)
- Begin decluttering and organizing your belongings
- Create a moving timeline and checklist
Monitor Long Island Weather (1 Month Before)
- Keep an eye on long-term weather forecasts for your moving day
- Have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather changes
- Stay in full communication with your movers
- Remember that Long Island can experience remnants of tropical storms in early fall
Prepare for Shorter Days (3 Weeks Before)
- As daylight hours decrease, plan your move to start early in the day to take advantage of sunlight
- Have all utilities and lighting on and ready in your new home
- Consider getting portable lights for loading and unloading in low-light conditions
Protect Against Moisture (2 Weeks Before)
- Use waterproof packing materials and plastic bins
- Have tarps or plastic sheets ready to protect your floors and home areas as movers load and unload furniture
- Prepare old towels or mats to wipe feet and prevent slipping on wet surfaces
Pack Strategically (1-2 Weeks Before)
- Pack summer or past-seasonal items first
- Keep fall and winter clothing, blankets, and gear readily available
- Leave essential items (kitchen utensils, toiletries) for last
- Have a day-of bag separately packed with essentials for easy access on moving day
Prepare Both Homes (1 Week Before)
- Ensure utilities are connected at your new home before moving day
- Check heating systems in both homes to ensure comfort during the move
- Clear walkways of fallen leaves to prevent slipping hazards
Plan for Kids and Pets (Moving Week)
- If school has started, make sure your child is enrolled at their new school
- Arrange for childcare or pet-sitting on moving day if needed
- Pack a special box with comfort items for children and pets
Final Preparations (Day Before)
- Check the weather forecast one last time and prepare accordingly
- Charge all electronic devices and portable chargers
- Prepare a day of box with essentials, including warm clothing and bedding
Moving Day Tips for a Smooth Fall Move
- Start Early: Take advantage of daylight hours by starting as early as possible.
- Dress in Layers: Long Island fall weather can be unpredictable, so wear comfortable, layered clothing.
- Protect Floors: Use floor coverings to prevent tracking in mud or wet leaves.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler weather, it’s important to drink plenty of water during the move, even if your movers are handling the heavy lifting.
- Be Mindful of School Zones: If moving on a weekday, be aware of school traffic and bus schedules in your neighborhood.
- Check for Pests: Fall is when many creatures seek indoor shelter. Inspect boxes and furniture for any unwanted hitchhikers.
How to Get Settled into Your New Home
- Winterize Your New Home: Check insulation, weather stripping, and heating systems to prepare for the upcoming winter.
- Explore Your Neighborhood: Take advantage of the pleasant fall weather to walk around and get to know your new area before the cold sets in.
- Meet the Neighbors: Fall community events are great opportunities to introduce yourself and make connections.
- Enjoy Long Island’s Fall Activities: Visit local pumpkin patches, apple orchards, or fall festivals to embrace the season in your new home.
- Update Your Address: Ensure all necessary parties have your new address before holiday cards and packages start arriving. Additionally, make sure mail forwarding is set up from your old address to make sure nothing is missed.
How Hillside Van Lines Can Help with Your Fall Move
At Hillside Van Lines, we specialize in making your Long Island move smooth and stress-free, no matter the season. Here’s how we can assist with your fall relocation:
- Flexible Scheduling: We’ll work with you to find the best moving date that fits your needs and the fall weather conditions.
- Weather-Ready Equipment: Our trucks and moving equipment are prepared to handle various fall weather scenarios.
- Experienced Crew: Our team is trained to navigate the unique challenges of fall moving, from shorter daylight hours to potentially slippery conditions.
- Packing Services: Let us handle the packing with weather-resistant materials to keep your belongings safe and dry.
- Storage Solutions: If you need to store some items during your transition, we offer secure, climate-controlled storage facilities.
- Local Expertise: Our knowledge of Long Island’s diverse communities ensures we can provide tailored advice for your specific move.
Planning a fall move on Long Island doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper preparation and the right movers on Long Island, you can enjoy a smooth transition and quickly settle into your new home.
At Hillside Van Lines, we’re committed to making your autumn move a success. Give us a call at 631-499-8400 to learn more about our services or request your free quote now to get your Long Island move started.