Why Commercial Moves Don’t Follow the Same Calendar as Household Moves (And Why That Matters)
Following up on May 1st—New York’s historic Moving Day
If you caught my recent LinkedIn post about how, for over a century, May 1st used to be Moving Day for all of New York City, you’re not alone—And it got us thinking: while household moves have their season, commercial relocations march to a very different beat.
Most people are familiar with the traditional moving rush for families: June, July, and August—when school’s out, homes are bought and sold, and moving trucks are in short supply. That “HHG season” (Household Goods) is when demand spikes, prices go up, and availability drops. It’s busy for anyone in the moving business—unless you’re like us.
At Main Street Commercial Moving, we’re 100% focused on commercial moves. That means no overlap with household demand, no juggling summer resources, and no scrambling for trucks or crews. Just steady, consistent service tailored to the needs of businesses year-round.
But let’s get to the core of this blog: when do commercial moves actually happen? There is a rhythm to it—it’s just not the one most people expect.
Seasonal Patterns in Commercial Moves
1. Budget & Fiscal Year Timing
Unlike a household move triggered by a new house or lease, many commercial relocations align with corporate budget cycles. That means the bulk of moves happen in Q2 and Q3 (April–September), after budgets are approved and projects get the green light.
2. Lease Expirations
Commercial leases often end in June or December, and that drives move-outs, relocations, and decommissions in those windows. These dates are especially important for asset management and lease surrender planning.
3. Summer Surge—But Not the Same One
Yes, commercial moves happen in summer—but they’re driven by universities, research labs, and school districts, not families. These entities often plan moves when campuses are quieter, making June through August key months for education-related relocations and reconfigurations.
4. Year-End & Holiday Flex
You might expect the holiday season to be dead quiet, but it’s actually a great time for IT shutdowns, phased decommissions, or quiet reconfigs while staff is out. Plus, if a company has budget left to spend before year-end, it often gets funneled into furniture, renovations, or relocation.
5. New Year, New Layout
January and September are prime months for restacks, new hire onboarding, and internal reconfigurations. It’s that fresh-start energy companies ride into a new quarter.
The Takeaway
Unlike the household side of the industry—where resources are maxed out in the summer—our clients don’t need to fight for availability or pay inflated rates. At Main Street, we’re not splitting our attention between homes and businesses. Our labor, equipment, and project managers are solely dedicated to commercial clients. We’re never bogged down, no matter the season.
So whether your next move is tied to a budget cycle, a lease expiration, or a major reorganization—we’re ready when it counts most, when you are!
