Your decision will depend on a few defining factors, such as when most renters are moving, and in turn, searching for a new apartment, and when the market is most cost-effective. If you can learn some information about the rental market and its seasonal changes, you can get the apartment of your dreams at the right place and at the right time.

Many people (about 60%) choose to look for a new apartment during the summer which typically spans from May through September. During the warmer months, many people decide to move, thus making it a popular time to rent an apartment for various reasons. For example, most college graduates are looking for their first apartment near their new job.

The rental market follows this trend, so it is expected that the cost of rent will increase during the summer months. Without considering the budget, moving during the summer seems like a good choice. Summertime is a transition period for many people, not to mention it’s easier to move your belongings when it’s warm outside, at a time when you feel more comfortable, unlike moving during the winter months when it is cold and snowy.

When you speak of the best months to save the most money on rent, then choosing the months from October through April can find you the best deals. It’s been proven that winter is your best bet for getting more bang for your buck in the rental world. Although it may be a chilly moving day, if you’re thinking of saving money on your lease, and if you choose to renew a year later, then moving during the cold months is your best bet.

During the cold months, there may not be as many units available because most people moved during the summer. However, the property manager is more likely to give you a move-in-special, discount, or a good deal on rent so that their remaining units will be occupied.

During the summer months when the demand for an apartment is greater, it may result in a higher rental rate, The amount of renters looking for an apartment moves up gradually through the spring, peaking in summer, so it’s also a good idea to sign a lease for a lower agreed upon rent cost while you can in the winter.

Ideally, the right time to begin to look for an apartment is 30 to 60 days before you plan to move. If you plan to move in February, then the best time to begin your apartment search is in December or January. Always give yourself enough time to find an apartment, while searching at the most strategic time and location. The off-peak months when you plan to move, can provide you with the cheapest rate, so it’s the perfect time to rent an apartment.

As most rental leases usually expire at the end or beginning of the month, you’ll likely have the most options to lease right after the previous tenant has moved out and the apartment has been cleaned and prepped for the next tenant. Getting to move right after the previous tenant has left is a plus, as it’s not easy to find vacancies after the end or beginning of the month. However, you may find apartment communities that have units available throughout the entire month, offering prorated rent if you move in any time other than the first or last of the month, which is a typical time to move in.

So you’ve learned that renting an apartment during the winter months allows you to secure the lowest rental rate, however be sure to consider the drawbacks of renting during this times as well. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, you’re likely going to be busy during these times cooking, hosting family get-togethers, or visiting your loved ones for the holidays. If you know you’ll be too busy to move during the holiday season, think about pushing your move until the end of January or early February when things have died down a bit.

For apartment seekers who are budget-focused, the summer months are probably not your best bet for renting an apartment, because the cost of moving in the summer typically tends to be higher.