What to Expect When Relocating During Peak Season

It’s the height of summer, and your company is in the middle of an ambitious expansion. You’ve just secured top talent from across the country, and the clock is ticking to get them settled and productive in their new roles. But there’s one major hurdle: it’s peak moving season. The roads are packed, moving companies are booked solid, and prices are soaring. This scenario is all too common for companies facing employee relocations during peak season.

Relocating employees is always a complex task, but during peak season, the stakes are even higher. The challenges range from skyrocketing costs to potential delays that could disrupt business operations. Strategic preparation is crucial to effectively navigate these challenges. 

More than just a logistical concern, how you manage these relocations can significantly impact your broader talent strategy — affecting your ability to attract, retain, and keep your top talent engaged. In this blog, we’ll explore what to expect during peak-season relocations and how to ensure smooth transitions with the right planning and support.

Understanding the Challenges of Peak-Season Relocation

You may realize all the challenges that come with a standard relocation. But during peak season, those challenges are amplified and new ones arise. These hurdles require careful consideration to secure a smooth transition for your employees and your organization.

Increased Costs and Limited Availability

The first challenge of peak-season relocation is the unavoidable increase in costs. From May through September, the demand for moving services spikes as families and businesses alike take advantage of the warm weather and school vacations. This surge in demand leads to higher prices for everything from moving services to temporary housing.

In addition to the financial strain, the simple availability of resources becomes a significant obstacle. Moving companies may be booked months in advance, and the competition for quality service providers is fierce. This scarcity of resources can lead to last-minute compromises that do not align with your company’s standards or the needs of your employees.

Potential Delays and Disruptions

Delays are another common issue during peak-season relocations. The increased volume of moves and overbooked service providers means that even the best-laid plans can be derailed. For your employees, these delays can translate to extended stays in temporary housing, increased stress, and a prolonged transition period before they can fully settle into their new roles.

The ripple effect of these delays can be felt across your organization. Extended transition periods can lead to decreased productivity, as employees may struggle to focus on their new responsibilities while managing the stresses of relocation. For the company, these delays can also impact project timelines and business goals, making it even more critical to minimize disruptions during this period.

The Impact on Talent Strategy

Beyond the immediate logistical challenges, peak-season relocations can have broader implications for your company’s talent strategy. In today’s competitive job market, your ability to relocate employees smoothly can be a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Delays, increased costs, and a lack of support during the relocation process can damage your company’s reputation and deter future candidates.

Moreover, how you manage relocations can affect employee retention. Employees who experience a difficult or stressful relocation are less likely to feel valued and supported by the company. This can lead to lower job satisfaction and, ultimately, higher turnover rates. By contrast, a well-managed relocation process can increase employee loyalty and strengthen your company’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Strategic Preparation for Smooth Relocations

Successfully navigating peak-season relocations requires more than just reacting to challenges as they arise. With thoughtful preparation and the right strategies in place, companies can overcome potential issues and ensure a seamless experience for their employees.

The Importance of Early Planning

The key to navigating the challenges of peak-season relocation lies in early and strategic planning. Companies that begin planning their relocations well in advance have a significant advantage in securing the best resources at the most competitive rates. Early planning allows for better coordination with moving providers, more flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to lock in lower costs before peak-season surcharges take effect.

It’s also essential to involve all relevant stakeholders in the planning process — from HR to department heads — to ensure that the relocation aligns with broader business goals. By taking a proactive approach, you can anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans to address them.

Best Practices for Peak-Season Success

To better guarantee smooth relocations during peak season, consider implementing the following best practices:

• Book Services Early: Give providers as much lead time as possible to not only guarantee availability but help lock in prices before they increase. Organize the home survey, connect with a Realtor, start sourcing temporary housing options, and other essential services as early as possible. 
• Keep Clear Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your relocating employees throughout the process. Provide them with detailed information on timelines, expectations, and what they can do to prepare.
• Provide Flexible Scheduling: Where possible, offer flexible start dates in the new location to avoid the busiest times. 
• Make Contingency Plans: Prepare for the unexpected. Have backup plans in place for potential delays or issues that may arise during the relocation process.

CRI’s Expertise in Managing Peak-Season Relocations

At Corporate Relocation International (CRI), we understand the complexities of peak-season relocations and have developed proven strategies to manage them effectively. Our experience in handling thousands of relocations during peak periods has given us deep insights into the best practices that ensure a smooth transition for both companies and employees.

Our approach is centered on early planning, clear communication, and flexibility. We work closely with our clients to tailor relocation services that meet their unique needs, coordinating with HR departments to align relocations with business goals, and providing on-the-ground support for employees in transit.

We understand that relocation goes beyond logistics; it's a vital part of your talent strategy. That’s why we tailor our services to align with your broader business objectives. By ensuring that relocations are smooth and stress-free, we help you attract top talent, improve employee retention, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Partnering with CRI for Peak-Season Success

Relocating employees during peak season presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right partner, these obstacles can be overcome. At CRI, we have the experience, expertise, and dedication to ensure that your relocations are handled with care and efficiency, even during the busiest times of the year.

By partnering with CRI, you can navigate the complexities of peak-season relocations with confidence, knowing that your employees will arrive at their new destinations ready to contribute to your company’s success. Don’t let peak season slow you down — let CRI help you keep your talent strategy on track and your business moving forward.