When Is the Best Time to Move?
The best time to move is mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday), mid-month, from September to April. Moving during these times can save 20-30% compared to summer weekends. May through August are the busiest and most expensive months.
Key Takeaways
- Summer is peak moving season due to school schedules.
- Winter moves in cold climates have weather risks but maximum savings.
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day) are extremely busy despite mid-week positioning.
Explanation
Summer is peak moving season due to school schedules. Prices are highest and availability lowest from May through August, especially on weekends and month-end dates. Booking 4-8 weeks ahead is essential.
Moving mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) typically costs 10-20% less than weekends. Many moving companies have more availability and offer discounts to fill their schedules.
Month-end and month-start dates are busiest due to lease timing. Moving mid-month (10th-20th) provides better availability and potentially lower rates from movers seeking work.
September and October are often the sweet spot for moving. Temperatures are mild enough to avoid heat exhaustion or icy sidewalks, and demand drops sharply after Labor Day. A local move that costs $1,800 on a June Saturday might run $1,200-$1,400 on an October Wednesday, with the same crew and truck size.
The time of day matters as well. Morning start times between 8 and 9 AM are preferred because movers are fresh, traffic is lighter after rush hour clears, and you gain a full day to unpack. Afternoon starts risk running into overtime charges if the job extends past 5 PM, and late-day fatigue can slow the crew by 15-20%.
Weather should factor into timing decisions. Moving in rain increases damage risk to furniture and boxes, and wet conditions slow the crew by 25-40%. Snow and ice create safety hazards and may require additional protective measures. The optimal temperature window for moving is 50-75°F, which avoids both heat exhaustion risks (crews working in 90°F+ heat move 15-25% slower and take more breaks) and cold-weather complications like frozen locks and brittle plastic bins.
Things to Know
- Winter moves in cold climates have weather risks but maximum savings.
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day) are extremely busy despite mid-week positioning.
- School considerations may override cost savings for families with children.
- If you rent, check whether your lease end date falls on the 1st or 15th. Negotiating a mid-month lease end (even a few days early) can save hundreds by avoiding the first-of-the-month moving rush.