What Is the Best Time of Year to Move to Save Money?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 7 min read
Quick Answer
Moving between late September and April typically offers the lowest rates due to reduced demand.
Mid-month and mid-week moves are almost always cheaper than moves scheduled for weekends or month-end.
Avoid the peak summer season from May through August if you want to keep your moving budget intact.
Most people move when the weather is nice, which turns out to be the absolute worst strategy for your bank account. The peak moving season runs from May through August, driven largely by school schedules and perfect moving weather. If you book your move during these months, you are competing with everyone else for limited truck capacity and labor.
Choosing the best time of year to move to save money often means embracing slightly cooler temperatures or a bit of rain. By shifting your move to the off-season, you can often secure better service and more flexible scheduling from carriers. This simple shift in timing is one of the most effective ways to lower your total relocation costs.
When are moving rates actually at their lowest?
The logic behind moving costs is supply and demand in its purest form. When moving companies are overbooked in June and July, their prices skyrocket because they do not need to hunt for business. During the winter months, specifically November through February, those same companies are often looking to keep their crews working.
You will find the most competitive pricing during the shoulder months of late September through October and again in March through April. These periods avoid the extreme cold of mid-winter while still falling outside the primary summer rush. Avoiding the start and end of the month also provides a major advantage, as many leases expire on the first and thirtieth.
Why month-end dates are expensive
Most residential leases follow the standard calendar month, leading to a massive spike in demand every thirty days. If you move on the twenty-eighth or the second of the month, you are often paying a premium for the convenience of aligning with your lease cycle. Shifting your move date by just a few days can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars.
The impact of mid-week scheduling
Moving companies often have more availability during Tuesday and Wednesday than on any other days. Weekend slots fill up months in advance because they allow people to move without taking extra time off work. If you have the flexibility to schedule your move mid-week, you can often negotiate a lower rate because you are helping the company fill an otherwise empty slot.
How does timing change your final moving quote?
The difference between a peak season move and an off-season move is rarely pocket change. While every move is unique, the total price gap is often significant when you look at the full cost of labor and truck rental. You can use our try our moving cost calculator to see how these seasonal swings might impact your specific route and load size.
Time of Year
Demand Level
Relative Cost
Availability
May to August
Very High
Peak Rates
Limited
September to October
Moderate
Mid-Range
Good
November to February
Low
Lowest Rates
Excellent
March to April
Moderate
Mid-Range
Good
Negotiating with your moving company
When you are shopping for quotes, be upfront about your flexibility regarding dates. Companies are more likely to offer a discount if you tell them you can move any day during a specific two-week window. This flexibility allows them to slot you in when they have a truck already heading in your direction.
What to watch out for during the off-season
While prices are lower, winter moves do come with their own set of logistical challenges. Snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours can complicate the loading process for your crew. Always check the weather forecast for both your origin and destination and ensure your driveway or street access remains clear of obstacles.
What will movers not tell you about your estimate?
Moving companies are businesses, and their sales representatives are often incentivized to book full-price slots during the summer months. They might not volunteer that they have a discount available for a Tuesday move in November unless you ask the right questions. Being a well-informed consumer is your best tool for getting a fair price.
Before you sign any agreement, confirm you have received the FMCSA booklets titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. These documents explain your legal protections, including your right to observe the weighing of your shipment and request a reweigh if you suspect an error.
Verifying the credentials of your mover
Cheap prices should never come at the cost of your legal protections. Every legitimate interstate mover must have a USDOT number and an active MC number from the federal government. You should always verify a mover's license through the official federal database before you hand over a deposit.
Avoiding the trap of low-ball quotes
Some companies intentionally offer an unrealistically low price to secure your deposit during the off-season. They might then claim unforeseen expenses once your goods are already loaded on their truck. If a price seems too good to be true, it likely is, so stick with established companies that provide clear, written estimates.
How should you plan for long distance versus local moves?
The best time of year to move to save money applies slightly differently depending on your total travel distance. For local moves within the same state, hourly labor rates are the primary cost driver. You save money by moving at a time when traffic is lighter and your crew can finish the job quickly.
For long distance moves, the cost is tied to the weight of your shipment and the total mileage. Long distance movers often wait until they have a full truckload before heading to a specific destination. By choosing a window of time where they already have other customers moving your way, you become part of an efficient trip rather than a specialized job.
Comparing your options
You can browse more cost guides to see how different factors like professional packing or storage fees stack up. If you are struggling to find a balance between speed and cost, consider prioritizing one over the other. Paying a little more for a faster move might be worth it if it saves you from paying for an extra month of storage or temporary housing.
Making the final decision
Your schedule usually dictates your move, but understanding the seasonal trends helps you make smart compromises. If you must move during the summer, aim for the middle of the month to avoid the end-of-lease chaos. If you can wait until the fall, you will enjoy both lower prices and a much smoother scheduling process.
Yes, moving on a weekday is almost always cheaper than moving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Moving companies have higher demand on weekends because people want to avoid taking time off work, so they charge higher rates to accommodate those peak slots. By choosing a Tuesday or Wednesday, you often gain more flexibility and a lower price.
Does the time of day I move matter?
The time of day can influence your costs if you are hiring movers on an hourly basis. Starting early in the morning allows the crew to finish in one day, which avoids potential overtime charges or the need for a second day of labor. Traffic conditions in cities also play a major role, so avoiding rush hour can save you money on hourly labor fees.
What is the most expensive day to book a move?
The first and the last day of the month are the most expensive times to move because most apartment leases end and begin during these periods. Because demand for trucks and labor is highest on these dates, moving companies rarely offer discounts and often charge a premium. You can save a significant amount of money by choosing a mid-month date if your landlord permits a flexible lease start.
If you are ready to start your move, compare your options carefully and never rush into a contract. Take a moment to check your potential mover's credentials and play with our cost calculator to understand your potential budget. Planning ahead is the single best way to ensure you save money regardless of the time of year.
