Moving on Holidays: Do Movers Work & Charge More?
Here’s the quick answer: Moving on holidays is possible, but many local movers close or charge more on major holidays, and long-distance deliveries can slow down around them. The good news is that most holidays fall in the off-season, so moving the week before or after one can be cheaper than a summer move. American Van Lines, which doesn’t charge extra for weekend or after-hours moves, is a good place to start your search.
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Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Jump to the holiday moving info you’re looking for:
Do movers work on holidays?
Some movers work on holidays, but many local movers close on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Policies vary by company, so ask each mover about its holiday schedule before you pick a date.
Long-distance moves work a little differently. Your belongings may already be on the road over a holiday, but delivery can take longer, since fewer crews are working and roads are busier. If you need your shipment by a specific date, ask about a guaranteed delivery date, which usually costs extra.
Is moving on holidays more expensive?
Moving on holidays can cost more, since some movers charge holiday or overtime rates to pay crews for working the day off. Holiday weekends in the summer cost the most, because they land in peak moving season, when demand is already high.
The rest of the year is a different story. Based on moveBuddha’s data, January and February are the cheapest months to move, often up to 30% cheaper than July or August. So a move the week before or after Thanksgiving or New Year’s can cost less than a summer move.
moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so you can see how a holiday date changes your price before you book.
Which holidays affect your move the most?
Here’s how the next major holidays can affect your moving plans:
| Holiday | Date | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Nov. 26, 2026 | Many movers closed, heavy travel traffic |
| Christmas | Dec. 25, 2026 | Most movers closed, slower deliveries |
| New Year’s Day | Jan. 1, 2027 | Most movers closed, then low prices |
| Memorial Day | May 31, 2027 | Start of peak season, high demand |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2027 | Peak season, book early |
| Labor Day | Sept. 6, 2027 | End of peak season, high demand |
Post offices and many government offices also close on federal holidays, so plan ahead for mail forwarding, DMV visits, and utility setup. Our best time to move guide breaks down prices and demand month by month.
What are the pros & cons of moving on holidays?
A holiday move can make sense if you have time off, but it comes with tradeoffs:
- Time off work or school
- Family & friends can help
- Lower off-season prices
- A fresh start for the new year
- Fewer movers available
- Possible holiday surcharges
- Heavy traffic & booked hotels
- Winter weather delays
If you’re moving in late fall or winter, see our tips for moving in winter to plan around snow and ice.
How can you make moving on holidays easier?
You don’t have to skip the celebrations to move over the holidays. These tips can help:
- Book your mover early. Fewer crews work around holidays, so book as soon as you know your date. Getting quotes from a few top long-distance movers also helps you find one that’s open when you need it.
- Use your days off to pack. If movers are closed on the holiday itself, use the day off to pack and clean, then move the next business day. You’ll have more movers to choose from and may get a better rate.
- Celebrate somewhere else. A house full of boxes isn’t the place to host this year. Celebrate at a friend’s or family member’s home, and bring a favorite recipe or game to keep your traditions going.
- Keep gifts with you. Packing gifts with your shipment raises the risk of loss or damage. Carry them in your car, or ship them straight to the people you’re visiting.
- Order holiday meals instead of cooking. Many restaurants offer family-style holiday meals, so you can pack your kitchen early. Serve on disposable plates, and skip the last-minute scramble to pack pots and pans.
- Skip most of your decorations. Pack your holiday decorations early, and buy a few inexpensive pieces to display. Donate them after the holiday, so you have less to move.
- Share your new address in holiday cards. Holiday cards are an easy way to tell friends and family your new address. Many online card services let you import contacts and mail cards for you.
Keep everything on track with our moving checklist, and pack a moving essentials box for your first night.
FAQ
Do moving companies have blackout dates?
Yes, some moving companies have blackout dates, when they won’t book moves or pickups. These often fall on major holidays or the busiest summer weekends. Ask about blackout dates when you request quotes.
Do movers work on Christmas Eve?
Many movers don’t work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Use the days before the holiday to pack and clean. Then book the first open day after your mover reopens.
Is it a good idea to move in December?
Moving in December can be a good idea if you want lower prices, since it’s off-season for movers. December – February is also a great time to move into an apartment, because rents tend to drop with demand. Just plan around holiday closures and winter weather.
Can you rent a moving truck on a holiday?
You can often rent a moving truck on a holiday, since many rental locations stay open with shorter hours. Holiday weekends book up fast, so reserve early. Our guide to cheap moving truck rentals compares your options.
Should you tip movers more for a holiday move?
You may want to tip movers more for a holiday move, since the crew is working while others have the day off. A tip of 5% – 10% is typical for standard moves, while 15% – 20% fits complex moves or great service. Our movers tipping guide has more tips.
Can I move over a holiday weekend?
Yes, you can move over a holiday weekend if you book early. Expect more traffic, fully booked hotels, and fewer open movers. Moving the week after the holiday is usually easier.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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