When Is The Best Time To Move? And the Times to Avoid!
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: The best time to move is between October and April. May through September is the busiest and most expensive time to move, so moving in the off-season can help you lower your moving costs and avoid scheduling delays.
The best moving companies can handle your move regardless of the time of year, but choosing the right time to move can save you serious money and stress.
At moveBuddha, we’ve helped thousands of people plan the perfect move. Below, we break down the best (and worst) times to move, real examples from our Better Moves Project, and expert tips to help you time your move right.
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Best and worst times to move
| Time period | Cost | Demand | Weather | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–February (Winter, off-peak) | Lowest Up to 30% cheaper | Very low | Cold, snow/ice risk | Budget movers, flexible schedules | Weather delays, short days |
| March–April (Spring) | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Mild, possible rain | Home sellers, families before school ends | Allergies, unpredictable rain |
| May–September (Summer, peak) | Highest 20–30% premium | Very high | Hot, longer days | Families, students | Higher prices, limited availability |
| October–December (Fall/early winter) | Low | Low | Mild to cold, more rain | Renters, flexible movers | May interrupt school, earlier sunsets |
| Mid-month / Mid-week | Lowest | Lowest | Varies | Anyone looking to save | May require time off work or school |
Why timing your move matters
The timing of your move is important for a few reasons. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, here are a few reasons to consider rethinking the timing of your move.
- Lower cost: Avoiding peak season can save you 20–30% on moving services.
- Better availability: In the off season, you’ll find more open schedules and experienced crews.
- Less stress: Fewer delays, more flexible timing, and fewer scheduling conflicts.
Choosing when to move can be just as important as choosing how to move. Let’s break it down by season.
Best time to move by season
Spring
- Mild weather, rising home inventory
- Lower demand than summer, so rates are still reasonable
- Unpredictable rain, allergy season, school conflicts
Summer
- Most convenient for families (no school)
- Longer daylight and fast home sales
- High costs, less availability, risk of delays
Check out some more of our summer moving tips to learn how to protect your items.
Fall
- Great balance between lower prices and cooler temps
- Easier scheduling and potential discounts
- School’s already in session, shorter days
Winter
- Lowest prices of the year
- Flexible scheduling, experienced crews
- Weather hazards, shorter daylight, and holiday conflicts
Cheapest time of year to move
Move in January or February for the lowest rates, which are often up to 30% cheaper than moving in July or August.
A $5,000 move in July could cost just $3,500 in January. That’s a huge savings just for adjusting your timeline.
Best days of the week and month to move
There’s more to consider than the season when you’re timing your move. Everything right down to the hour you move can impact the cost and speed of your move.
- Mid-month: Less demand than the start or end of the month.
- Mid-week: Movers are less busy on Tuesdays–Thursdays.
- Mornings: Start early to beat traffic and use daylight. Crews of long-distance moving companies will be less tired and fresher in the morning than after moving two other houses that day.
DIY moves vs. pro movers
DIY moves and professional moves are very different, so the best time to move can also be very different.
The best time for DIY moves
If you want complete autonomy over the moving process or you have a tight budget, plan your DIY move for a morning in early spring or late fall. Moving during this time not only avoids peak moving season, but it avoids the more extreme weather of the winter and summer months.
We generally recommend you avoid moving at the beginning or end of the month because many renters are moving into their new apartments at this time. Opt for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday around mid-month to take advantage of lower rates and less moving traffic.
We recommend U-Pack — one of our top picks for best moving container companies —if you go with a portable storage container for a long-distance move. U-Haul offers one of the best rental trucks if you’d rather drive yourself.
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The best time for pro moves
It’s best to reserve professional movers between late September and mid April to avoid times of year where increased demand can drive prices up and make it challenging to book on your preferred moving date.
It can also be good to request a free quote during the winter months because professional movers may have the resources to handle icy roads better than you would on your own.
Like DIY moves, we’d suggest trying to move mid-week in the middle of the month if your schedule allows. Check in with American Van Lines for local moves and Safeway Moving for long-distance moves — they’re two of our favorites.
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Best time to move for different types of movers
- Families: Summer is best to avoid school disruptions if you’re moving with kids. Book early and prepare for higher costs.
- Students: Plan around semester breaks. Book early in college towns to avoid limited availability when moving into a dorm or college apartment.
- Renters: Late fall and winter offer better deals and flexible leases. Aim for mid-month if you can.
- Long-distance vs. local: Plan around weather for long-distance moves. Local moves offer more flexibility, but avoiding peak days can still save you money.
Don’t forget to negotiate moving rates
Use your flexibility to your advantage. If you’re willing to move outside of peak moving times, try asking:
- “Can I get a moving discount for a mid-week or off-season move?”
- “Are there any specials if I book in January?”
- “Can I save by being flexible on timing?”
Key takeaways
As you finalize your move date, keep the following in mind:
- Move in January or February for the best prices
- Mid-week and mid-month are usually cheapest
- Plan early for summer moves and use flexibility to negotiate
- Check city and building rules for urban moves
Want to see how your move date affects your costs? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes and plan with confidence.
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