How Far in Advance Should You Book a Moving Company?
Here’s the quick answer: For local moves, we recommend booking your move two to eight weeks in advance. For long-distance moves, it’s best to book at least one to four months out.
Whether you’re planning a quick local move or an international relocation, timing can make or break your move. Booking early is the easiest way to secure your ideal moving date, top-rated movers, and the best price.
At moveBuddha, we help 400,000 people get quotes, compare movers, and book moves every year. Here’s our take.
How far in advance to book movers by move type and season
The best time to book depends on the type of move you’re making and the time of year. Here’s a quick guide:
| Move type | Peak season (May–Sept, holidays, end/start of month) | Off-peak (Oct–Apr, mid-month) |
|---|---|---|
| Local | 4–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Intrastate | 8–12 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Interstate | 8–12 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| International | 12–16+ weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Car shipping, large items) | 4–6 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
Pro tip: Moving during a holiday or the end of the month? Add 2–4 weeks to these timelines to secure your preferred mover.
When should you book movers?
Booking early helps avoid stress, inflated prices, and limited availability. Movers fill up fast, especially in the summer, on the weekends, and at the end of the month.
- Local moves: Aim to book 2–4 weeks ahead during the off-season and 4–8 weeks in advance during peak periods. In hot markets like NYC or San Francisco, earlier is better.
- Intrastate moves (within the same state): Book at least 4–8 weeks out off-peak, or 8–12 weeks during high-demand seasons.
- Interstate moves: These need more coordination. Plan to book 8–12 weeks in advance for peak season and 4–8 weeks during off-peak.
- International moves: Book at least 12–16 weeks ahead, or more during summer. Customs, shipping schedules, and documentation all add complexity.
- Specialty moves: For large homes, fragile items, or car shipping, book 4–6 weeks out, or longer if you have specialty items or you’re moving at a peak time.
I moved from Tampa to Charlotte and was surprised it took 10 days for my stuff to arrive, but later realized I hadn’t read the contract—national carriers often have delivery windows, especially during busy times. — Josh M., Mayzlin Relocation
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Seasonality and high-demand periods
It’s important to remember that booking a move during peak moving season will come with higher demand, which can limit availability and drive up prices.
- Peak season (May–September): Movers book up fast—plan early.
- Holidays & month-end: Avoid if possible, or book months ahead.
- Off-peak (October–April): Better rates and flexibility, but good movers still fill up.
Geographic and market-specific considerations
Where you live can also impact availability. Depending on what area you live in, you might have access to a different set of movers.
- Urban areas: NYC, LA, SF, and similar cities require 3–4 months’ lead time for peak moves.
- Rural regions: Fewer movers in the area means limited availability, so book early if you live in a rural area.
Moving from Brooklyn to San Francisco, I found that vans needed parking permits—something I hadn’t considered. Booking early gave me time to figure it out. — Christian T., Safeway Moving
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Need to book movers last minute?
Booking movers in advance is ideal, but last-minute moves happen. Here are a few tips to landing a great mover close to your move date.
- Stay flexible: Mid-week and mid-month are your best bet.
- Expand your search: Try smaller local movers.
- Consider alternatives: Moving containers like PODS or U-Pack.
- Try a hybrid move: Use HireAHelper for loading/unloading with a truck rental.
- Request multiple quotes: And be ready to act quickly. Check out our recommendations for the best last-minute moving companies.
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Booking timeline checklist
Here’s a quick timeline for scheduling your move. Keep it handy as you book your mover and prep for the big day.
- 12–16 weeks out: Research movers and build a shortlist of your top picks.
- 8–12 weeks out: Request quotes then schedule virtual or in-home estimates.
- 6–8 weeks out: Book your mover, confirm the services you want, and pay your deposit.
- 4 weeks out: Confirm your moving date and arrange any specialty services you need.
- 2 weeks out: Double-check the details and get parking permits if needed.
- 1 week out: Make your final confirmation with mover and prep for move day.
Pro tip: Don’t plan your move for the same day your lease ends. Give yourself at least a 1-day buffer.
Risks of booking movers late
Booking your movers late isn’t the end of the world, but it can come with a few negative consequences:
- Higher prices
- Limited availability
- Fewer reputable options
- Longer delivery windows
- More stress
Bottom line: Booking movers early can save you a lot of time and stress. Once you have your mover booked, you can focus on other aspects of your move and let them handle the details.
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Ready to book your move?
Want to get ahead of the game? The first step when you’re planning a move should always be to use a moving cost calculator. That way, you can get multiple quotes from reputable movers and compare several types of moving companies in one place.
Take a few minutes to use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator below. It’s free and doesn’t require any contact information. You can also explore reviews from moveBuddha readers we’ve helped.
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