How Early Should You Book a Mover?

Simple enough right?

The truth is, like with anything, there’s a lot more to it.

We are going to discuss how early you should book a mover given the different circumstances of any type of move.

So, if you’re planning a move and are yet to book your moving company, stick around, this article is for you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the country or your new home is just down the road; you always want to book your movers as early as possible. If you know you’re moving several months in advance, book your movers.

Why Should You Book Early?

Movers book up and the best movers won’t have much availability a month or a few weeks before you move. When you start comparing moving company quotes, you want to make sure you book the best mover as soon as you possibly can.

If you wait, there’s a good chance the best moving companies won’t be available for your move. You may end up with a second-rate moving company, which brings plenty of other issues into play.

Before booking questionable moving services, we would recommend exploring other options such as moving container companies. Moving container companies (or pods) is a moving option that requires you to load your items to a container that the company drops off at your house.

While not every situation will allow you to book your movers months in advance, you want to book as soon as you know your moving date and you find the right movers for you.

It’s also a good idea to know how far in advance you can cancel the movers and receive a refund for any deposit you paid.

How Early is Early Enough to Book your Moving Company?

Every location is a bit different when it comes to the peak moving season.

Depending on the season and the type of move, you may need to book a few months in advance or a few weeks. Of course, you always want to book any type of move as soon as possible.

For most locations, the peak moving season will be the summer. Usually, moving companies are very busy during the months of May and August with college students moving in and out of dorms and apartments.

In addition, the summer season is a very busy home-buying season, which means more people are moving during the summer.

For A Local Move

When you’re moving locally (in the same city), you want to make sure you book your move early enough to get the best interstate moving company for your needs. Ideally, you will book the movers at least two months in advance, especially if you plan to move during the summer months.

During the off-season, it may not be as important to book early, but it’s still a good idea. You never know when a good moving company will be booked to capacity. If you wait to book your movers until a few weeks before your moving date, you’ll be stuck with limited options.

The best-case scenario, when moving locally, is to book your movers at least two months in advance. If possible, book your movers three or four months ahead of time, especially if you’ll be moving during the peak moving season.

For an intrastate move

When you’ll be staying within the same state, but you will be moving to a new city, you want to book your move as far in advance as possible. It’s recommended you book the movers at least 12 weeks in advance, whenever possible.

For most moving companies, an intrastate move requires at least an entire day. You will find fewer moving companies willing and available for intrastate moves compared to local moves. If you plan to move during the summer, plan to book your intrastate movers at least 3 months in advance.

You may not need quite as much advanced notice during the off-season. However, you will still want to book your moving company at least two months in advance. The sooner you book, the better since an intrastate move will take up more time and fewer moving companies are willing to handle this type of move.

For an interstate move

Planning to move from one state to another requires the right type of moving company. Many local moving companies won’t take your things across state lines. However, the moving companies that will tend to book up far in advance.

If you’re moving across state lines during the peak moving season, you need to book your move at least 3 months in advance. Waiting to book movers for an interstate move will likely lead to using a second-rate moving company.

During the off-season, you may have a bit better selection without as much advanced notice for your move. However, with a smaller pool of movers willing to help with an interstate move, you should still book your move as soon as possible.

Anytime you plan to move to a new state, you should try to book your movers at least four months in advance. If you wait, you may not have many choices left when you do book your movers, especially if you’re moving across the country.

For an international move

The season for international moves isn’t as cut and dry as it is for other types of moves. Movers can become busy at any time of the year as international moves don’t follow the same type of schedule and tend to be a bit less predictable.

If you plan to move from one country to another, you should book your move six months in advance, whenever possible.

There are so many things you will need to do ahead of your move, getting the right international moving company booked in advance just makes sense.

When moving overseas, your movers have to consider certain things, such as getting through customs, as well. You may need to book your move even further in advance, depending on where you plan to move. It’s best to speak with an international moving company as soon as you are certain you will be moving to another country.

Considering the Size of Your Move

The distance you plan to move and the time of year you move certainly play a role in how far in advance you need to book your move. In addition, the size of your move will play a factor.

Moving a four-bedroom house isn’t the same as moving a studio apartment. If you have large, heavy furniture, it may require more manpower than moving bins of household items.

Whenever you need to move, consider the items you will be moving. If you need to move a piano, fine art, heavy furniture, or anything highly valuable, you want to book your move even further in advance. You will also want to make sure you select movers capable of moving the items you need to move.

Hiring full-service movers also requires more time and manpower. When you plan to hire movers to help with additional services, you will want to book movers further in advance.

Not all movers will provide packing and unpacking services. The longer you wait to book professional movers, the fewer choices you will have. Make sure to book this type of move at least a few months in advance and even further in advance for cross-country and international moves. More moving cross-country tips

Another option for help with packing and unpacking is to hire moving labor yourself through HireAHelper. They will also help you load/unload if you choose a DIY moving option.

Booking Movers for the Day Before You Have to be Out of Your Home

Regardless of where you plan to move, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Whenever possible, you want to avoid booking movers for the same day you have to be out of your home.

If something goes wrong with the moving company, you’ll be stuck trying to figure things out last minute. Booking your movers for the day before you have to be out or even a few days before gives you a bit of a buffer.

You cannot plan for weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances. These roadblocks can get in the way and cause you serious stress if you book movers for the same day you have to be out of your home.

Make sure to give yourself a day, a few days, or a week, just in case something happens. Even a mover getting sick can throw off your entire schedule. Don’t let hiring movers on the day you need to be out wreak havoc on your plans.