When Is Peak Moving Season and What Do You Need to Know?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Peak moving season typically runs from May through September, with the busiest months being June, July, and August. This time is popular because it offers better weather, school is out, and many apartment leases are ending, which can all contribute to increased demand and higher moving costs.
Moving is stressful enough, but relocating during the busiest time of year can make things even tougher. We’ve helped thousands of people through the peak season rush and have compiled expert tips for moving throughout the year.
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What is peak moving season?
Peak moving season is the stretch from May through September, with June, July, and August being the absolute busiest months. More than 60% of all U.S. moves happen during this window, according to our latest industry data. If you’re moving during summer, expect higher prices, less availability, and stiffer competition for everything from trucks to storage units.
Why is summer the busiest time to move?
There are several reasons most moves happen in summer. Understanding demand drivers helps you time your move and budget more accurately:
- School schedules: Families move during summer break to avoid disrupting the academic year.
- Better weather: Warm, dry conditions make moving easier in most parts of the country.
- Lease cycles: Many leases start and end between late spring and late summer, especially at the end of June or July.
- Real estate activity: Home buying and selling peaks in summer, so more people are relocating.
Pros and cons of moving during peak season
Peak season has its upsides, but the drawbacks are real. Here’s what to expect and weigh as you plan:
| Pros | Cons |
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Best and worst times to move during peak season
Not all summer days are created equal for moving. Smart timing can shave hundreds off your bill and reduce stress:
| Best times to move | Worst times to move |
|---|---|
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Insider tip: Avoid the first and last weekends of any month if you can. These are the most expensive and stressful moving days of the year.
Peak moving season demand calendar
The calendar below shows the busiest dates and how demand ramps up so you can sidestep the worst times if possible:
| Date range | Demand level |
|---|---|
| May 15 – September 15 | Peak |
| June 28 – July 8 | Very high (lease turnovers, holidays) |
| Mid-month (10th–20th) | Moderate |
| Holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) | Extreme |
How to save money during peak moving season
Peak season rates are steeper, but the right strategy can soften the blow. Start early, compare plenty of options, and stay flexible:
- Book early: Secure your mover, truck, or container 8–12 weeks out for the best rates and availability.
- Stay flexible: If possible, move mid-week or mid-month to save big on costs.
- Try a hybrid move: Pack and load yourself, then hire a mover for transport or unloading only.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three moving companies and ask about price matching.
- Share a truck: Look for companies that offer consolidated or shared shipments.
- Consider DIY: Renting a truck or using a moving container is often cheaper than going fully hands-off.
To estimate your best options, try our moving cost calculator and plan your budget confidently.
Booking strategies and timeline
Securing your mover early is crucial in the summer months. Use this timeline to lock in dates and avoid last-minute scrambles:
- Long-distance or interstate moves: Book 8–12 weeks in advance.
- Local moves: Book 4–8 weeks out.
- DIY truck rentals or containers: Reserve 6–8 weeks ahead for the best choices.
Booking checklist
Keep yourself organized and avoid last-minute panic by following this checklist:
- Pick your move window (aim for mid-month, mid-week).
- Research and compare at least three moving companies.
- Read reviews and confirm licensing for all movers.
- Request in-home or virtual quotes for accuracy.
- Book your mover, truck, or container promptly after choosing.
- Get written confirmation of your booking and terms.
- Have a backup plan in case your original booking falls through.
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Tips for moving during peak season
Summer moves require extra planning and flexibility. These habits reduce stress and protect your budget:
- Plan every detail early: Don’t wait to book movers, trucks, or storage.
- Avoid last-minute changes: Stick to your inventory and schedule once they’re confirmed.
- Double check logistics: Confirm all the details with your mover a week before the move.
- Book early morning moves: Beat the heat and lower your risk of delays.
- Stay flexible: You might score moving discounts or fill open slots by adjusting your timing.
- Keep a backup plan: Know your alternatives if movers cancel or schedules shift.
Alternatives to peak season moves
If your timeline is flexible, moving in the off-season (October through April) can lead to significant savings and less stress. Compare peak and off-peak at a glance:
| Peak season (May–September) | Off-peak (October–April) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | +20%–30% | Lower |
| Availability | Limited | Wide open |
| Scheduling | Must book months out | Can book weeks (or even days) out |
| Weather | Hot, sometimes stormy | Cooler, risk of snow/ice in some regions |
See how much you could save by using our moving cost calculator for a quick estimate.
Special considerations: Families, students, and flexible movers
For families
Moving as a family during peak season adds complexity. A few tweaks can make a big difference:
- Plan around school calendars: Aim for moves that minimize disruption to your children’s education.
- Involve kids: Give them age-appropriate tasks so they feel included and less anxious.
- Arrange child or pet care: Moving day is much easier when little ones and pets are safe and occupied.
For students
Student moves often overlap with summer’s peak. Get ahead with these tactics:
- Align with academic calendars: Time your move-in and move-out with your school’s schedule.
- Consider summer storage: If your leases don’t line up, storage can bridge the gap.
- Share costs: Split trucks or storage units with roommates to save money.
For flexible movers
If you have wiggle room on timing, you have more power to save:
- Take advantage of off-peak discounts: Moving companies offer deals during slower months or for mid-week moves.
- Be open to last-minute opportunities: Sometimes, canceled slots open up at a discount.
How to manage stress and prep for your move
With some planning, you can keep summer moving stress under control. Build a margin into your timeline and keep communication tight:
- Break it down: Tackle your move in smaller chunks. Our moving checklist can help.
- Delegate: Rope in friends or family for packing, loading, or watching kids.
- Schedule rest: Block off time for self-care in the hectic days before your move.
- Have a backup plan: Account for possible delays or mishaps to reduce anxiety.
Alternatives to traditional movers
If full-service movers are booked or out of your budget, consider these other options and match them to your priorities:
- DIY move: Rent a truck and handle everything yourself. This is the most affordable, but requires the most effort.
- Moving containers: Pack at your pace, then let the company handle transport (see PODS, U-Pack, or U-Box).
- Hybrid move: Hire labor for the heavy lifting, but rent your own truck or container.
Options compared
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY truck rental | Lowest cost, full control | Heavy labor, driving responsibility |
| Moving containers | Flexible timing, no driving | Parking/permit issues, variable delivery |
| Full-service movers | Hands-off, convenient | Most expensive, limited availability in peak season |
Environmental and weather considerations
Summer heat and storms can complicate a move. A few precautions go a long way for protecting your family and belongings:
- Move early: Start in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Hydrate and rest: Drink water and take breaks often.
- Protect sensitive items: Electronics, artwork, and perishables can be damaged by heat.
- Watch the forecast: Severe storms can delay your move — plan accordingly.
Pro tip
Never leave items like candles, vinyl records, or electronics in a hot truck or container longer than absolutely necessary.
Packing tips for summer moves
Hot weather calls for extra care when packing. Focus on materials and labeling so heat-sensitive items get priority handling:
- Use sturdy boxes and keep them out of the sun: Avoid cheap plastics that can warp in the sun.
- Wrap electronics and delicate items: Use thermal insulation or towels for extra protection.
- Don’t pack perishables: Transport them in a cooler or skip them entirely.
- Label “heat-sensitive” boxes: Let movers know what needs extra attention.
Customer experience
“Certain items like my guitars and antique record player needed extra care during my August move. I wish I’d planned ahead with better packing materials for the heat.”
– Read Alex’s full story
For more advice, check out our must-know summer moving tips.
Moving trends and statistics
Peak moving season is no joke. Here’s what the data shows about summer moves:
- More than 60% of moves happen between May and September.
- Busiest dates: June 30, July 31, and August 1.
- Costs jump 20%–30% in peak months.
- Complaints and delays spike in June, July, and August.
Dig deeper into the numbers with our full moving industry statistics guide.
Frequently asked questions about peak moving season
When is peak moving season?
Peak moving season runs from May through September, with June, July, and August as the busiest months. During this window, demand for movers, trucks, and storage surges — which is why prices rise and schedules fill up quickly. If you must move in summer, plan early and target mid-week, mid-month dates to avoid the busiest days.
How far in advance should I book movers for the summer?
For long-distance moves, book 8–12 weeks ahead; for local moves, 4–8 weeks is usually sufficient. Booking early secures better pricing, preferred dates, and reputable crews. If you’re late to the game, widen your date range and ask about waitlist or last-minute openings.
How can I save money when moving in peak season?
Be flexible on dates, get at least three quotes, and consider hybrid or container options. You can also reduce costs by purging before you pack, doing your own boxing, and aiming for mid-month, mid-week move days. Don’t be shy about asking movers for price matching or promotions. A lot of movers will work with you when they can.
What are the busiest (and worst) days to move?
End and start of the month — especially June 30, July 31, and August 1 — plus holiday weekends are the toughest. Fridays and Mondays fill first, and schedules are tightest around July 4th and Labor Day. If you can avoid those dates, you’ll likely find better rates and smoother logistics.
Is it really better to move off-season?
Yes. Off-season moves (October–April) usually mean lower prices, more flexible scheduling, and a calmer experience overall. If your timing is flexible, shifting even a few weeks off peak can unlock better availability and less stress.
Conclusion: Your summer move, simplified
Planning ahead, staying flexible, and using smart strategies can save you money and keep your stress in check.
Ready to get started? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes and find the best way to move — no matter the season.
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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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