If you want to save money on your move, scheduling it from late September to April is the best way to go. This period of time avoids the peak moving season in summer, as well as the high demand for removals in the fall, until early September. This occurs when college students and renters move because their semesters and leases end. The most cost-effective months to move are November and December, when moving companies are the slowest, as children go to school and most people don't want to move during the holidays.
Avoid the summer months, as these are the most expensive times to move. To get the best deal, try to move in the middle of the week, at the beginning of the month, and between October and April. This period is often considered the best time to move, as people who move are less crowded and are more likely to come to an agreement with you. If you want to determine the best time to move, consider the middle of the month, specifically between the 10th and 20th, when demand is lower and you have a better chance of negotiating rates. The reason is quite logical: the beginning and end of the months are when most people start and end their leases, so moving companies should be quite busy at that time and won't be in the mood to lower their rates. The most cost-effective week to move is the second week of the month, as it avoids the rush at the start of the month and at the end of the month.
Since people are usually in the process of moving at these times, major moving companies will be busy, so they can't afford to offer discounts on their rates. But before we get into details, here's a quick guide on how to compare moving company quotes to get an idea of some factors besides time of day, week, month or year. If you decide to move during the second or third week of the month, when demand for moving services is lower, you'll have a better chance of getting a good deal, as moving companies' rates tend to be lower. Half of the month is often overlooked but can be a gold mine for savings, as moving companies tend to have fewer reserves and are more willing to negotiate. The winter months (cold winter months) are also usually cheaper months of the year to move, as demand from moving companies reaches its lowest point in winter. For example, there are seasons of the year, months, time of month, days of the week, and even specific times of day when professional moving services are cheaper than standard moving rates.
If you book at least a month in advance, you'll get updated prices and a wider range of available dates, saving you money in the long run. However, since summer is usually busiest time for moving services, May through September is usually considered as most expensive time of year for moving services. Most professional carriers including so-called affordable carriers are always busy during this period.
