When Is the Cheapest Time to Move?
December through February, on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, booked at least 3 weeks ahead. These three factors combined can save 20-30% compared to a peak summer weekend move.
Updated 2026-11-07
Month-by-Month Cost Impact
Percentage above or below the annual average moving cost. December is the cheapest. August is the most expensive.
| Month | Cost vs Average | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15% | |
| February | -15% | |
| March | -5% | |
| April | Baseline | |
| May | +5% | |
| June | +10% | |
| July | +15% | |
| August | +20% | |
| September | +5% | |
| October | Baseline | |
| November | -10% | |
| December | -20% |
Day-of-Week Impact
Saturday is the most expensive day. Tuesday through Thursday is the cheapest window. The spread is 10-15%.
| Day | Cost vs Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | -5% | Low demand |
| Tuesday | -10% | Cheapest |
| Wednesday | -10% | Cheapest |
| Thursday | -10% | Cheapest |
| Friday | Baseline | Average |
| Saturday | +15% | Most expensive |
| Sunday | +5% | Moderate demand |
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
Last-minute bookings carry a rush premium. Planning ahead eliminates this surcharge entirely.
| Booking Window | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Same-day | +15-20% |
| Within 1 week | +10% |
| 2-3 weeks ahead | Baseline |
| 4+ weeks ahead | -5% (possible discount) |
End-of-Month vs Mid-Month
Most leases start on the 1st, so the last 3 days and first 3 days of each month see a demand spike. Mid-month (roughly the 8th through the 23rd) is consistently the cheapest window.
Last 3 days of month
+10-15%
Lease move-outs. Highest demand window of any month.
First 3 days of month
+10%
New lease move-ins. Still elevated demand.
Mid-month (8th - 23rd)
Cheapest
Low demand. Movers actively discount to fill schedules.
The Cheapest Possible Move vs the Most Expensive
A Tuesday in January, booked 3 weeks ahead, mid-month. That is the single cheapest timing combination. Here is how it compares to the worst case.
| Factor | Cheapest Timing | Most Expensive Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Month | January (-15%) | August (+20%) |
| Day of week | Tuesday (-10%) | Saturday (+15%) |
| Time of month | Mid-month (no surcharge) | End-of-month (+10%) |
| Booking window | 3 weeks ahead (no surcharge) | Same-day (+20%) |
For a move that would normally cost $2,000 at baseline pricing:
Cheapest timing
~$1,500
Jan Tuesday, mid-month, 3 weeks notice
Most expensive timing
~$3,300
Aug Saturday, end-of-month, same-day booking
That is a $1,800 difference for the exact same move. Same home size, same distance, same movers. Only the timing changed.
Saving Money When You Can't Control Timing
Not everyone can move in January on a Tuesday. If your move date is locked into peak season, here is how to cut costs anyway.
- 1.Pack everything yourself. Full-service packing adds 20-30% to the total cost. Buy boxes from Home Depot or U-Haul and do it over a weekend.
- 2.Declutter before the move. Fewer items means less cubic footage. Less cubic footage means a lower price. Sell, donate, or toss anything you haven't used in a year.
- 3.Be flexible on the exact date within the week. Even shifting from Saturday to Friday can save 10%. Ask your mover which day in your target week is cheapest.
- 4.Compare at least 3 quotes. Prices vary 30-50% between companies for the same move. Use Trunk to compare verified movers side by side in seconds.
- 5.Book as early as possible. Even in peak season, booking 3+ weeks out avoids the rush premium. Last-minute summer moves are the single most expensive scenario.
- 6.Move mid-month if your lease allows. Some landlords let you start a lease on the 15th. This alone can save 10% by avoiding the end-of-month rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to move?+
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?+
How far ahead should I book movers?+
Why is summer moving more expensive?+
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