When Is the Cheapest Time to Move?
The cheapest time to move is a midweek day (Tue–Wed) in January or February, booked 2+ weeks ahead, during the middle of the month. This combination can save 20–30% compared to a peak summer weekend move.
Updated 2026-05-06
Timing Factors and Their Impact
| Factor | Impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend (Sat–Sun) | +10% | Highest demand. Everyone wants to move on weekends. |
| Midweek (Mon–Wed) | −10% | Lowest demand. Movers offer discounts to fill crew schedules. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | +10% | Peak season. Families move before school year, leases turn over. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | −10% | Off-peak. Fewer people move in cold months. Movers compete on price. |
| End of month (last 7 days) | +10% | Lease turnovers. Massive demand spike in the last week. |
| Start of month (first 3 days) | +10% | New lease start dates drive elevated demand. |
| Last-minute (<7 days) | +10% | Limited crew availability. Rush premium. |
| Booked 2+ weeks ahead | Avoids surcharge | Gives movers scheduling flexibility. No rush premium. |
These factors stack. A summer weekend move booked last-minute at end-of-month can cost 30%+ more than a winter midweek move booked in advance.
Real Example: $2,000 Move
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | vs Baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Peak: Summer Saturday, end-of-month, last-minute | $2,660 | +33% |
| Average: Spring weekday, mid-month, 1 week notice | $2,000 | Baseline |
| Cheapest: Winter Tuesday, mid-month, 3 weeks notice | $1,460 | −27% |
That's a $1,200 difference for the exact same move — same home size, same distance, same movers. Only the timing changed.
Best and Worst Months to Move
| Month | Demand | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| January | Very low | Cheapest |
| February | Very low | Cheapest |
| March | Low | Below average |
| April | Medium | Average |
| May | Medium-high | Above average |
| June | High | Expensive |
| July | Very high | Most expensive |
| August | Very high | Most expensive |
| September | Medium | Average |
| October | Medium | Average |
| November | Low | Below average |
| December | Very low | Cheapest |
How to Get the Cheapest Move
- $Move Tuesday or Wednesday — lowest demand days of the week
- $Move in January or February — off-peak season, movers compete on price
- $Avoid the first and last week of the month — lease turnovers spike demand
- $Book 2–3 weeks in advance — avoids the rush surcharge
- $Pack yourself — self-service packing saves ~25% vs full-service
- $Declutter first — fewer items = less cubic footage = lower cost