Save up to 25%
When Is the Best Time of Year to Move Long Distance?
Moving is a commodity priced on supply and demand. Knowing when the moving industry is busy and when it’s slow can save you 15–25%.
Why summer costs more
An estimated 70% of all US moves happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. School calendars, lease cycles, and weather all push families into the same 14-week window — and carrier capacity simply can’t expand to match.
📈 Demand drivers (summer)
School-year alignment, college transitions, lease cycles ending May–August, better weather.
📉 Supply realities
Same trucks and crews year-round. Carriers charge premium for short-notice peak-season moves.
💰 What this means
A 3BR move that costs $6,800 in October may cost $8,200–$8,500 in July.
When to book
January – February
Cheapest months. Carrier discounts, immediate availability.
March – April
Sweet spot. Off-season pricing, decent weather, lots of availability.
May
Pricing climbs mid-month. Memorial Day weekend is peak rates.
June – August
Peak season. Book 6–8 weeks ahead.
September
Demand cools but pricing lags. Late September starts off-peak.
October – December
Off-season returns. Late October and November excellent value.
Best days & weeks
- Mid-month is cheaper than month-end
- Tuesdays-Thursdays are 5-10% cheaper than weekends
- Avoid the 1st and the 30th/31st
- Avoid the week of major holidays
- Mornings are easier on crews than afternoon starts in summer heat
Regional weather windows
Hurricane corridor
Atlantic and Gulf Coast moves riskier June–November. Includes Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina.
Northern winter
December–February in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, Maine can mean delays.
Wildfire season
August-October in California, Oregon, Washington. Mountain passes in Colorado, Utah may close in winter.
If you have flexibility, move October–April
Off-season + mid-month + mid-week = lowest possible rate.