Best Time For Moving: CA Expert Shares Season, Day & Hour Recommendations

Key Takeaways

• Moving during off-season months (November through April) can save residents 10-30% on relocation costs compared to peak season rates.
• Peak moving season (May through September) creates price increases of typically 10-40%, with weekend surcharges adding another 25-50% to base rates.
• Weekday moves, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, offer the lowest demand and best scheduling flexibility.
• Winter months deliver maximum savings, with December to February showing the lowest rates across moving companies.
• Strategic timing combines seasonal and weekly patterns to maximise cost savings on relocations.

The moving industry follows predictable seasonal patterns that create significant cost variations throughout the year. Understanding these cycles enables budget-conscious residents to reduce relocation expenses substantially while securing better service availability.

Moving Off-Season Saves 10-30% on Relocations

The off-season moving period typically spans from November through April, when demand drops significantly. During these months, moving companies actively reduce their rates to attract customers, often offering discounts ranging from 10% to 30% below peak season pricing. This substantial reduction occurs because approximately 70% of all moves happen between May and September, leaving companies with excess capacity during winter and early spring months.

Moving companies experience their lowest demand during off-season months, creating opportunities for customers to negotiate better rates and secure preferred moving dates. Strategic timing can dramatically impact overall relocation costs, making off-season moves particularly attractive for budget-conscious families.

The reduced competition for moving services during off-season months also means greater availability of reputable moving companies. Customers can choose from preferred movers rather than settling for limited availability, ensuring better service quality while maintaining lower costs.

Peak Season Creates 10-40% Price Increases

1. May Through September Drives Highest Demand

Peak moving season aligns with warmer weather and school schedules, creating intense demand from May through September. During these months, moving companies implement base rate increases of typically 10-40% to manage demand while maximising revenue during their busiest period. The combination of families moving before school starts, student relocations, and favourable weather conditions creates sustained pressure on availability.

In large metropolitan areas, housing turnover accelerates during summer months, further driving demand. This often leads to booking challenges, with popular moving companies requiring reservations weeks or even months in advance.

2. Weekend Surcharges Add 25-50% to Base Rates

Weekend moves command premium pricing, with surcharges typically adding 25-50% above weekday rates during peak season. Most people prefer moving on weekends, creating concentrated demand that allows companies to justify higher prices. These weekend premiums compound with seasonal increases, making peak season weekend moves the most expensive option.

A move that costs £1,200 on a Tuesday may reach £1,800 or more on a Saturday during peak season when both seasonal and weekend premiums apply.

3. October Marks a Declining Demand Period

October serves as a transition month, when demand begins declining and companies start reducing premium pricing. This period offers a strong compromise for those who cannot wait until full off-season but want to avoid peak season costs. Many moving companies begin offering early off-season discounts during October.

Weather conditions often remain favourable during this period, allowing for smoother moves without peak-season pricing pressures.

Winter Months Deliver Maximum Savings

1. December to February Offers Lowest Rates

Winter months represent the lowest demand period for moving companies, with December, January, and February showing the most aggressive pricing reductions. Companies often cut rates by 20-30% below standard pricing to maintain revenue during slower periods. Holiday schedules, school terms, and less favourable weather reduce overall demand.

These savings may come with trade-offs, such as limited daylight hours or weather-related challenges, but for budget-focused moves, winter provides unmatched cost advantages.

2. November to April Provides Flexible Scheduling

The extended off-season from November through April offers exceptional scheduling flexibility. With lower demand, customers can book preferred dates, times, and services without the constraints common during peak season. This flexibility often extends to customised service options and negotiable terms.

Lower competition also allows moving companies to allocate experienced crews and equipment more effectively, often resulting in higher service quality compared to rushed peak-season relocations.

Weekday Moving Cuts Costs Further

1. Tuesday Through Thursday Shows Lowest Demand

Mid-week moving days—especially Tuesday through Thursday—consistently show lower demand across all seasons. Many moving companies offer weekday discounts that can reduce costs by around 20% compared to weekend rates.

Lower weekday demand also means better crew availability and less rushed service, improving efficiency and care for belongings.

2. Morning Starts Reduce Delays

Early morning move starts, typically between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, help minimise delays that can extend move duration and increase costs. Morning moves allow better use of daylight hours and reduce the likelihood of overtime charges.

Moves that start early often finish sooner, leaving time for unpacking and settling in.

3. Mid-Month Timing Increases Availability

Moving during mid-month periods—roughly from the 10th to the 20th—usually offers better availability and potential cost savings compared to month-end moves. Lease agreements often end at month’s end, creating concentrated demand that drives up prices.

Mid-month moves allow greater scheduling flexibility and often provide access to better rates and more personalised service.

Rental Markets Follow Similar Seasonal Patterns

1. Fall and Winter Often Offer Better Rental Value

Rental markets tend to slow during fall and winter, leading to better availability and more competitive pricing. This alignment allows movers to save on both relocation costs and housing expenses.

Lower renter competition also increases negotiating power for lease terms, deposits, and move-in incentives.

2. Off-Season Moves Reduce Total Housing Costs

Seasonal rental trends often translate into meaningful savings, particularly for long-term leases. Reduced rents combined with lower moving costs can result in substantial financial benefits over time.

Plan Your Off-Season Move to Maximise Savings

Successful off-season moving requires strategic planning that balances cost savings with practical considerations. The most effective approach combines November through April timing with Tuesday through Thursday scheduling, reducing total moving costs by 25-45% compared to peak-season weekend moves.

Advance planning improves coordination of leases, utilities, and logistics, while early booking during off-season periods can unlock additional discounts and better service availability.

Personal circumstances—such as school schedules and work commitments—still matter, but even small shifts toward off-season or weekday timing can generate meaningful savings. Strategic timing remains one of the most effective ways to control moving costs, regardless of location. The right moving companies can guide you in your decision-making process.

Got2Move
City: San Francisco
Address: 801 Avenue H
Website: https://got2move.com/