The Best Time of Year to Move
The cheapest time to move is generally late fall through winter and on weekdays in the middle of the month, when demand is lowest. Summer, weekends, and month-end are the most expensive because that is when most people move.
Peak season vs. off-season
Roughly half of all moves happen between May and September, when the weather is good and school is out. That demand pushes prices up and availability down during the summer peak.
The off-season — late fall through winter — offers lower prices and more flexible scheduling, at the cost of colder and wetter weather in much of the country.
Best day and time of month
Within any season, the day and date still matter. Weekends and the beginning and end of the month are busiest because of lease turnovers.
- Weekdays are cheaper and easier to book than weekends.
- Mid-month dates beat month-end, when leases turn over.
- Booking early always improves your options.
Weather and regional timing
The right timing also depends on where you live. Northern winters bring snow and ice, while summer moves in the South can mean extreme heat. Alaska and Hawaii add scheduling and freight considerations year-round.
- Plan around snow and ice for northern winter moves.
- Start early in the day to avoid summer afternoon heat.
- Allow extra lead time for Alaska and Hawaii moves.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest month to move?
- The cheapest months are typically in late fall and winter — roughly October through April — when demand drops. Summer months, especially June through August, are the most expensive because most people move then.
- Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
- Yes. Weekdays are generally cheaper and easier to schedule than weekends because demand is lower. Mid-month weekday dates tend to offer the best combination of price and availability.