If you are hiring a moving company or using a moving truck rental service, it’s possible that rates may fluctuate depending on when you will be moving. And if you have the ability to be flexible with your moving date, you may be able to get a cheaper rate if you choose to move at the right time.
Generally, the most affordable time to move is midweek, beginning of the month, and during the off-peak season from October-April. Some moving companies will lower their rates during these times or offer deals and incentives since demand is typically lower.
In contrast, the busiest and more costly time to move is when everyone else needs the services, which is during the weekends, end of the month, and during the peak season for moving which is May-September.
When is the cheapest time of day to move?
Non-Rush Hour: If you’re moving locally and the movers are charging by the hour, it’s best to move during non-rush hour times. That is, if the moving truck can get to the first location as early as possible and get on the road to drive to the next location before 3 pm, that is most ideal. If your moving truck is stuck in traffic and your movers charge by the hour, you’ll be paying for that time.
Furthermore, in some states, like California, movers are regulated by the state to charge “double-drive time”, which covers the time it takes them to drive to the first location, then back to the moving company’s headquarters after the job.
If you are not moving locally and the movers are charging by the weight of the goods, then time is not a factor in the move cost.
When is the cheapest day of the week to move?
Monday-Thursday: Weekdays typically have less demand for moving companies. Some moving companies will have lower rates during the week than on weekends. But, most moving companies will charge the same regardless of the time of the week. But, that doesn’t mean that if you can move during the week that you can’t ask for a cheaper rate since movers will want to fill their schedule.
When is the cheapest time of year to move?
October-April: This is what we in the moving industry call the “Off Season”. Many moving companies will lower their rates when fall and winter come rolling in. This is because the demand for movers is lower during these times.
In contrast, movers will generally raise their rates, sometimes up to 30% during the late spring and summer months. Most people who move, move during these times, which creates a high demand for moving companies, which causes them to raise their rates. This is a typical supply and demand scenario.
Will moving companies haggle on price?
Some moving companies will haggle a bit on price if you decide to move during a lower demand time or if you have the flexibility to move when it’s most convenient to their schedule. If you can, you may always ask for a small discount or moving coupons if you can adjust your schedule to fit theirs.
If you are looking for a moving company and price is most important, consider these 42 money-saving moving tips that will help you with your move costs.
What are some simple ways to lower moving costs?
- Be prepared – The more time you give yourself to plan for a move, the less it will cost you. Many expenses that come from a move are last-minute decisions made on things like extra packing materials or eating out etc.
- Get rid of unwanted items – The less you have, the less it will cost to move. Anything you don’t need either donate it, sell it or throw it away.
- Get the right packing supplies – The most affordable new packing supplies can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Uhaul-type stores. But, if you’re trying to move on a tight budget, you can always find used boxes online on sites like Craigslist or Offerup.
- Use what you already have – Consider using some items you already have like towels, linens, suitcases, duffle bags, old Amazon boxes, trash bags, and other useful items you already have around your house.
- Pack the boxes yourself – Packing yourself is a great way to save money on moving costs. The more you’re packed up and ready to go, the less time it will take movers to move your things.
- Hire a reputable moving company – It’s not always best to hire the cheapest moving company, and sometimes cheap can mean poor quality. A poor quality mover may create additional expenses at the cost of things like broken items.
- Move during the week or offseason – Movers usually increase their rates between the months of May through August. This is the busiest time of year for moving companies.
- Be prepared for the movers – One of the most important things to do when wanting to save on the cost of a moving company is to be ready for them. Local movers charge by the hour, so if you’re not all packed up and ready to go, or if the hallways are being blocked by stuff, it will take movers longer to move your items.
- Have movers only move furniture & boxes – If you are prepared enough, you should still be able to hire a moving company while still moving on a budget. As long as when the moving company arrives, they can get in and load up your boxes and furniture as quickly as possible and unload at the new destination, it will be quick and affordable.
- Rent a moving truck and move yourself – If you have a one-bedroom apartment with easy truck access and not a lot of heavy items, moving yourself might be a great option to save some money.
- Get help from friends and family – Your friends are usually the “free” moving labor you need most if you’re moving budget is really tight. As long as you provide some incentive like food, music, and figuring out a way to turn it into a good time.
- Have friends & family watch pets & children on the move day
- Cancel unused subscriptions – If you are moving away from the town, don’t forget to cancel or change the address of your local subscriptions & memberships.
- Find used furniture online – It may be tempting to go out and buy all new furniture and rack up some debt after you move in. But, if you’re good at budgeting, you’ll know that that’s not always the best idea in the long term. For certain items in your home, consider other used furniture options like buying them on websites like Craigslist, Offerup, and Facebook Marketplace.
Want some more useful information on moving on the cheap?
13 Places To Get Cheap Or Free Moving Supplies – Moving can be expensive, especially if you have to buy moving supplies like boxes, tape, packing paper, mattress bags, etc. Before you know it, you could be spending hundreds of dollars on packing supplies you may not have budgeted for.
5 Tips For Living Within Your Means After Moving – We know that can be easier said than done but we are here to help! With this list of “10 ways to live within your means”, you will be on your way to financial freedom in no time at all.
