The Cheapest Time of Year to Move (Data-Backed)
Moving costs swing by 20–30% based purely on timing. Here is exactly when prices are lowest — backed by real data from 10,000+ moves — and how much you can save by shifting your date.
Timing is one of the most powerful levers you have on your moving budget — and almost no one uses it deliberately. Moving the same 2-bedroom household 1,000 miles in July versus October can mean a $1,200 difference on an identical move. Here is the full picture.
The Moving Season Pricing Calendar
| Period | Price vs. Annual Average | What Drives It |
|---|---|---|
| June – August | +22% to +30% | Peak demand: school year ends, most leases turn over |
| May | +10% to +15% | Pre-summer surge, college graduations |
| September | +6% to +10% | Post-peak shoulder — still busy |
| October – November | –5% to flat | Demand drops sharply after Labor Day |
| December – February | –8% to –12% | Lowest demand of the year; carriers compete for bookings |
| March – April | Flat to +5% | Rising from winter lows |
The Three Timing Levers
1. Month of Year
The biggest savings come from avoiding June through August. The same move in September costs 15–22% less on average. January and February offer the deepest discounts — often 8–12% below annual averages — though weather and availability vary significantly by region.
2. Day of Month
Month-end moves (the last week of any month) cost 8–15% more than mid-month moves. This is because most leases end on the last day of the month, creating a demand surge. If you can move between the 10th and 20th, you will pay less and get better carrier availability.
3. Day of Week
Weekday moves (Monday through Thursday) are typically 5–8% less expensive than Friday through Sunday moves. Most carriers prefer to avoid weekend overtime rates, and they pass some of those savings to weekday bookings.
Real Savings Example: A 2BR Move, 1,000 Miles
| Move Date | Est. Cost | Vs. Annual Average |
|---|---|---|
| July 28 (Sat, peak, month-end) | $6,800 | +28% |
| September 15 (Tue, shoulder, mid-month) | $5,100 | –4% |
| October 15 (Wed, off-season, mid-month) | $4,600 | –13% |
| January 16 (Thu, off-season, mid-month) | $4,100 | –22% |
When Off-Season Is Not an Option
If your lease, job start, or school calendar forces a summer move, you can still mitigate the premium: book at least 6 weeks in advance (early bookers get better rates), be flexible on delivery window (a 3–5 day window saves 8–12%), and avoid month-end move dates even if it means starting the new lease a few days early.