The Best (and Cheapest) Time of Year to Move in 2026
The cheapest time to move is during the off-season - roughly October through April - on a mid-week day in the middle of the month. Summer is the most expensive: an estimated 70% of all moves happen between May and September, when mover demand and prices peak. Timing your move right can cut your bill by 10% to 30%.
Peak season vs the off-season
- Peak (May to September): about 70% of moves happen here. Expect higher prices, tighter availability, and the need to book four to eight weeks ahead. The pull factors are real - school is out, the weather is better, and most leases turn over in summer.
- Off-season (October to April): lower prices and far easier booking. The trade-offs are winter weather and the holidays.
Month by month: what to expect
| Month | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Lowest | Slowest month; best rates and pick of dates |
| February | Lowest | Still very cheap, especially mid-week |
| March | Low | Prices begin to firm up late in the month |
| April | Moderate | Demand climbs as the season opens |
| May to August | Highest | Peak; book early, expect premium pricing |
| September | High | Still busy but easing after Labor Day |
| October | Moderate | Good value as demand drops |
| November | Low | Cheap outside the Thanksgiving week |
| December | Low | Cheap apart from the holidays themselves |
The cheapest month, day, and date
Three levers stack on top of the season:
- Month: January and February are typically the slowest and cheapest of the year.
- Day of week: mid-week (Monday through Thursday) beats weekends, when most people are forced to move.
- Date in the month: the middle of the month is cheaper than the first or last, when month-end lease turnover spikes demand.
How much you can save
| Timing | Price level | Availability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer weekend | Highest | Tight | Families tied to a school calendar |
| Summer mid-week | High | Moderate | Summer movers who can flex the date |
| Winter weekend | Lower | Good | Most budget movers |
| Winter mid-week | Lowest | Best | Anyone who wants the cheapest possible move |
A flexible mover who shifts from a summer weekend to a winter mid-week date can often save 10% to 30% on the same job.
Why the off-season is cheaper
Movers carry the same trucks, staff, and insurance year round. In winter their trucks sit idle, so they discount to win work and compete harder for your job. In summer they can fill every slot at full price, which is why the same two-bedroom move can cost noticeably more in July than in January.
When peak season is still worth it
Sometimes the premium is worth paying. Families with school-age children, anyone tied to a home-sale closing date, and DIY movers who want dry, mild weather all have good reasons to move in summer. If you must, book early and stay flexible on the exact day to claw back some savings.
Booking lead times by season
- Off-season: two to four weeks ahead is usually fine.
- Peak season: book four to eight weeks ahead, and closer to eight at month-end, when the best movers fill up first.
Weather and regional notes
In the Northeast and Midwest, deep winter brings snow and ice that can complicate a move; aim for a clear-weather window. In the South and Southwest, midsummer heat is the bigger hazard, so an early-morning start helps. Match the season to your region, not just the calendar.
Other ways to save that pair with good timing
- Declutter to cut weight before a long-distance move.
- Get at least three binding estimates.
- Consider a container or DIY hybrid instead of full-service.
- Be flexible by a few days around your target date.
Best time to move for renters, buyers, and families
- Renters have the most freedom. Negotiate a lease that starts mid-month and move on a winter weekday for the lowest possible price.
- Buyers are tied to a closing date, which is harder to control. If you can, aim to close in the off-season and avoid a summer-weekend move stacked on top of closing costs.
- Families with kids usually move in summer to avoid disrupting the school year. That is the most expensive window, so book early and pick a weekday if you can flex.
How to lock in an off-season rate
- Get quotes from at least three movers and tell each you are price-shopping; winter is when they compete hardest.
- Ask about mid-week and mid-month discounts directly - many movers have them but do not advertise them.
- Be flexible on the exact date. Giving a mover a two or three day window often beats naming one day.
- Book a binding estimate so a busy week closer to your move cannot push the price up.
Quick answer: the single cheapest time to move
If you want one target: a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of January or February. You get the slowest season, the cheapest day of the week, and the quiet middle of the month all at once. The only reasons to override that are weather where you live and life events you cannot move - a job start, a lease end, or a school calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to move?
January and February are usually the cheapest, because they fall in the slow winter season when movers compete for fewer jobs.
Is it cheaper to move mid-week?
Yes. Monday through Thursday is consistently cheaper than weekends, when demand is highest. Combine a mid-week date with the off-season for the lowest price.
What is the busiest moving day?
Summer weekends, especially around the end of the month and holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day, are the busiest and most expensive. Avoid them if you can.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Book four to eight weeks ahead in general, and closer to eight weeks if you are moving in summer or at month-end, when the best movers fill up fast.
Is it a bad idea to move in winter?
No - winter is the cheapest time to move and movers are easiest to book. The only real downsides are weather in cold regions and the holidays, so pick a clear-weather weekday and avoid the days right around Christmas and New Year's.
What is the most expensive time to move?
Summer weekends, especially at the end of the month and around Memorial Day and Labor Day, are the priciest. That is when demand peaks, so prices rise and the best movers book out first.
Does the day of the month matter?
Yes. The first and last few days are the busiest because most leases turn over then, so mid-month dates are both cheaper and easier to book.
How early do movers book up in summer?
In peak months the best movers fill popular dates four to eight weeks out, and month-end weekends go first. Book as soon as you have a date, even if some details are still loose, then refine later.
See how the season feeds into total price in our guide on how much a move costs, run the numbers with the cost calculator, and if you are leaving an expensive state, read moving out of California in 2026 and states that pay you to move there.