The month you move can swing your total cost by 20 to 30%. A long-distance move costing $7,000 in July might cost $5,000 in January. The savings come from lower demand, cheaper truck rentals, and movers willing to negotiate during their slow season. Here is the month-by-month breakdown for 2026.
January and February offer the lowest moving prices of the year with savings of 20 to 30% compared to summer rates. A local 2-bedroom move averaging $2,000 in summer drops to $1,400 to $1,600. Long-distance moves see even larger discounts. Movers are hungry for work during these months and will often negotiate on price. Truck rental companies like U-Haul and Penske drop rates significantly, especially on popular one-way routes. The tradeoffs are real: cold weather makes loading and unloading miserable, snow can delay your move, and shorter daylight hours limit how much can be accomplished in a day. For budget-conscious movers willing to deal with winter weather, these months offer the best value of the year.
Spring is the sweet spot for many movers: prices are still 10 to 15% below summer peaks, weather is improving, and availability is better than summer. March and April are particularly good for families who want to move before the school year ends. Prices start climbing in May as companies begin booking up for summer. The spring market is also favorable for home buyers, as inventory increases and sellers who listed in winter become more negotiable. If you can move in March or April, you get near-winter pricing with much better weather. Book movers at least 4 weeks in advance during spring as availability tightens week by week leading into summer.
Summer is the most expensive time to move by a wide margin. June, July, and August account for about 45% of all annual moves, driving prices to their highest point. A long-distance move that costs $5,000 in January may run $6,500 to $8,000 in July. Local moves see a 15 to 25% premium. Movers book out 4 to 8 weeks in advance, and last-minute moves may be impossible to schedule or carry a rush surcharge. Truck rental prices spike, especially on popular routes like Northeast to Florida or California to Texas. If you must move in summer, book as early as possible, choose mid-month dates over month-end, and move mid-week if your schedule allows. Tuesday and Wednesday moves can save 10 to 15% compared to Friday and Saturday even in peak season.
After Labor Day, moving demand drops sharply and prices follow. September is still moderately busy as college students move, but October and November offer excellent value. Expect savings of 15 to 25% compared to summer. November before Thanksgiving is one of the cheapest windows of the year. Mover availability is strong, and many companies offer fall promotions including free packing materials or waived fuel surcharges. The weather is comfortable in most of the country through mid-October. Northern states should plan for cold and potential early snow in November. For families, moving in the fall means mid-year school transfers, which is a consideration but one that many families navigate successfully.
Regardless of the month, when you move within the month matters. The last week of the month and the first few days of the next month are the busiest periods because most leases start and end on the first. Moving mid-month, around the 10th to the 20th, typically saves 5 to 10%. Day of the week matters too: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday moves are cheaper than Friday through Monday. Combining all timing strategies, a mid-week, mid-month move in January or February represents the maximum possible savings. For a $6,000 summer long-distance move, optimal timing could bring the cost down to $4,000 to $4,500, a savings of $1,500 to $2,000. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate pricing for your specific route and timing.
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January is typically the cheapest month to move, followed closely by February. Prices are 20 to 30% below summer peaks. A Tuesday or Wednesday move in mid-January offers the lowest possible rates of the year.
Summer moves cost 20 to 30% more than off-season moves. A long-distance move costing $5,000 in January may cost $6,500 to $7,500 in July. Local moves see a 15 to 25% premium during June through August.
Yes, moving Tuesday through Thursday saves 5 to 15% compared to Friday through Monday. Weekend moves are the most expensive because demand is highest. Ask your mover about weekday discounts.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
