What is the best time of day to start a move?
Quick Answer
Start between 7 AM and 9 AM. Early starts avoid afternoon heat, give you a full day for loading and unloading, and leave a buffer for unexpected delays. Most movers schedule their first job of the day earliest - second and third jobs often run late.
An early morning start is almost always the best strategy for moving day. Here is why and how to plan around it.
Why 7-9 AM is ideal: you get the full day to complete the move without rushing. The crew is fresh and working at peak efficiency. You avoid the hottest part of the day (especially important in summer). If anything takes longer than expected, you have a buffer before dark. And you have the evening to unpack essentials and set up beds.
Why you should avoid afternoon starts: if anything goes wrong (truck issues, access problems, weather), you run out of daylight. Crews that have already worked a morning job arrive tired. Building elevators and loading docks have more availability in the morning. And neighbors and building management are more tolerant of noise and disruption in the morning.
For local moves with hourly billing: an early start means the crew works during their most efficient hours. Productivity tends to drop as the day wears on, which means more billable hours for the same amount of work.
For long-distance moves: the driver typically loads in the morning and then hits the road by early afternoon. An early start means your shipment gets on the road sooner.
Special considerations: if you live in a building with elevator reservations, book the earliest available slot. If street parking is needed, early arrival means fewer competing vehicles. In urban areas, some cities restrict moving truck hours - check local regulations.