When is the cheapest month to move?
Quick Answer
January and February are the cheapest months to move, with rates 20-30% lower than summer. October through March is generally off-peak. Avoid June through August when prices peak due to high demand.
Moving costs follow a predictable seasonal pattern driven by demand. Here is the price landscape by season.
Cheapest months (20-30% below peak): January and February. Demand is at its lowest. Movers offer the best rates, most flexible scheduling, and often have their top crews available. The trade-off: weather can be challenging, especially for northern routes.
Budget-friendly months (10-20% below peak): October, November, December, and March. Demand is moderate. Good deals are available, especially mid-month.
Moderate months: April, May, and September. Shoulder season pricing - not the cheapest, but not peak rates either. September is popular for families who want kids settled before school.
Most expensive months (peak pricing): June, July, and August. About 60-70% of all household moves happen during summer. Rates are highest, availability is lowest, and booking 8-12 weeks ahead is essential.
Beyond the month, timing within the month matters: end-of-month dates (25th-31st) are the busiest because most leases end on the last day. Mid-month moves save 10-15% compared to month-end. Weekday moves (Tuesday-Thursday) are cheaper than weekend moves.
The absolute cheapest moving date: a mid-week day in mid-January or mid-February. You might save 30-40% compared to a Saturday at the end of June.