How do holiday weekends affect moving prices?
Quick Answer
Major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) carry 25-50% surcharges from many movers. Availability is extremely limited. If you must move on a holiday weekend, book 10-12 weeks ahead and confirm holiday pricing in writing.
Holiday weekends combine two cost drivers: peak weekend demand and limited crew availability. The result is some of the highest moving costs of the year.
Highest-cost holidays: Memorial Day weekend (late May - also the start of peak season), Independence Day weekend (early July - peak demand), and Labor Day weekend (early September - the last peak season weekend).
Moderate-cost holidays: Presidents Day weekend (February - off-peak softens the impact), Columbus Day weekend (October - shoulder season).
Lower-impact holidays: Thanksgiving (Thursday makes it a split weekend, many movers are off Thursday-Friday), Christmas/New Year (demand is very low, but so is availability).
Pricing varies by company: some movers charge an explicit holiday surcharge of 25-50% on the daily rate. Others charge standard rates but have strict minimum hour requirements (6-8 hours). Some simply do not work on major holidays.
Alternatives to holiday weekend moves: if your lease timing forces a holiday-adjacent move, schedule the move for the Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday weekend. Most movers are still available and rates are standard. You lose a vacation day but save hundreds on moving costs.
Always confirm holiday pricing in writing before booking. Ask specifically: Is there a holiday surcharge? What is the minimum charge? Are there overtime rates if the move runs late? What is the cancellation policy for holiday bookings?