How Far in Advance Should You Book a Mover?

Planning a move? Don’t wait too long to lock in your moving date. In today’s fast-paced housing and rental market, professional movers get booked weeks—sometimes months—in advance.

This guide will help you understand exactly how early to book a mover depending on your situation, location, and time of year.

General Rule of Thumb

For most moves, you should book your movers at least:

• 2–4 weeks in advance for local moves
• 6–8 weeks in advance for long-distance or interstate moves

However, demand varies depending on the season and your location.

Peak Season (May–September)

• Summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies
• Expect higher rates and tighter availability
• Book 6–8 weeks in advance (minimum)

Tip: If you’re moving at the end or beginning of a month (lease change time), aim for 2+ months lead time.

Off-Peak Season (October–April)

• Greater availability and lower prices
• Some movers offer seasonal discounts
• Book 2–4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient

Urgent or Last-Minute Moves

Need to move within a week? It’s still possible—but options may be limited and costs higher. Look for:

• Smaller local movers with flexible schedules
• Weekday move slots
• Off-hour options (evenings or Sundays)

Factors That Can Affect Availability

• Popular move-out dates (e.g. end of school year)
• Size and complexity of your move
• Rural vs urban location
• Holiday weekends

Booking Timeline Summary

Why Booking Early Saves You Time and Money

• More options for preferred time slots
• Better rates before demand spikes
• Peace of mind knowing your date is secured

Ready to secure your move? Get a free quote from Movers USA today.