Planning a move but not sure when to lock in your moving company? Timing is everything, and booking too late (or too early) can impact both your stress levels and your wallet. Let’s get into the details of when you should actually book your professional movers.
The Golden Rule: Book Earlier Than You Think
Here’s a reality check: if you’re thinking about booking movers, you’re probably already cutting it closer than you should. Most people underestimate how quickly quality moving companies fill their schedules, especially during peak seasons.
Ideal Booking Windows
For local moves, try to book 4-6 weeks in advance. But let’s be realistic—sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you might need to move sooner. While we can occasionally accommodate last-minute bookings, you’ll have much more flexibility (and often better rates) with advanced planning.
For long-distance moves, give yourself at least 6-8 weeks of lead time. These moves require more coordination and resources, so availability tends to be more limited.
When to Book Even Earlier
Some situations call for extra planning:
Summer Moves: May through September is peak moving season. If you’re planning a summer move, add an extra 2-3 weeks to those lead times. The best moving crews book up incredibly fast during these months, often 8-10 weeks in advance.
End-of-Month Moves: Everyone wants to move at the end of the month when leases typically end. These dates fill up fast, so book 6-8 weeks ahead for even local moves.
Special Circumstances That Need More Lead Time
Moving during the holidays? Planning a corporate relocation? Have specialty items like a piano or art collection? Add another 2-3 weeks to your booking window. These moves often require specialized equipment or crews that are in high demand.
The Cost of Waiting
Here’s something most moving companies won’t tell you upfront: last-minute bookings often cost more. This isn’t just about supply and demand—it’s about proper planning. When we have time to properly plan your move, we can:
- Assign the most appropriate crew and truck size
- Plan the most efficient route
- Coordinate any special equipment needs
- Provide accurate timing estimates
- Often offer better rates
What If You Need to Move Right Away?
Life happens. While we always recommend booking early, we understand that sometimes you need to move on short notice. If you’re in a time crunch:
- Be flexible with your moving date
- Consider mid-month or mid-week moves
- Have all your information ready when you call
- Be upfront about any special requirements
- Prepare for potentially higher rates
How to Lock in Your Preferred Date
Once you know your moving date, take these steps:
- Get quotes from several reputable moving companies
- Check reviews and verify credentials
- Book as soon as you find a company you trust
- Put down a deposit to secure your date
- Get written confirmation of your booking
Our Best Advice
At Choice Moving Company, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses move, and we’ve learned that the sweet spot for booking is about 6 weeks out. This gives you enough time to plan properly without getting too far ahead of yourself.
Ready to secure your moving date? Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get your move on the calendar. Remember, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your preferred date and time—and often, the best possible rate.
