When is the Best Time to Move?
Aug 28, 2026 / Public Storage
The best time to move depends on your priorities, but lower-demand periods can offer more scheduling flexibility and potentially lower mover rates. If your schedule is flexible, consider moving outside the May-through-September peak season, on a weekday and earlier in the day. Families, work schedules, lease dates and local weather may make another time more practical.
Key Takeaways
- May through September is generally considered peak moving season.
- Moving outside peak season may provide greater mover availability and lower rates.
- Weekdays generally have less moving demand than weekends.
- Mid-month dates may have less demand than common beginning- or end-of-month lease dates.
- An early start gives you more daylight and time to handle delays.
- Weather, school calendars, lease dates and work schedules may matter more than getting the theoretically “best” moving date.
- If housing dates don’t align, temporary storage can help bridge the gap.
Best Time to Move at a Glance
| Priority | Timing to Consider | Main Trade-Off |
| Lower moving demand | Fall through early spring | Weather may be less predictable |
| School schedules | Summer | Peak mover demand |
| Mover availability | Weekday | May require time away from work |
| Less month-end demand | Mid-month | Lease dates may limit flexibility |
| More moving-day time | Earlier in the day | May overlap with morning traffic |
| Milder local weather | Depends on location | Varies significantly by region |
What Is the Best Season to Move?
There is no single best season for everyone.
Summer is popular for moves, especially for families planning around the school year, but it also overlaps with the busiest time for moving companies.
If cost and mover availability are priorities, fall through early spring may be worth considering because demand is generally lower.
Weather is the trade-off.
Winter can mean snow or ice in some areas. Summer can mean extreme heat elsewhere. Spring and fall conditions also vary considerably by market.
The best season is the one that balances your schedule, budget and local conditions.
Are September and October Good Months to Move?
They can be, especially if you want to move after peak summer demand but before winter weather arrives in colder regions.
But September and October are not universally the best months.
A September move in Phoenix and a September move in Minneapolis are very different propositions.
If your moving date is flexible, look at local weather, mover availability, lease timing, work schedules and school calendars before choosing a month based on a national rule of thumb.
What Is the Best Day of the Week to Move?
A weekday can be worth considering when your schedule allows.
Moving-industry guidance generally identifies Monday through Thursday as lower-demand than weekends, which may translate into better availability or pricing from some movers.
Rather than declaring Tuesday or Wednesday magically cheapest everywhere, get quotes for several dates from the mover you plan to use.
Actual pricing depends on the company, market, move distance and demand.
Is It Better to Move Mid-Month?
It may be.
Beginning- and end-of-month dates often align with lease changes, which can increase moving demand. Moving.com recommends considering a mid-month date when possible for that reason.
If your lease dates are fixed, however, don’t create a complicated housing gap just to chase a theoretically better moving date.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Move?
An earlier start is often practical because it gives you more of the day to load, travel, unload and handle unexpected delays.
It can also help reduce exposure to midday heat during warm-weather moves, though local rush-hour traffic may be a consideration.
Before choosing a start time, check:
- Building or elevator reservation times
- Moving-company schedules
- Local traffic patterns
- Weather
- Travel distance
- Property access hours
How Far Ahead Should You Schedule a Move?
Schedule as early as practical once you know your moving date, especially during peak season or when your dates are inflexible.
For interstate moves, federal consumer resources can help you research movers before signing an agreement.
For an interstate move, also verify that the mover is properly authorized before booking.
What If Your Move-Out and Move-In Dates Don’t Match?
Temporary storage can help bridge a gap between homes.
Instead of moving everything to a temporary location and then moving it again, you may choose to store eligible furniture, boxes and household belongings until your new home is ready.
Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can work for between-lease storage needs.
See Self-Storage Tips for Renters Between Leases for planning tips, or find storage near you.
FAQs About the Best Time to Move
What is the cheapest time of year to move?
There is no guaranteed cheapest date, but mover demand is generally lower outside the May-through-September peak season. Get quotes for your specific dates and market.
Is summer the busiest time to move?
Yes. May through September is the busy moving season, which is why availability and pricing can be tighter during those months.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
It can be. Moving-industry guidance generally identifies weekdays as lower-demand than weekends, but actual rates vary by mover and location.
Is September a good time to move?
It can be because peak summer demand is beginning to ease, but weather, availability and pricing vary by location.
What time should I start moving?
Earlier in the day often provides more daylight and time for delays, but consider traffic, building rules, weather and mover availability.
Can I use storage if my moving dates don’t line up?
Yes. Month-to-month storage can provide temporary space for eligible belongings between move-out and move-in dates.
