When it comes to moving long distance, we all want to save where we can. Probably one of the easiest ways to help trim down your moving costs is by choosing the right day to move. As you may have already imagined, not all days are priced the same when it comes to doing a long-distance move. So, “What’s the least expensive day to move?”
Let’s dive into some helpful tips, and maybe lesser known facts, that could help save you the most money, without sacrificing on convenience!
Answer to the Question
The least expensive day to move long distance is usually a weekday, particularly midweek (Tuesday-Thursday), outside of peak moving season (September-April). Weekday moves avoid the high weekend demands leading to lower rates, and mid-month, off-season moves are your best bet to cut costs even more.
Having Great Timing (When It Comes to Savings)
Imagine this: moving is a lot like booking a plane ticket. If you’re trying to fly home for the holidays, you’re not exactly going to find a real bargain, right? The same principle applies to moving—timing is everything. Movers’ availability and demand vary day by day, and that fluctuation has a big impact on pricing. To break it down simply: move when no one else wants to move, and you’ll save money.
Let’s explore why this is true and how you can use it to your advantage.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
As most people prefer to move on weekends, moving during the week is often where you’ll find the best deal. Weekdays typically offer a quieter time for moving companies, resulting in lower demand for their services compared to the usual hustle and bustle of weekends (including Fridays). So, by choosing a day midweek and avoiding the rush, you’re immediately helping to secure a more affordable rate.
- Tuesday through Thursday tends to be the sweet spot, though in some cases, Monday’s can be a great option too.
By opting for a weekday move, you not only increase your chances of securing an advantageous moving date and time, but you also open up potential opportunities for negotiating a more affordable deal with the moving companies. Being flexible with your moving date and considering weekdays over weekends might just be the key to a smoother and more cost-effective long-distance move.
Month-End vs. Mid-Month
Choosing a moving day during the week may be the first step in helping secure a better rate, but the timing within a month can also significantly impact your overall moving costs. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between month-end and mid-month moves and how they can openly affect the logistical and financial aspects of a long-distance move:
- Month-End Moves – This timeframe is typically marked by high demand for moving services. There’s a few key factors that contribute to this:
- Lease Agreements: Many lease agreements, residentially speaking, often end at the conclusion of a month, leading to a surge in relocation activities as tenants transition to new apartments, condos, etc.
- Job Relocations: Employees who are relocating for work purposes often prefer to schedule their moves at the end of the month. This aligns with the conclusion of their current employment, which makes the transition to their new job location rather coordinated and simplified.
- Mid-Month Moves – In contrast, mid-month moves tend to present a lower demand opportunity, offering up some nice potential advantages:
- Negotiation Opportunities: With reduced demand, individuals and families exploring mid-month moves may find it more favorable to negotiate a more beneficial price and terms with a moving company, helping to boost your relocation budget.
- Availability: The mid-month period often offers greater availability in terms of moving dates and scheduling, providing better flexibility for those wanting to plan their relocation without the constraints of end-of-the-month pressures.
As you can see, by understanding the nuances between month-end and mid-month moves, you can actually make a decent dent in your long-distance moving budget. Logistically, if you can make it work, aim for somewhere between the 10th-20th of the month.
Peak Season vs. Off-Peak Season
Alright, we’ve covered the best day of the week and best time of the month to plan your long distance move, but what about the best time of the year? This is another big factor to think with if you’re really looking to keep your costs down.
Peak season, during the summer months, is when the demand for moving services is at its highest. Kids are out of school, the weather is generally favorable, and many people want to make their big life changes during the warmer months. Because of this, demand for moving services has a tendency to skyrocket between May and August.
On the other hand, off-peak seasons such as late fall or winter, will almost always have lower demand, thus usually resulting in lower moving costs. The broad off-peak season could be said to be September through April, but some of these months are traditionally more budget friendly than others.
- January-February are typically known to be the height of the off-peak season.
- October-November could be considered a close second.
And because movers are far less busy during these months, many will offer discounts or promotions to keep their schedules full (more on that in a second).
So, What is The Least Expensive Day?
Ok, let’s piece it all together. By taking in all the great tips and common sense facts we just provided, the least expensive day to move long distance is usually going to be a midweek day in the middle of the month, during the off-season.
Now, if we had to pick a specific day, it’d be something like a Wednesday in mid-November, possibly the 17th. Of course, every move is different, but aiming for that best case scenario combination—midweek, mid-month, off-season—you’re putting yourself in the best spot at getting the best possible deal.
Consider Special Discounts and Offers
Along with honing in on the most economical day to move, also exploring any special discounts and offers from the various moving companies can make a big difference in keeping costs down. Here are some of the better opportunities to look out for:
- Seasonal Promotions and Special Offers: Many moving companies offer special deals during off-peak months (September-April). Keep an eye out for these seasonal promotions—they can help you save big if you plan your move at the right time.
- Student, Senior, Military and Veteran Discounts: If you fall into any of these categories, it’s worth exploring any potential discounts. Many companies offer reduced rates for these special groups to help make moving more real and affordable.
- Bundled Services: Look for bundled services that include packing, moving, and storage at a discounted rate. Bundling can often lead to considerable savings, making your move much more cost-effective.
By seeing what promotions and discounts are potentially available, you can now make highly informed choices that help you stick to your budget. By leveraging these offers, along with some strategic planning, you can maximize the value you get from utilizing any professional moving services.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there’s no denying that moving can be expensive, especially one over an extended distance. But by strategically choosing the timing of your move, you can significantly and easily help cut down on costs. Moving midweek, in the middle of the month, and during the off-season are the key scheduling tips to successfully save. To sum it up, it all comes down to avoiding peak times when everyone else is on the move.
Here at Long Distance Movers America, our experienced team is happy to work with you to find the best options for your budget—that includes helping you pick the best day to move! We’ll guide you through the process, offer transparent pricing, and help you choose a day that keeps you and your wallet happy.
Ready to get started? Give us a call, 1-877-535-8893 and let’s make your long-distance move a breeze—without breaking the bank.
