Planning a move brings many questions. One of the most important is: when should you book your movers? Book too late and you’ll face limited options, higher prices, and stress. Book too early and you risk needing to change dates.
This guide explains exactly when to reserve your moving company.
The Quick Answer
Most moves need 2 to 12 weeks of advance booking. Local moves require 2 to 8 weeks notice. Long-distance moves need 8 to 12 weeks advance booking. International moves demand 12 to 16 weeks minimum.
These timelines change based on several factors. The time of year matters most. Summer moves need much longer lead time than winter relocations. If you’re searching for moving companies New Bern NC or movers anywhere else, you need to understand that these booking windows help you avoid last-minute scrambling.
According to industry data from moveBuddha, nearly half of all moving companies were booked out at least three weeks farther than normal during peak 2021 season. This booking crunch continues affecting availability today. Planning ahead gives you better choices and lower prices.
“I’ve been managing moves for 18 years,” says David Thompson, a relocation coordinator. “The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they have their exact move date confirmed.
By then, the best movers are already booked. Start researching companies as soon as you know you’re moving, even if your date isn’t final.”
Why Booking Early Matters
Early booking provides major advantages that affect your entire moving experience.
Better mover selection: The best moving companies fill their schedules first. Wait too long and you’re left choosing from whoever still has availability. Quality movers book up 6 to 8 weeks ahead during summer months.
Lower costs: Moving companies charge premium rates for last-minute bookings. Some add rush fees of 15% to 30% if you book within two weeks of your move date. Early booking often qualifies you for discounts.
Preferred moving dates: Want to move on a Saturday? Need a specific week for your lease timing? Early booking gives you first choice of dates. Last-minute bookers take whatever’s available.
Less stress: Knowing your movers are confirmed weeks in advance removes major moving stress. You can focus on packing and other tasks instead of frantically calling companies.
Avoid scams: Rushed booking decisions lead to choosing unlicensed or fraudulent movers. According to industry estimates, 1 in 4,000 people who move get scammed, typically losing $431 per incident. Taking time to research prevents becoming a statistic.
Local Moves: 2 to 8 Weeks Advance
Local moves cover distances under 50 miles, typically within the same city or metro area. These moves require less advance notice than long-distance relocations.
Off-Peak Season (October-April)
Book local movers 2 to 4 weeks in advance during slower months. Moving companies have more availability. You’ll find better rates and flexible scheduling.
Winter represents the slowest moving season. December shows the lowest search volume for moving services according to industry search data. If you can move in winter, book just 2 weeks ahead and still get good options.
Peak Season (May-September)
Summer demands 4 to 8 weeks advance booking for local moves. According to trend analysis, search volumes for moving services peak in July, with June showing the highest overall interest in moving companies.
The moving industry experiences dramatic demand fluctuations. Summer, weekends, and month-end dates create perfect storms of high demand. Add 2 to 4 weeks to standard timelines if your move hits these high-demand periods.
High-demand dates needing extra lead time:
- First and last three days of any month
- Any Saturday or Sunday
- Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends
- School start and end dates
- Major holidays
Hot Markets Need More Time
Cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston need longer booking windows.
These competitive markets see movers fill up faster. Add 1 to 2 weeks to standard timelines in high-cost metro areas.
Long-Distance Moves: 8 to 12 Weeks Advance
Moves over 50 miles, especially interstate relocations, require extensive coordination. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead during peak season, or 4 to 8 weeks during off-peak months.
Long-distance moves involve complex logistics. Your belongings might transfer between trucks. Movers coordinate delivery windows spanning several days. Routes must be planned around other deliveries.
Why Long-Distance Takes Longer
Interstate moving companies operate differently than local movers. They often consolidate multiple shipments on the same truck. Your furniture might share space with three other families’ belongings.
This consolidation requires careful scheduling. The company needs enough moves heading the same direction to fill a truck efficiently. Booking early ensures they can include your shipment in their route planning.
According to industry data, cross-country and long-distance moves need at least 8 to 12 weeks advance booking. The shortest recommended timeframe is 2 to 3 weeks, but this carries significant risk during busy periods.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Differences
Summer long-distance moves need 8 to 12 weeks notice minimum. According to industry data, 67% of moving companies reported driver shortages during peak 2021 season. These shortages continue affecting capacity.
Off-peak long-distance moves can work with 4 to 6 weeks notice. Lower demand means more available trucks and drivers. You’ll pay less and have better date options.
Interstate Moves: Special Considerations
Moving between states adds regulatory complexity. Interstate movers need specific federal licensing. They must provide binding estimates and proper insurance coverage.
Book interstate movers 8 to 12 weeks ahead. This gives time to verify the company’s USDOT number, read their contract thoroughly, and understand your rights.
Interstate moving regulations require specific paperwork. You’ll receive a Bill of Lading explaining your shipment details. The Order of Service lists everything being moved. Review these documents carefully before signing.
International Moves: 12 to 16 Weeks Minimum
Moving to another country demands the longest advance booking. Plan 12 to 16 weeks minimum, with 4 to 6 months being ideal for complex international relocations.
International moves involve customs clearance, shipping schedules, documentation, and often temporary storage. Moving to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico also follows international timelines despite being U.S. territory.
Why international moves take so long:
- Customs forms and import regulations vary by country
- Ocean freight runs on fixed schedules
- Documentation requires weeks to complete
- Quarantine rules affect pet transport
- Some items need special permits
Book early to handle these complications without rushing. Missing a shipping date could delay your move by weeks.
Specialty Moves Need Extra Time
Certain moves require more preparation than standard relocations.
Large Homes (4+ Bedrooms)
Big houses need 4 to 8 weeks advance booking even for local moves. Moving companies must schedule enough crew members and trucks. A four-bedroom house might need 6 to 8 movers and multiple trucks.
According to industry guidelines, studio or one-bedroom apartments need 4 to 6 weeks notice. Larger homes need significantly more advance booking to ensure proper resources.
Specialty Items
Items requiring special handling need early booking:
- Pianos and organs
- Antiques and fine art
- Wine collections
- Gun safes
- Hot tubs and pool tables
- Classic or luxury cars
These items need specialized equipment and trained movers. Not every company handles specialty moves. The ones that do need advance notice to schedule proper equipment.
Commercial and Office Moves
Business relocations need 6 to 12 weeks advance booking. Companies must minimize downtime. IT equipment needs careful handling. Office furniture requires disassembly and reassembly.
Commercial movers schedule moves for evenings or weekends to avoid disrupting business operations. This limited availability requires very early booking.
According to market research, 13% of small and midsize businesses plan to move within the next two years. This corporate demand fills commercial moving schedules months ahead.
How Season Affects Booking Timeline
The moving industry is highly seasonal. Understanding peak and off-peak periods helps you book at the right time.
Peak Season (May-September)
Summer represents peak moving season for several reasons:
- Schools close, allowing families to move
- Weather is dry and warm
- Lease agreements often end May through August
- College students move in and out
Industry data shows search volumes for moving services peak in June and July. During these months, moving companies often book solid 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
Peak season booking guidelines:
- Local moves: 4 to 8 weeks advance
- Long-distance: 8 to 12 weeks advance
- International: 12 to 16 weeks advance
- Add 2 weeks for weekend or month-end moves
Prices increase 20% to 40% during peak season compared to winter rates. Higher demand drives both price and booking timeline.
Off-Peak Season (October-April)
Fall and winter see dramatically lower moving demand. November through February shows the lowest search interest for moving services.
Off-peak advantages:
- More availability with shorter notice
- Lower prices (15% to 30% less than summer)
- Flexible scheduling
- Better customer service attention
- Same-quality movers with less pressure
Off-peak booking guidelines:
- Local moves: 2 to 4 weeks advance
- Long-distance: 4 to 6 weeks advance
- International: 8 to 12 weeks advance
Some movers offer promotional pricing in January and February to fill their slowest months. Take advantage if you have moving date flexibility.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October)
Spring and fall represent transitional periods. Demand increases in April and May as summer approaches. September sees families settled after summer moves.
Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead during shoulder seasons. You’ll find decent availability without peak summer prices.
Company Size Affects Availability
Different sized moving companies have different booking requirements.
National Van Lines
Large national companies like United Van Lines, Allied, and North American require 6 to 12 weeks advance booking during peak season. These companies have extensive networks but also high demand.
National carriers offer comprehensive services and strong accountability. They’re licensed for interstate moves and have resources to handle complex relocations. The tradeoff is less flexibility and longer booking windows.
Regional Moving Companies
Mid-sized regional movers often need 4 to 8 weeks advance booking. They service multi-state areas but don’t have the massive scale of national companies.
Regional movers often provide better personal service than national carriers. You might work with the same coordinator throughout your move. They typically offer more scheduling flexibility.
Local Moving Companies
Small local movers sometimes accommodate bookings with 1 to 2 weeks notice during off-peak times. They have smaller operations and can squeeze in jobs more easily.
However, the best local movers still book 4 to 6 weeks ahead in summer. Quality companies stay busy regardless of size.
According to ConsumerAffairs industry statistics, there were 16,851 moving services enterprises operating in 2023. This saturated market includes many small operators competing for business. Quality varies dramatically, making early research essential.
What to Do When Booking
Starting early means more than just reserving a date. Use this advance time wisely.
12-16 Weeks Before Moving
Begin researching moving companies. Build a list of 5 to 8 potential movers. Check their licenses and insurance. Read online reviews on multiple platforms.
For interstate moves, verify their USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. This confirms they’re legally licensed for interstate transportation.
8-12 Weeks Before Moving
Request quotes from at least three companies. Compare not just price but also services included. Some quotes include packing, others charge extra.
According to research, nearly 40% of people said their move cost more than expected. Hidden fees for stairs, long carries, specialty items, and insurance add up. Ask specifically about these potential charges.
Schedule virtual or in-home estimates for long-distance moves. Video estimates work well for small moves. Large or complex moves benefit from in-person assessments.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving
Book your chosen mover. Confirm all services in writing. Pay your deposit, which should never exceed 20% of the total estimated cost.
Read your contract completely. Understand cancellation policies. Know what happens if you need to change your move date.
Verify the deposit is refundable if circumstances change. Some companies keep deposits regardless of cancellation reason. Others refund deposits if you cancel with sufficient notice.
4 Weeks Before Moving
Confirm your move details with the company. Verify the date, time, and services. Ask about arrival window on moving day.
Start notifying utilities, updating addresses, and arranging time off work. The moving logistics are settled, letting you focus on other tasks.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Do a final confirmation call. Reconfirm the date and any special requirements. Ask about payment methods accepted.
Most movers want cash or certified check on delivery. Credit cards sometimes incur processing fees. Know payment expectations beforehand.
Last-Minute Moves: What to Do
Sometimes you need to move quickly. Job transfers, family emergencies, or unexpected lease issues don’t wait for ideal booking timelines.
Finding Last-Minute Movers
Call multiple companies immediately. Explain your situation. Some movers keep capacity for emergency moves.
Smaller local companies often accommodate last-minute moves more easily than large national chains. They have less bureaucracy and can make quick decisions.
Strategies for last-minute booking:
- Stay flexible on dates (mid-week and mid-month work best)
- Expand your search to include smaller companies
- Consider hybrid moves (rent truck, hire labor separately)
- Look at moving container services like PODS
- Be prepared to pay premium pricing
According to U-Pack, they can typically schedule moves with just a few days notice depending on location and equipment availability. However, this isn’t guaranteed during peak season.
Expect Higher Costs
Last-minute bookings cost more. Companies charge rush fees or simply quote higher rates when demand is immediate.
Budget an extra 20% to 40% above standard rates for moves booked within two weeks. This premium pays for the company’s scheduling flexibility and opportunity cost.
Verify Legitimacy Carefully
Rushed decisions lead to choosing bad movers. Take time to verify even when booking last-minute:
- Check their license and insurance
- Read recent online reviews
- Get a written estimate
- Verify their physical business address
- Ask for references
According to moveBuddha data, customer complaints about cancellations rose 250% in 2021 compared to 2019. Booking legitimate, reliable movers matters even more when you’re in a time crunch.
Red Flags When Booking
Watch for warning signs of problematic moving companies.
Immediate red flags:
- Refusing to provide written estimates
- Demanding large deposits (over 20%)
- No physical business address
- Cannot provide USDOT number for interstate moves
- Extremely low quotes (30%+ below competitors)
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Poor or no online reviews
- Arriving in unmarked rental trucks
Legitimate movers provide detailed written estimates. They answer questions thoroughly. They have proper insurance and licensing. They don’t pressure quick decisions.
Cost Implications of Booking Timing
When you book directly affects what you pay.
Early Booking Discounts
Many companies offer 5% to 15% discounts for bookings made 8+ weeks in advance. This rewards customers who help them plan schedules.
Ask about early booking discounts when requesting quotes. Some companies advertise these promotions, others offer them only if asked.
Last-Minute Premiums
Booking within 2 weeks often adds 15% to 30% to base prices. Some companies implement explicit rush fees. Others simply quote higher hourly rates or minimums.
According to industry data, the U.S. moving industry earned $23.1 billion in revenue in 2024, up 8.4% from the previous year. Part of this growth comes from increased pricing, including last-minute premiums.
Seasonal Pricing Differences
Summer rates run 20% to 40% higher than winter rates. Even with early booking, summer moves cost significantly more.
If you have any flexibility, consider moving in October, November, January, or February for lowest prices.
Special Considerations by Location
Where you’re moving affects booking timelines.
High-Cost Metro Areas
New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington D.C. need longer booking windows. Competition for movers is intense.
Add 2 to 3 weeks to standard timelines in these markets. A local summer move might need 8 to 10 weeks notice instead of 4 to 6.
College Towns
Areas with major universities see two massive moving periods: late August and late May. Students moving in and out flood the market.
If moving in a college town during these periods, book 8 to 12 weeks ahead even for local moves.
Rural Areas
Less populated areas have fewer moving companies. Limited competition means the available movers fill up despite lower overall demand.
Rural moves often need 6 to 8 weeks notice regardless of season. Fewer companies means less flexibility.
Questions to Ask When Booking
Use these questions to evaluate moving companies:
- What’s your USDOT number? (interstate moves)
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What’s included in your quote?
- What additional fees might apply?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- Is the deposit refundable?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- What’s your claims process for damaged items?
- Can you provide references from recent moves?
- What happens if my items don’t fit in one truck?
- What’s the delivery window for long-distance moves?
- Do you have minimum charge requirements?
Get answers in writing when possible. Verbal promises mean nothing without documentation.
Conclusion
Book local moves 2 to 8 weeks in advance depending on season. Schedule long-distance moves 8 to 12 weeks ahead. International relocations need 12 to 16 weeks minimum advance booking.
Peak summer season (May-September) requires the longest advance booking. Off-peak winter months (October-April) offer more flexibility with 2 to 4 week booking windows.
Early booking provides better mover selection, lower costs, preferred dates, and reduced stress. The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime according to industry statistics. Making each move smooth starts with booking at the right time.
Start researching movers as soon as you know you’re relocating, even before you have a confirmed date. Contact companies 8 to 12 weeks before your target move date. Get multiple quotes. Compare services thoroughly. Book your chosen mover 6 to 8 weeks out.
Following these timelines ensures you get quality movers at fair prices with your preferred moving dates. The small effort of early planning prevents last-minute stress and expensive rush fees.
