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The Cheapest Time of Year to Move Across the Country
January through March is the cheapest window, saving 30-40% vs summer rates. June through August is the most expensive. Mid-week, mid-month moves save an additional 10-20%.
Month-by-Month Moving Cost Index
January
Very Low demand
-35%
Cheapest
February
Very Low demand
-35%
Cheapest
March
Low demand
-25%
Very Good
April
Moderate demand
-10%
Good
May
High demand
+15%
Pricey
June
Peak demand
+35%
Most Expensive
July
Peak demand
+40%
Most Expensive
August
Peak demand
+35%
Most Expensive
September
Moderate demand
-5%
Moderate
October
Low demand
-20%
Good
November
Low demand
-25%
Very Good
December
Low demand
-20%
Good
Percentage relative to annual average cost. Summer peak represents 30-40% premium over January-February base rates.
January - March
-30 to -40%
Post-holiday lull. Demand is almost entirely job-relocations. Trucks and containers are sitting idle. Companies offer best rates. Weather risk is the only trade-off.
Apr - May, Sep - Dec
-5 to -20%
Moderate shoulder season. Good availability without winter risk. October and November are particularly good: mild weather, 20-25% below peak, strong truck availability.
June - August
+30 to +40%
School-aligned families dominate the market. Roughly 70% of all residential moves happen in this window. Demand overwhelms supply. Book 8-10 weeks ahead and expect 30-40% above the annual average rate.
Additional Timing Factors
Day of Week
Weekend moves (Friday-Sunday) cost 15-25% more than weekday moves for truck rentals because consumers almost universally prefer weekends. Tuesday through Thursday are the cheapest days.
Mon
Low
Tue
Lowest
Wed
Lowest
Thu
Low
Fri
High
Sat
Highest
Sun
High
Day of Month
The last 3 days and first 3 days of any month carry a 10-20% premium because most leases expire on the last day of the month. The 10th-20th of any month is the sweet spot: fewer movers competing for trucks and moving companies.
The Optimal Timing Formula
Combining all three timing factors gives the maximum possible discount:
Combined savings vs a Saturday peak-summer move: up to 50-55% less in total cost.