UBCNews - Business - What's the Best Time To Move Home? Season, Day & Hour Planning Tips From Pros

Episode Date: January 19, 2026

Hey everyone, welcome back! So here's a stat that might surprise you - over 45 million Americans move annually. That's a lot of boxes and stress, right? Got2Move City: San Francisco Address: 801 Avenue H Website: https://got2move.com/

Hey everyone, welcome back. So here's a stat that might surprise you. Over 45 million Americans move annually. That's a lot of boxes and stress, right? Absolutely. And here's the thing. About 60% of those moves happen between May and October. Everyone's cramming into the same window,

which drives up costs and competition. Exactly. So today we're digging into something really practical, how timing your move can save you money and headaches. We're talking season. days of the week, even the hour you start. Right, and proper planning makes all the difference. I remember helping a friend move last summer on a Saturday afternoon,

and it was chaos, expensive, hard to book, and we were melting in the heat. Oh, I can picture that. So let's start broad. What's the best season to plan a move? Well, if you want to save money, aim for November through April. That's the off season for moving. Demand drops, so prices drop too. two, we're talking potential savings of up to 30% compared to peak summer rates.

30%? That's significant. Definitely. January and February are often the cheapest months. Plus, you get easier booking, more flexible scheduling, and your pick of reputable companies. During summer, the good movers are booked solid. Makes sense. But what if you have to move during peak season, say June, July, or August? Then you need to plan ahead. Book 8 to 12. weeks in advance and try targeting midweek mid-month dates. Those peak months see costs jump by 20 to 30 percent, so every strategy helps. Right, right. So narrowing down from seasons, what about the day of the week? Great question. Weekends are generally the most expensive days to move due to higher demand.

If you can swing it, move Monday through Thursday, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Why those days specifically? Lower demand means lower prices and easier sketch. Plus, you finish midweek and have the whole weekend ahead to unpack and settle in. It's a win on three fronts, cost, availability, and convenience. Mm-hmm. That makes sense. And I suppose those midweek dates also mean the movers themselves are less rushed? Exactly.

They're not juggling multiple jobs back-to-back like they do on Saturdays. You actually get more attention and better service. That point about mid-week flexibility sets up our next piece. the actual hour of the day. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Planning a move in California? Got to Move was founded in 2004 as a professional moving crew in San Francisco.

They've since become one of the most reputable moving companies in California, specializing in long-distance moves between San Francisco and L.A. And between the Bay Area and San Diego. Their experienced team handles packing, loading, and safe transport to help you achieve a smooth, stress-free relocation. Learn more at got to move.com. Picking up on that mid-week flexibility, how do you handle the actual start time of your move? Early morning is king. Starting around 7 here I am is ideal. You get cooler temperatures, less traffic, and everyone's energy levels are fresh.

And I'm guessing an earlier start means an earlier finish. Exactly. The earlier you begin, the sooner you're done. That gives you time. to unpack or just relax after a long day. Plus, uh, you avoid the afternoon heat if you're moving in summer. Nobody wants to carry a couch up three flights of stairs at noon in July. Huh. Yeah. That sounds like a special kind of misery. Now, you mentioned cost savings throughout this conversation. How do moving companies actually price their services? For local moves, it's typically hourly. They factor in the size of your home, the number of items, whether you need packing services and logistical details like elevators or stairs.

Most moving companies typically charge a minimum number of hours, so even a shorter move might incur charges for that minimum duration. I see. Go on. So the key is efficiency. Are there ways to keep those hours down? Absolutely. Declutter before packing, especially for long-distance moves where you're charged by weight.

Pack small items in boxes, not bags, to save time and prevent damage. Disassemble furniture that won't fit through doorways ahead of time. Those are really practical tips. Have you thought about mid-month moves versus end of month? Oh, great point. Moving mid-month is often cheaper. The beginning and end of the month are peak times

because that's when most rental leases turn over. If your schedule allows avoid those windows, it's the same principle we talked about earlier. Timing around demand. Right. We've covered a lot. off-season savings, weekday moves, morning starts, and cost factors. What else should people prepare to make moving day efficient?

Create a detailed timeline and pack an essentials box for your first night. Toiletries, chargers, snacks, that kind of thing. Moving costs can vary significantly with long-distance moves often ranging from a few thousand to $10,000 or more. And proper planning can help reduce these figures. In other words, planning ahead is how you control costs that cannot be overstated. And I assume getting multiple estimates helps too? Definitely. Get at least three quotes from reputable movers.

That way you can compare prices, services, and negotiate better rates. Remember, the optimal time for your specific move depends on your location, weather, budget, family needs, and work schedule. That's the key takeaway. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but timing strategically can save you serious money and stress. Thanks for breaking this down with us today. My pleasure. Happy moving, everyone.