It's peak moving season — here's how you can avoid summer price hikes
Moving company prices are on the rise for summer. These summer moving tips can help you save money on relocation costs.
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Summer is the best and worst time of year to move . It's the most popular season for relocation, with nearly 45% of all moves in the U.S. happening between May and August, according to MoveBuddha , an online resource for moving information and planning. Families usually choose summer to avoid disrupting the school year, the weather is ideal, and many rental leases turn over at the end of spring or early fall. But high demand comes at a cost. Summer moves are typically more expensive, less flexible, and harder to book than those scheduled during slower seasons.
It's also one of the busiest times of year for real estate. More homes are listed and sold between May and August than at any other time of the year. As a result, more buyers and sellers are on the move during these months, creating higher demand for moving companies nationwide.
At the same time, prices are rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , transportation services, which include moving-related costs, increased at a rate of 2.5% over the past year. Combined with summer's peak demand, this hike adds extra pressure to rising rates.
If you're planning a move this summer, you're not out of luck. These summer moving tips can help lower your relocation costs and possibly better manage some of the stress associated with relocating during the busiest time of year.
How to save money on a summer move
Call the best moving company near you to schedule an upcoming move
Schedule your move as early as possible
Wondering how to move in summer without spending a fortune? One of the best ways to save is to schedule it as soon as you can. Moving companies fill up fast, especially around the beginning and end of the month and holiday weekends. For example, one of the best Minneapolis moving companies , The Move Crew , recommends booking your move three to five weeks out. The company stresses this is especially true when your moving needs to take place toward the end or start of the month.
"While we do our best to accommodate last-minute moves, it always helps to plan ahead when possible," The Move Crew website states.
Aloha Movers , a San Diego-based moving company, recommends booking at least eight weeks in advance to secure your preferred moving date and ensure your specific moving needs are met.
Choose a date in the middle of the week or month
According to the American Trucking Association , moving in the middle of the week or month can be more cost-effective than other times. Many companies charge different rates for weekdays and weekends. For example, Ontrack Moving Company Hayward , one of the best movers in Fremont, Calif. charges $235 for a four-person crew Monday to Friday and $245 on weekends. A representative from Ontrack noted that "the last Saturday of the month is most expensive — everybody wants to move then."
Know the difference between binding and non-binding estimates
Many companies offer binding or non-binding estimates . You want a binding estimate, which essentially locks in your quoted price unless something major changes (like adding large items or traveling a longer distance).
Get multiple moving estimates
Two men move items into a moving van during a residential move
Here at Yahoo Local, one thing we know well is that prices vary widely between moving companies. To make sure you get the best rate, call at least three moving companies and get a detailed breakdown of charges like labor, fuel, packing supplies, stair/elevator fees and valuation coverage. It should also include additional fees for travel, time or the moving truck.
Steer clear of moving brokers
The internet is one of the easiest and best ways to find a great moving company near you. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some may actually be moving brokers, not moving companies. Moving brokers outsource your move to a third party , which can cause unexpected changes to pricing and services. Always check with your mover to confirm who will be on site to perform your move. You should also check their license using the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) number.
Read online reviews from sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) , Yelp, Google and Angi. Look for key themes that discuss timeliness, communication and costs to help get a better understanding of the company.
Don't be afraid to ask about discounts
Some movers, like Marathon Moving Services , one of the best Virginia Beach movers , offer a 5% discount to military members. Others like Jay Moore Moving , one of the top-rated Greenville, S.C. movers, provide 10% discounts to military, veterans, teachers and healthcare workers. You can find promotional information on the moving company's website or ask about it when you call to schedule a move.
Get your space ready for movers to avoid delays
A woman tapes up a moving box
Many moving companies charge by the hour for labor. One of the easiest ways to save money on your upcoming move is to prep your space before the movers arrive.
Label all of your boxes clearly, group them by room and stack them as close to your doorways as possible so that the crew can access them quickly and efficiently. Additionally, make sure to disassemble furniture, unplug any appliances you're bringing with you and set aside fragile items that need special handling.
If you are moving to or from an apartment or condo, check with building management to find out whether you need to reserve an elevator or loading zone. You should also check whether the moving truck requires a temporary parking permit. All of these things can cause delays, adding more time to your move.
Consider a hybrid move
You also have the option of a hybrid move, which means doing the packing yourself and driving, and only hiring movers for the heavy items. This isn't uncommon, as many movers like Sebastian Moving and More , one of the best Orlando moving companies , provide labor-only services. Just keep in mind that most movers have a minimum requirement of two to three hours for all jobs. Some people opt to rent a moving truck or portable storage container and hire professional movers for loading and unloading. This gives you more control over the amount of labor you need, and, in turn, helps you stay within your moving budget .
Summer moving FAQs
A family carries moving boxes on a summer day
What's thebusiest time in summer to move?
June 1 to 30 are the most popular summer moving dates, according to MoveBuddha. Summer is a popular time to move because school is out, the weather conditions are generally better than winter, home sales tick up and leases end. While the timing may be ideal for your schedule, expect higher prices and less availability.
How far in advance should I book movers in the summer?
Aim to book your move at least four to eight weeks in advance during summer. The earlier you schedule, the more likely you are to get your preferred moving date and price.
Is it cheaper to move during the week?
Typically, yes. It's not uncommon for moving companies to charge lower rates for weekday moves compared to weekends. Mid-month moves can also be more affordable than scheduling at the beginning or end of the month.
What's the difference between a moving company and a broker?
A moving company handles your move directly. A broker arranges your move with a third party, which may lead to pricing changes or unclear communication if not properly disclosed.
Can I save money by packing myself?
Yes, packing up your own belongings vs. hiring professional packers is one way to reduce your moving costs. Some movers also charge for disassembling furniture, so preparing your space ahead of time can help reduce labor costs.
