You’ve got a move coming up. Maybe you just signed a lease, closed on a house, or got a job transfer. Now you’re wondering: when should I actually book movers?
It’s a fair question. Book too early and you’re locked in when plans might change. Book too late and you’re scrambling to find anyone available, probably paying premium rates for whoever’s left.
The short answer? For most moves, 2-4 weeks ahead is the sweet spot. But like everything with moving, it depends on your situation. If you’re moving during peak season or need a Moving company fort collins during summer when everyone’s relocating, you’ll want even more lead time.
Let’s break down exactly when you should book based on your specific move.
What You'll Discover:
The Basic Timeline (Most Moves)
2-4 weeks in advance works for typical local moves during regular times of year.
This gives you enough time to:
- Get quotes from 3-4 companies
- Compare prices and services
- Read reviews and check credentials
- Secure your preferred date and time
- Do not pay rush fees or premium rates
It’s also short enough that your plans probably won’t change dramatically. You’re not booking three months out and then having closing dates shift or leases get extended.
Think of it like booking a restaurant reservation. A few weeks out and you’ve got a decent selection. Last minute, and you’re taking whatever’s available.
Peak Season Moves (May-September)
Summer is moving season. Everyone’s doing it:
- Families moving between school years
- College students relocating
- People closing on houses
- Renters switching apartments
If you’re moving between Memorial Day and Labor Day, bump your booking timeline to 4-8 weeks ahead. Some people even book 8-12 weeks for July and August moves.
Why so early?
Good moving companies book up fast during the summer. Wait until two weeks before your August 1st move, and you might find:
- Your top choices are fully booked
- Available companies charging peak rates
- Only sketchy operators with bad reviews left
- Having to move on a Tuesday because weekends are gone
We’re not saying book six months ahead. But if you know you’re moving in July, start getting quotes in May or early June.
Last-Minute Moves (Under 2 Weeks)
Life happens. Sometimes you need to move now.
Can you book movers with less than two weeks’ notice? Yes. Will it be ideal? Probably not.
Here’s what changes with short notice:
- Limited availability – Good companies are often booked. You’re choosing from whoever has openings.
- Higher prices – Some companies charge rush fees. Others just have less competitive pricing when they know you’re desperate.
- Weekday moves – Weekend slots fill first. Short notice often means moving on a Thursday.
- Less prep time – You’re rushing to pack, which leads to disorganization and potential damage.
- Fewer quotes – You don’t have time to compare 4-5 companies. You’re taking what you can get.
That said, it’s doable. Smaller local moving companies often have more flexibility than big national chains. Mid-week moves in off-season months (October-April) are easier to book on short notice.
If you’re in a bind, start calling immediately. Be flexible on timing. Ask about last-minute availability specifically.
Long-Distance Moves (Different Rules)
Moving across state lines or across the country? Different ballgame.
Book 6-12 weeks in advance for long-distance moves.
Why so much longer?
Long-distance movers work on scheduled routes. They’re coordinating multiple shipments, truck routes, and logistics across hundreds or thousands of miles. Your stuff might share truck space with other people’s belongings.
They need more lead time to:
- Schedule your move into their route system
- Coordinate pick-up and delivery windows
- Arrange for crews on both ends
- Book a truck and driver availability
Plus, long-distance moves cost way more. You want time to get multiple quotes, check companies thoroughly, and potentially negotiate.
Booking last-minute for cross-country moves usually means paying whatever someone asks because options are limited.
Moving During Specific Times
Some dates are harder to book than others:
- End of month – Most leases end on the 30th or 31st. The last weekend of any month books up fast. If possible, move mid-month when demand drops.
- First of month – Same issue. Everyone’s lease starts on the 1st. Book extra early if you must move on these dates.
- Holidays – Moving companies often don’t work major holidays or charge premium rates. Book way ahead if you need to move near Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holidays.
- College move-in – If you live in a college town, move-in weekends are chaos. Book 8-12 weeks ahead or avoid those specific dates entirely.
- Fridays and Saturdays – Weekends book first. If you can move on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll have more choices and often better prices.
Size of Your Move Matters
- Studio or 1-bedroom – These are quick jobs for movers. Often 2-4 hours total. Easier to squeeze into schedules, so 2-3 weeks notice usually works even in summer.
- 2-3 bedroom house – Full day jobs. Need 3-4 weeks notice, more in peak season.
- 4+ bedroom or whole house – Might take multiple days or require larger crews. Book 4-6 weeks minimum, especially for summer moves.
- Just moving a few items – Some companies do small moves or single-item transport. These are often easier to book short notice since they can fit between bigger jobs.
What Happens If You Book Too Early?
Booking months and months ahead creates its own problems:
- Plans change – Closing dates shift. Leases get extended. Job start dates move. You might end up canceling or rescheduling, which can cost money.
- Pricing changes – Some companies adjust rates seasonally. Lock in too early and you might miss price drops (or avoid increases, depending).
- Company issues – A lot can happen in several months. Companies go out of business, get bought out, or develop bad reputations after you’ve paid a deposit.
- You forget details – Book in March for a July move, and by July, you’ve forgotten what you agreed to or what’s included.
For most moves, booking more than 8-12 weeks ahead doesn’t add much benefit and increases the chance your plans change.
Red Flags When Booking
However far ahead you book, watch for these warning signs:
No availability months out – If a company is supposedly booked solid three months in advance, they’re either wildly popular or lying. Get other quotes.
Pressure to book immediately – “This is our last slot” tactics when you called for a first quote. Real companies don’t need to pressure you.
Cash-only deposits – Legitimate companies take cards or checks. Cash-only is often a scam indicator.
No on-site or virtual estimate – They quote you over the phone without seeing what you’re moving. Recipe for disputes later.
Price seems too good – If they’re quoting half what three other companies bid, something’s wrong.
How to Actually Book
Once you know your timeline, here’s the process:
Step 1: Get quotes from 3-5 companies. In-person or virtual walk-throughs are best.
Step 2: Compare not just price but also reviews, insurance, and what’s included.
Step 3: Ask questions about timing, crew size, insurance coverage, and extra fees.
Step 4: Read the contract before signing. Understand cancellation policies.
Step 5: Pay a deposit (usually 10-25% of the total cost) to secure your date.
Step 6: Get written confirmation of your moving date, time window, and services.
Don’t just go with whoever answers the phone first. Do your research. The cheapest option often isn’t the best value.
Our Recommendation
Here’s what we tell most people:
Normal local move: Book 3-4 weeks ahead. Start getting quotes around 4-5 weeks out.
Summer peak season: Book 6-8 weeks ahead. Start shopping 8-10 weeks out.
Long-distance: Book 8-12 weeks ahead. Get quotes starting 10-14 weeks out.
Off-season mid-week: Even 2 weeks can work, but why stress yourself? A month ahead is still smart.
Emergency move: Call today. Be flexible. Expect to pay more.
The key is giving yourself enough time to make a good decision without overthinking it for months. Most moving company bookings happen 3-6 weeks before the actual move date.
Start there, adjust based on your specific situation, and you’ll be fine.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to book movers the day after you sign your lease. But don’t wait until two days before the truck needs to show up either.
A month or so ahead covers most situations. More if it’s summer or long-distance. Less if it’s November and you’re moving to a studio apartment on a Wednesday.
The real mistake isn’t booking exactly X weeks ahead. It’s waiting until you’re stressed and desperate, then taking whatever you can get.
Give yourself options. Compare prices. Read reviews. Make a decision without panic.
That’s how you get good movers at fair prices who actually show up when they say they will.
