How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers to Get the Best Price?

Booking early can be the easiest way to save on your move, but how early is early enough? When it's time to book movers, booking early can mean more competitive rates and greater availability. But booking early comes with challenges. You might not know your preferred moving date that far ahead of time, or you might need to do some more planning closer to the date to figure out how many boxes you'll have.

Waiting until the last minute could mean limited availability, but how far in advance should I book movers? Keep reading to learn about optimal booking windows for off-peak, tail-end, and peak moving seasons.

Why Timing Matters for Moving Costs

Why is there a best time to book movers? When you book your moving services, it can have an impact on the moving process. 

To start, demand fluctuates throughout the year. It's busiest during peak moving seasons, such as spring and summer, and least busy around the end of the year, including near the holidays. Not only are these seasons busier (spring and summer), which may mean less availability when hiring professional movers, but rates may also be higher.

Muscular Moving Men are professional movers with experience in every moving season. We recommend planning your move 3 to 6 months ahead for long distance moves (including cross-state or cross-country moves), and 4 to 6 weeks ahead for local moves.

Booking Windows by Move Type

Let's take a closer look at moving company booking windows by type and moving rates by season.

• Long-distance moves: For a cross-country or cross-state move, schedule your moving company well in advance. We suggest planning 3 to 6 months ahead of your move, as moving companies typically require additional time for these moves and therefore need to reserve more of their crew.
• Local or short-haul moves: If you're moving within the same city or a longer distance within the same state (an intrastate move), you won't need to book reputable movers as far in advance. Usually, 4 to 6 weeks is fine. 
• Peak season (May to September): During the peak summer season, it's a good idea to book your move as early as possible. This can help ensure a stress-free move, as you're more likely to secure lower rates and greater flexibility in choosing your move date. This season, increased demand is making it more challenging to find movers if you don't book early.
• Off-season (October to April): While booking weeks or months in advance is still a good idea in the off-season, you have more flexibility here. Even last-minute moves can be more affordable than they are in the summer months.

How Early Booking Saves You Money and Stress

Whether you're planning cross-country or local moves, booking early can save you money and stress. It means you'll have less to worry about during the relocation process, especially as your moving day gets closer. Full-service movers will have more time to plan logistics, and you'll likely get a better rate. You're also more likely to get your desired date.

Booking reputable movers at the last minute is likely to lead to charges for any additional services required. This includes specialty services, such as storage solutions or packing supplies. This includes same-day bookings or bookings made less than two weeks in advance. For long-distance relocations and interstate moves, last-minute bookings might not be possible.

There are other key factors that make booking early a great idea. It's easier to stay organized when packing if you have more flexibility in choosing your moving window. You can easily schedule movers and other services, such as utility crews, when additional booking windows are available.

If you're moving to start a new job or simply moving into a new home, the less stress you have ahead of moving day, the better. Muscular Moving Men can deploy more flexible crews when booked early, plus additional packing and storage support.

What Happens If You Book Too Late?

If you book an intrastate move too late, you'll likely face higher rates. However, you may also be facing limited availability of movers. This is even more likely for interstate moves.

You may also incur rush fees or receive a suboptimal slot assignment, which can make moving day more stressful. You may also have fewer options for bundling additional services, such as packing, storage, and insurance, which may be available with early scheduling.

If you know you'll need additional resources, such as full-service movers to help you pack, it makes sense to book early to ensure these services are available.

How to Book Early With Muscular Moving Men

The best way to save money and reduce stress is to book early. If possible, book your movers weeks or even months ahead. You'll have less stress leading up to moving day, knowing everything is set.

The first step in the moving timeline is getting a quote. To get a quote from Muscular Moving Men, you can fill out our online form or give us a call. Let us know your preferred moving window, between 6 and 12 weeks ahead. Then you'll receive a binding quote and the availability of our moving crews, along with any additional services available.

Our Phoenix team can handle last-minute bookings. But our top Phoenix mover availability and best pricing are for early planners.

Booking movers should be at the very top of your to-do list ahead of your move. Getting a quote early has many benefits, from more availability to better rates.

How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers?

Figuring out how early to hire movers doesn't have to be a guessing game. Booking local moving companies at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, and movers for a cross-state or cross-country move 3 to 6 months ahead, will let you secure the best rates and get your preferred moving date with your choice of moving companies.

Give Muscular Moving Men a Call Today

Now that you know when to schedule a move, it's time to get booking. Muscular Moving Men’s transparent pricing and proactive scheduling mean no surprises on moving day.Want to lock in the best price and date for your move? Let Muscular Moving Men help — book early, bundle smart, and enjoy a stress-free move with our Phoenix movers. Request your quote now by calling (877) 434-8668!