What Is the Best Day of the Week to Move? How It Affects Your Cost

Why Mid-Week Is Best

Moving on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is usually better than competing for the most popular Friday and weekend slots.

Here’s what that can mean for your move:

• Cost: You may find lower rates when fewer people are trying to book the same day.
• Crew and start time: You’re more likely to have a choice about when you move instead of taking whatever time slot is still available.
• Traffic and parking: A well-timed weekday move can avoid some of the congestion that comes with busy Fridays and weekends.
• Building access: Property managers, maintenance staff, and elevator technicians are more likely to be available during regular business hours.
• Backup options: If weather or another delay changes your plans, finding another opening may be easier than it would be on a packed weekend.

If you have some flexibility with work, school, childcare, or other commitments, a midweek move can give you more choice and make the day easier to schedule.

How the Day of the Week Affects Your Moving Cost

Moving companies have a limited number of crews, trucks, and start times available, so on busier days, rates may be higher, and the more affordable crews tend to book first.

This is especially important for local moves, where movers often charge by the hour. Traffic, difficult parking, or delays getting into the building can all add time to the job, too. Long-distance pricing depends more heavily on distance and shipment size, but demand can still affect pickup options and availability.

HireAHelper lets you compare upfront prices from vetted local movers before you commit, making it easy for you to see how shifting your move a day or two affects the costs. Rates vary by location, move size, service type, and date, but the HireAHelper Moving Cost Calculator can help you estimate the cost.

Is It Cheaper To Move on a Weekday?

Yes, moving on a weekday is often cheaper than moving on a weekend. Lower demand can mean a better hourly rate, but it can also mean you have more reasonably priced crews to choose from before they book up.

Typically, a Wednesday or Thursday is cheaper, but it isn’t a guarantee. Prices still depend on where you’re moving, the time of year, the size of the job, and the help you need. It’s worth checking a few dates close together to see whether shifting your move by a day or two makes a real difference.

Which Days To Avoid and Why

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and sometimes Monday are usually the hardest days to book if you’re trying to keep costs down.

Here’s what to expect:

• Friday: It’s a popular choice for people who want the weekend to unpack, so crews can fill up quickly. Afternoon traffic may also slow an hourly move.
• Saturday: This is often the busiest moving day, which can mean higher rates and fewer start times to choose from.
• Sunday: Demand may be lower than Saturday, but fewer crews may be working. Building offices, elevator support, and other services may also have limited hours.
• Monday: It can be busier than the middle of the week because some people extend the weekend or need to coordinate around a lease or closing date.

If You Have To Move on a Weekend

A weekend move is sometimes the only realistic option, especially when work, school, childcare, lease dates, or travel limit your choices. In that case, book as early as you can so you have more crews and start times to compare.

A few ways to keep the day manageable and avoid paying more than necessary:

• Price both Saturday and Sunday: Don’t assume one will automatically be cheaper. Rates and crew availability can vary by mover, location, and date.
• Ask for the first appointment: An early start is less likely to be pushed back by another job and may help you avoid traffic or hotter weather.
• Check the weekends on either side: Moving one week earlier or later could open up better prices and more choices.
• Confirm building access: Reserve elevators, loading areas, and parking ahead of time, especially if the office keeps shorter weekend hours.
• Have everything ready to go: Packing, labeling, and clearing walkways before the crew arrives can help keep an hourly move on track.
• Compare the full price: Look at minimum hours, travel charges, weekend fees, crew size, and start time along with the hourly rate.

The lowest hourly rate doesn’t always lead to the lowest total cost. A crew with a shorter minimum, less travel time, or an earlier start could leave you with the smaller bill.

Bonus Timing Tips: Day of the Month and Time of Day

The day of the week can make a difference, but it’s not the only part of your schedule to think about. Moving mid-month and booking an early-morning start can give you more options and help the day feel a little less rushed.

Does the Day of the Month Matter?

Yes, moving in the middle of the month, usually between the 10th and 20th, can be cheaper and easier to book. Many leases begin or end around the first or last day of the month, so demand tends to climb during those periods.

A mid-month date may give you more crews and start times to choose from. It can also make it easier to reserve elevators, loading areas, and rental trucks, especially in a busy apartment building.

What Time of Day Is Best To Move?

Early morning is usually the best time to move. The crew is starting its first job, the weather may be cooler, and there’s less chance that an earlier move will delay your start.

Morning moves can also help you finish before afternoon traffic or summer heat sets in. For an apartment or condo, check the building’s approved move-in hours first, since the earliest available slot may not always be the earliest one movers offer.

Long-distance moves work a little differently because you may receive a pickup window rather than a firm arrival time. The driver may be coordinating several stops along the route, so traffic, weather, and earlier pickups can affect the schedule. Ask how long the pickup window is, when you’ll receive an updated arrival time, and whether you can request the first pickup of the day.