When you move matters almost as much as how you move. The month you choose affects your moving costs by 20–40%, mover availability, weather risks, and even the housing deals you can find. This guide breaks down every month of the year so you can pick the ideal time for your move — whether you're optimizing for cost, convenience, or weather.
Moving Seasons Overview
The moving industry has clear seasonal patterns. Understanding them helps you plan smarter:
- Peak season: May through September (highest demand, highest prices, earliest booking required)
- Shoulder season: April and October (moderate demand, reasonable prices, good weather in most regions)
- Off-peak season: November through March (lowest demand, lowest prices, most availability, weather risks)
- Within any month: End-of-month is busier and more expensive than mid-month
- Within any week: Weekends are busier and more expensive than weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday is cheapest)
January
Cost & Demand
January is one of the cheapest months to move. Holiday spending has left most people broke, and very few leases turn over in January. Movers are hungry for work, so you'll find the best rates and the most flexible scheduling of the year. Expect to save 25–35% compared to peak summer rates.
Weather Considerations
The downside: weather. In the northern half of the U.S., January means snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This creates real risks — slippery walkways, frozen truck hydraulics, and road closures. Southern and western states are fine. If you're moving in the Midwest or Northeast, have a weather backup plan and expect movers to work slower on icy surfaces.
Verdict
Great for: budget-conscious moves in warm climates, flexible timelines. Avoid if: moving in snow-heavy regions without flexibility to reschedule.
February
Cost & Demand
Similar to January — low demand, great prices. February is the shortest month and one of the least popular for moving. You'll have excellent mover availability and strong negotiating power. Rates remain 20–30% below peak.
Weather Considerations
Still winter in most of the country. February can bring the worst winter storms. However, days are getting slightly longer, and in the South and Southwest, February weather is mild and pleasant — an excellent time to move in Florida, Texas, Arizona, or California.
Verdict
Great for: Sun Belt moves. Maximum savings. Avoid if: Midwest or Northeast without schedule flexibility.
March
Cost & Demand
March starts the transition toward busier season. Spring break and early lease turnovers start adding demand, but prices are still well below summer rates (15–25% savings). Early March is better than late March.
Weather Considerations
Highly unpredictable. March can deliver spring warmth, late snowstorms, heavy rain, and mud season depending on your region. The good news: severe winter storms are becoming less likely, and days are notably longer.
Verdict
Great for: early planners who want good rates without deep-winter risks. Solid all-around month.
April
Cost & Demand
April is the sweet spot for many movers. Weather is improving, prices haven't hit summer highs yet, and availability is still reasonable. Expect 10–20% savings compared to peak. College students haven't flooded the market yet.
Weather Considerations
Spring weather: warm but rainy. April showers are real. Rain doesn't cancel a move, but it slows things down and requires extra protection for furniture and boxes. Have tarps and plastic sheeting ready.
Verdict
Great for: Best balance of cost, weather, and availability. Often recommended as the best month to move overall.
NEM's flat-rate pricing means you don't pay more if rain slows your movers down. The price you see is the price you pay, rain or shine.
May
Cost & Demand
Peak season begins. College graduates, teachers, and families start moving. Prices jump 10–15% compared to April, and popular dates (especially weekends and month-end) start booking up fast. Reserve movers at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Weather Considerations
Generally great weather nationally. Late spring warmth without summer extremes. Tornado season peaks in the central U.S. — monitor weather alerts if moving in Tornado Alley.
Verdict
Great for: Pleasant moving weather. Book early to avoid the price surge that accelerates into June.
June
Cost & Demand
Full peak season. School is out, families are moving, and demand is at its highest. Expect to pay 20–30% more than off-peak rates. Movers book up 3–4 weeks in advance, and last-minute availability is scarce. This is the most expensive month alongside July and August.
Weather Considerations
Warm to hot across the country. Long days mean more working hours. Heat can be a factor for movers — expect slower work in extreme heat (95°F+). Stay hydrated and keep the crew hydrated.
Verdict
If you must move in June, book as early as possible and consider mid-week dates. The 15th of June is dramatically cheaper than the 30th.
July
Cost & Demand
Peak of peak. July is statistically the busiest moving month in the U.S. Independence Day week is a slight exception (some movers take the 4th off), but the rest of the month is slammed. Highest prices of the year.
Weather Considerations
Extreme heat in the South, Southwest, and parts of the Midwest. Temperatures above 100°F are common in Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, and Las Vegas. Afternoon thunderstorms are daily events in Florida and the Southeast. Moving in extreme heat is physically dangerous — start early (7 AM) and provide shade, cold water, and breaks.
Verdict
The most expensive and busiest month. Avoid if possible. If unavoidable, book 4+ weeks out and request the earliest morning slot.
August
Cost & Demand
Still peak season, especially the last week. August 31 / September 1 is the single busiest moving period in cities like New York and Boston due to college move-ins and September 1 lease starts. Prices remain at or near summer highs.
Weather Considerations
Hot, humid, and stormy. Hurricane season peaks in August–September for the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Keep an eye on tropical weather if moving in Florida, the Carolinas, or Texas Gulf Coast. Heat-related moving delays are common.
Verdict
Extremely busy, especially late August. If possible, move in the first or second week. Avoid August 28–September 2 at all costs in college towns and major East Coast cities.
September
Cost & Demand
September starts hot (literally and figuratively) but cools down quickly. The first week mirrors August's chaos, but by mid-September, demand drops sharply. Prices decrease 10–20% from summer peaks. Great deals start appearing after Labor Day.
Weather Considerations
Transition month. Warm in the South, cooling in the North. Hurricane season is still active through late September. By mid-month, most of the country enjoys comfortable moving weather.
Verdict
Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to move. Summer crowds thin out, prices drop, and weather is comfortable. Highly recommended.
October
Cost & Demand
Off-peak begins. October offers fall rates that are 15–25% below summer prices. Mover availability is excellent, and you can often get your preferred date and time. One of the best months for value.
Weather Considerations
Beautiful weather in most of the country. Cool, crisp days ideal for physical work. Early snow possible in the northern Rockies and upper Midwest, but generally low weather risk.
Verdict
One of the best months to move overall. Good prices, great weather, easy scheduling. If you have flexibility, aim for October.
November
Cost & Demand
Deep off-peak. Few people want to move during Thanksgiving month. Prices are 20–30% below peak, and movers have open schedules. Avoid moving during Thanksgiving week itself — many movers take time off, and those who don't may charge holiday rates.
Weather Considerations
Early winter weather arrives in the North. Rain, early snow, and shorter days limit working hours. Southern states remain mild. November is still manageable in most markets, but have a weather contingency plan.
Verdict
Great for budget movers willing to deal with shorter days and weather risks. Avoid Thanksgiving week.
December
Cost & Demand
The cheapest month to move, alongside January. Nobody wants to move during the holidays. Movers offer rock-bottom rates and maximum flexibility. If you can handle moving during the holiday season, December delivers the best prices of the year.
Weather Considerations
Full winter conditions in most of the country. Snow, ice, and short days are major factors. Moving in December in the Sun Belt (Florida, Texas, Arizona, Southern California) is ideal — you get December prices with mild weather.
Verdict
Best prices of the year. Ideal for warm-climate moves. Challenging in cold-weather states. Avoid the week between Christmas and New Year's — mover availability drops.
Summary: Best and Worst Months to Move
- Cheapest months: December, January, February
- Best value (price + weather balance): April, September, October
- Best weather: May, June, September, October
- Most expensive months: June, July, August
- Hardest to book: July, late August, end-of-month dates
- Best day of the week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Best day of the month: 10th–20th (avoid 1st and 28th–31st)
No matter when you move, NEM's flat-rate pricing keeps things predictable. No seasonal surcharges, no end-of-month penalties. Same transparent pricing year-round. Get your instant quote at the-nem.com.
How to Save Money Regardless of When You Move
- Book as early as possible — even in off-peak months, early booking helps
- Choose a mid-week, mid-month date whenever possible
- Declutter aggressively to reduce the load
- Pack yourself to eliminate packing service charges
- Use a flat-rate moving service to avoid hourly overruns
- Be flexible with your time window — afternoon slots are often cheaper than morning
- Consider labor-only if you have access to a truck
Book Your Move with NEM
Whether you're moving in peak July or budget-friendly February, NEM makes booking simple. Instant upfront pricing, same-day availability in 12+ cities, and vetted movers who show up on time. Pick your month, pick your date, and get your price in 60 seconds at the-nem.com.