The cost to move during holidays or weekends typically runs about 10%-30% more than moving during the week. Higher demand during these peak times drives up prices for both local and long-distance moves, especially with full-service movers.
Key Takeaways
- Weekend and holiday moves cost more. Expect to pay about 10% to 30% above standard weekday rates due to higher demand.
- Midweek moves offer the best value. Lower demand between Monday and Thursday means better availability and cheaper rates.
- Booking early helps you save. Reserving your move two to three months in advance can lock in lower prices before schedules fill up.
- Flexibility can reduce costs. Being open to alternate dates or times, like a Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday morning, can lead to discounts.
For many people, the added cost is worth the convenience of avoiding work or school conflicts. This guide breaks down what to expect for pricing, plus tips to help you decide if a weekend or holiday move fits your budget. For reliable pricing and vetted options, see our list of the best long-distance moving companies.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Cost To Move on Holidays or Weekends vs. Weekdays
| Distance | Weekday Estimate | Weekend Estimate | Holiday Estimate | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 100 miles | $700–$1,200 | $800–$1,400 | $900–$1,600 | +10%-30% |
| 250–500 miles | $1,300–$2,500 | $1,600–$3,200 | $1,900–$4,000 | +20%-40% |
| 500–1,000 miles | $2,000–$4,000 | $2,400–$4,800 | $2,800–$5,500 | +15%-35% |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $3,500–$6,000 | $4,200–$7,000 | $4,800–$7,800 | +20%-30% |
| 2,000+ miles | $5,000–$9,000 | $6,000–$10,500 | $6,500–$11,500 | +15%-25% |
Pricing data reflects 2025 industry averages for full-service moves. Actual costs vary by distance, home size, region, and service level. Weekend and holiday rates trend higher due to limited mover availability and increased demand.
Why Moving Costs Fluctuate by Day & Season
Supply & Demand
Moving companies base their prices largely on demand. The summer months and weekends are the busiest times of year because they’re the most convenient for families, students, and renters. When trucks and crews are in short supply, rates increase to reflect the higher demand.
During slower months like winter, movers often discount rates to keep their crews busy. If your schedule allows, moving between November and February can save you hundreds of dollars compared to a peak-season or weekend move.
Renter Turnover
Rental agreements usually start or end at the beginning or end of each month, so demand for movers spikes around those times. That surge in local moves can make it harder to book your preferred date, especially for short-distance relocations.
Booking mid-month, around the second or third week, is typically the cheapest time to move. Fewer renters are scheduling moves, meaning more flexibility and lower pricing from local and interstate moving companies.
Crew & Truck Availability
Every moving company has a limited number of crews and trucks available on any given day. When those resources are fully booked, companies may charge premium prices for the remaining openings or have to decline new jobs entirely.
To secure the best rate, try to book your move two to three months in advance. This gives you a wider selection of moving times and avoids the price spikes that come with last-minute scheduling.
Seasonal Overlaps
When holidays fall on weekends, like Memorial Day or Labor Day, the overlap drives prices even higher. Movers already experience high demand during weekends, and adding a holiday to the mix limits crew availability even more.
If you’re planning a move near a holiday weekend, schedule your move for a few days before or after the holiday itself. Rates tend to drop immediately following a holiday once mover schedules start to clear.
Weather & Traffic Conditions
Bad weather, heavy traffic, and difficult routes can all increase the time and labor needed to complete your move. Seasonal conditions like snow or extreme heat can also cause delays, adding to your overall cost.
When possible, avoid dates that are likely to have traffic congestion or severe weather. Choosing the right season and route can help reduce the chance of added costs from time delays or rescheduling fees.
Holiday & Weekend Moves: Pros & Cons
Pros
- No schedule conflicts with work or school
- Easier to get help from friends & family
- More time to unpack after the move
- Less traffic
Cons
- Higher rates due to increased demand
- Less availability
- Holiday moves can disrupt family activities
How To Save on Holiday or Weekend Moves
- Book early for better rates. Booking two to three months in advance (while companies still have more availability for your preferred move date) will usually get you at least a slightly better rate. Some companies even offer early bird discounts.
- Get quotes from at least three companies. Getting multiple moving quotes lets you compare options to find the best price. Some companies are willing to price match, helping you get the best deal with your preferred mover.
- Be flexible. Being more flexible with a weekend or holiday move can also help you get a better rate. For example, some movers might offer a discount to do your move on Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday morning.
- Consider a full or partial DIY move. Going the DIY route is always cheaper than using a full-service mover. You could rent a moving truck and pack, load, and transport everything yourself. Or you could load everything into a PODS container vs. hiring a mover and let PODS take care of transportation.
- Find cheap packing supplies. If you’ll be doing your own packing and are searching for cheap ways to move out of state or across town, check local online marketplaces for free or cheap boxes. Families who recently moved are often willing to give away their old boxes. You can also re-use other boxes you have around the house.
- Declutter. The fewer things you need to move, the cheaper and easier your move will be. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away as you get ready for your move.
Other Moving Cost Factors To Consider
- Distance: Local moves are usually charged per hour, per crew member. Long-distance moves are charged at a flat rate based in part on mileage, tolls, fuel, and labor costs. The farther the move, the more expensive it will be.
- Move size: Long-distance movers will determine cost primarily from the total weight or volume of your belongings
- Scope of services: You’ll pay a lot more if you opt for professional packing and unpacking. Add-ons like packing, comprehensive insurance, and debris removal will impact your final bill.
- Standard fees: Most moving companies charge extra for things like navigating stairs, using elevators, and carrying items a longer distance (for example, if they can’t park the moving truck outside your home)
Is a Holiday or Weekend Move Worth It?
While a holiday or weekend move can cost a lot more than a midweek or off-season move, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to which is best. For many people, it simply comes down to a trade-off of cost or convenience.
Consider paying more for a holiday or weekend move if:
- You can’t take off work in the middle of the week
- You want extra time to unpack & settle in at your new home
- You can get help from friends & family for a DIY move
- You can afford the higher cost
FAQ
Do all moving companies charge extra for weekend moves?
Most moving companies charge higher rates for weekend moves because those days are in the highest demand. Crews and trucks book up faster on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, which allows movers to raise prices by roughly 10%-30%, compared to weekday rates.
Some smaller or local movers may not raise rates as sharply, but you’ll still pay a premium if availability is tight. The best way to confirm pricing is to request a written quote that specifies weekend or holiday surcharges before you book.
What’s the best day of the week to move?
Industry data shows that Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days to move. Demand is lowest in the middle of the week, so moving companies often offer better rates and more flexible scheduling than on weekends or holidays.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), scheduling your move during the middle of the month or week can help you avoid peak pricing. Movers are typically less busy during these periods, meaning you’ll have better access to crews, trucks, and lower overall costs.
How far in advance should I book a holiday move?
Because there is often more demand for holiday moves, you’ll need to book farther in advance than you would at other times of year. For holiday moves, you should try to book movers at least four to eight weeks in advance for local moves, and eight to 12 weeks in advance for long-distance or interstate moves.
How can I save money if I can only move on the weekend?
If you can only move on the weekend, the best way to save money is to go with the type of moving company that best fits your budget. The cheapest way to move is to rent a moving truck and to pack and load your belongings yourself. You might also consider using a moving container and handling the heavy lifting (the container company will do the driving).
Even if you use professional movers, you can still cut costs by doing all the packing and only using the moving company to load, transport, and unload your items. consider going with a small-load moving company that can combine your shipment with others heading in the same direction to lower your overall cost.
What time of year are moving costs lowest?
January and February have the lowest moving costs. Fewer people want to move during cold weather or the middle of the school year. The lower demand for moving companies during this time typically translates to lower rates.
Can I negotiate lower rates for a weekend or holiday move?
Most movers won’t negotiate much on weekend or holiday pricing since those dates fill up quickly. The higher demand means companies rarely need to offer discounts to keep their schedules full.
That said, it’s still worth asking about price matching or flexible scheduling options. If you’re willing to shift your move to a less busy time — like Sunday afternoon or the day after a holiday — you may be able to get a better rate.
Is it better to move right before or after a holiday to save money?
It’s almost always cheaper to move after a holiday rather than before. Movers see higher demand in the days leading up to major holidays, when schedules fill quickly and rates climb.
Waiting until after the holiday means less competition for crews and trucks, lighter traffic, and better pricing. You’ll also have an easier time booking your preferred moving date.
