When Should I Reserve A Moving Company?

Is There an Ideal Time to Plan Your Move?

Timing matters when planning a move, and booking your moving services should be one of your top priorities. The sooner you lock in your plans, the better.

For long-distance relocations, it’s best to reserve your movers at least 2 to 3 months before your move date. Doing so gives you a better chance of getting the company, date, and equipment you prefer — all of which can help make the moving process less stressful.

If you’re short on time, don’t worry — there are still options. You can explore how much notice most movers require and find out what steps to take if you’re moving on short notice.

Booking Movers: How Much Notice Do You Need?

The earlier you arrange your move, the smoother the process will be—especially if you’re moving out of state. Here’s a general idea how early you should schedule your movers:

• For long-distance or cross-country moves: Try to schedule your movers 8 to 12 weeks before your move. At the very least, aim for 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
• For local or in-state moves: It’s best to book 4 to 6 weeks ahead, but if needed, you may be able to secure movers with just 1 to 2 weeks’ notice.

Booking early increases your chances of getting the moving date and services you want, particularly if you’re relocating to high-demand areas like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Canada—or if you’re planning to move during peak seasons such as summer or major holidays.

It’s ideal to book your moving crew at the same time you schedule your move to ensure everything is coordinated.

In a Hurry to Move? Here’s What to Do

If you’re pressed for time, some movers might have trucks or equipment ready on short notice, but others require more advance planning. The best approach is to contact several moving companies to see who can accommodate your timeline.

Here are a few things to keep in mind with last-minute bookings:

• You may not get your preferred equipment or moving crew.
• Costs could be higher than if you had booked earlier.
• You might need to be flexible with the dates.