If you've ever noticed that the same move costs more in July than in January, you've discovered peak season pricing. Long-distance moving has defined busy periods — and if you're flexible on timing, avoiding them can save you 5–20% on your move.
When Is Peak Moving Season?
Summer (highest demand)
Late April through Labor Day is peak moving season. Families move during school breaks. College students move in and out. Military PCS orders cluster in summer. The result: higher demand, higher prices, and more scheduling competition. Summer moves at AEY Moving carry a 15% surcharge.
Weekends
Saturday and Sunday are the most requested pickup days — most people don't want to take days off work. This drives a 5% weekend surcharge. Friday pickups are also in higher demand than Monday-Thursday.
End of month
Leases typically end on the 1st or 31st. The last three days of any month — especially in combination with summer — are extremely high demand. Book early or shift your dates by even 3–4 days to avoid the crunch.
Major holidays
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas windows all carry a 5% holiday surcharge. Moving around a holiday also means navigating more traffic and potential business closures at origin or destination.
How Much Can You Save by Avoiding Peak Season?
| Scenario | 2BR Move (~1,000 mi) | vs. Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday in November | $2,767 | Baseline |
| Saturday in November | $2,905 | +$138 |
| Tuesday in July (summer) | $3,182 | +$415 |
| Saturday in July (summer + weekend) | $3,341 | +$574 |
Based on 2 Bedroom, 650 cu ft, ~1,000 miles. Summer surcharge 15%, weekend surcharge 5%.
When Are the Cheapest Times to Move Long Distance?
The cheapest time to move long distance is a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between October and March, avoiding major holidays and end-of-month dates. If your timeline allows it, this combination gives you the best rate.