How far in advance best to hire a moving company?

When preparing for a move, one of the most frequently asked questions is: when to hire? The short answer is that you should start calling movers as soon as possible, especially if you’re planning a move during the summer months, which are typically the busiest.

Allow at least eight weeks before moving to hire a mover.

However, if you’re moving to another country or across the country, you should always allow more time for yourself and the movers. So, for international, national, or cross-country moves, call at least eight weeks in advance and no later than four weeks before the move. If possible, book 12 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during a busy season like summer.

You can postpone hire until two weeks before your move date if you are moving within the same city. Remember, the sooner you begin, the better the deal and the larger the selection of movers. It makes a difference in the price you pay, the money you save, and the service quality.

The two most important factors that influence how difficult it is to book a mover are where and when. While the amount of stuff you have to move is important, it will not prevent you from finding a good mover.

During the summer, locals move within the same city.
If you’re moving during the summer, make your reservations as soon as possible. Two months before your move date is ideal. In the worst-case scenario, at least four weeks, but keep in mind that if you only have a month or less before your move, you’ll have a limited selection of movers. The majority of good movers are booked two to three months in advance.

Off-Season Local Move Within the Same City
If you aren’t moving during the summer, you can book anywhere between two and four weeks before your move date. Keep in mind that good movers will book up even in the fall, winter, or spring, so give as much notice as possible.

Relocate to a different city within the same state during the summer, intrastate moves (moves within the same state) are less complicated than interstate moves, so booking movers 10 to 12 weeks in advance is sufficient. Because there are fewer movers who will move to another city within the same state, you should plan on at least two to three months, especially if you are moving during the summer.

Off-season relocation to another city within the same state
For an intrastate move that isn’t taking place during the summer, you can book four to eight weeks before the move date, with two months being the ideal amount of time.

Summer Interstate Transfer An interstate move—one that takes your belongings across a state line—is much more complicated than a local move, so plan ahead of time by at least 12 weeks.

Off-Season Interstate Transportation
Offseason moves that cross state lines must be scheduled at least eight weeks in advance. Again, the further you move, the fewer movers are available to transport your belongings.

International Transfers

The key is to book at least three to four months in advance, and up to six months in advance for international moves. The movers require notice because there are so many other things that need to be done. There is also a significant difference if you are moving from one country to another, such as the United States to Canada, or if you are moving abroad.

Finally, keep in mind that the further you move and the busier the season, the longer the time required. It’s really that simple.