One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is:
“How far in advance should I hire movers?”
The short answer is: as early as you reasonably can, especially if you have a specific moving date.
The ideal timing depends on the type of move, the time of year, your destination, the size of your move, and whether you need additional services such as professional packing.
Waiting until the last minute doesn't necessarily mean you won't find a moving company. However, your options may be more limited, particularly if you need movers on a specific date.
This guide explains when to start looking for movers, when to book, what can affect availability, and what to do if you're moving on short notice.
For most residential moves, it's smart to begin researching moving companies several weeks before your desired moving date.
If you already know when you're moving, there's little reason to wait.
Starting early gives you time to:
The earlier you begin, the more time you have to make a thoughtful decision instead of choosing a mover because you are running out of options.
There's no single booking window that works for every move.
However, a useful rule is:
Start researching movers as soon as you know your moving date, and book once you've found a company that meets your needs and has availability for your preferred date.
For a straightforward local residential move, you may have more flexibility than someone planning a large long-distance relocation.
If your move involves a specific date, multiple properties, professional packing, large furniture, or long-distance transportation, starting earlier can be particularly helpful.
Here's a practical timeline you can use when planning your move.
If you know your moving date this far in advance, this is a good time to begin researching moving companies.
Look for companies that:
Don't choose a company solely because it appears at the top of a search result.
Read reviews and look at what previous customers say about their experiences.
Contact several moving companies and provide accurate information about your move.
Be prepared to discuss:
The more information you provide, the easier it is for the moving company to understand the job.
You don't want to pay to move belongings you don't actually want.
Go through closets, garages, storage areas, and other parts of your home.
Consider selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of items before moving day.
At this point, you should ideally have a moving company selected and your moving plans becoming more concrete.
Make sure the date works for everyone involved.
If you're buying or selling a home, coordinate your moving date with your closing or possession schedule.
If you're renting, confirm your lease dates and move-out requirements.
Make sure you know exactly what you've hired the movers to do.
For example, are you hiring them for:
Knowing what is included helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Start with things you don't use every day.
Examples include:
Leave everyday essentials for later.
Your move is getting closer, so now is the time to become more organized.
Rather than throwing everything into random boxes, organize your belongings by room.
Clearly label each box.
For example:
Kitchen — Pots & Pans
Primary Bedroom — Bedding
Office — Books
Bathroom — Towels
This makes unloading and unpacking significantly easier.
Think about what furniture you're taking with you.
If there are pieces you don't want anymore, consider getting rid of them before moving day.
There's little value in paying movers to transport furniture you're planning to throw away at your new home.
Identify anything that may require additional planning.
This might include:
Tell your moving company about unusual items before moving day.
At this point, your focus should shift from planning to final preparation.
Confirm:
If anything about the move has changed, let the moving company know.
Try to have the majority of your belongings packed before the movers arrive if you are handling your own packing.
Leave out only what you'll need during the final days.
Pack everything you'll need immediately after the move.
Consider:
Keep this bag with you.
The final week is when organization becomes especially important.
Don't leave most of your packing for moving day unless you've hired professional packing services.
Cleaning as rooms become empty can make the final cleanup easier.
Make sure movers can access both properties.
Consider:
If there are parking restrictions or building requirements, communicate them to your movers ahead of time.
Keep valuables, important documents, medications, and personal electronics with you.
Sometimes you don't get several weeks to prepare.
You may need to move because of:
If you're moving on short notice, don't panic.
Start calling moving companies immediately.
Ask directly:
“Do you have availability on this date?”
If your preferred date isn't available, ask whether they have another nearby date that could work.
You may also want to consider whether adjusting the timing of your move gives you more options.
Sometimes.
Moving company availability changes constantly, so a last-minute move may still be possible.
However, you should not assume that a particular date will be available.
The best approach is to contact movers as soon as you know you need help.
When calling on short notice, have the important details ready:
Being prepared can make it easier for a moving company to quickly determine whether it can accommodate your move.
Long-distance moves generally benefit from additional planning.
There are more transportation and scheduling considerations compared with a simple local move.
If you're moving between states, start researching movers as soon as you know you're relocating.
You'll want time to:
Don't wait until the final few days to start researching a long-distance moving company if you already know you're relocating.
Local moves can sometimes be easier to schedule because the distance is shorter and the logistics may be simpler.
However, that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute.
If you know your moving date, contact local movers early.
This is particularly important if you:
Yes, the time of year can influence how much demand there is for moving services.
Some periods can be busier than others.
Summer is often a popular time for residential moves.
Families may prefer moving during the summer because of school schedules, vacations, or changes in housing.
If you're planning a summer move, starting your search earlier can give you more scheduling options.
Moving activity can also increase around the end of a month because of lease and housing schedules.
If you have flexibility, ask your moving company whether alternative dates are available.
Many customers prefer weekend moves because they don't have to take time away from work.
That can make certain weekend dates more competitive than weekdays.
If you have flexibility, ask about weekday availability.
There isn't one universally best day to move.
The right choice depends on your schedule and your moving company's availability.
A weekday move may work well if:
A weekend move may be convenient if:
The most important thing is choosing a date that gives you enough time to prepare and works with your overall schedule.
If you want professional packing services, mention this when you first contact the moving company.
Packing an entire home can require substantial time and organization.
Professional packing may be especially helpful if:
Don't assume packing can simply be added at the last minute.
Ask about packing availability when booking your move.
Moving dates can sometimes change because of closing delays, lease changes, construction, travel, or other circumstances.
If your date changes, contact your moving company as soon as possible.
Don't wait until the original moving date is approaching.
The earlier you communicate a change, the more opportunity there may be to find another suitable date.
If you have flexibility, consider these factors:
Coordinate your moving date with your lease, closing, or possession date.
Determine whether you'll need time away from work.
Consider school, childcare, travel, and other commitments.
Depending on your location and season, weather may affect your moving experience.
Ask your preferred moving company which dates are available.
Don't select a date that gives you an unrealistic amount of time to pack and prepare.
Here's a quick version of the process.
Before you schedule your move, ask:
The answers can help you determine whether the company is a good fit for your move.
Falco Moving Company provides residential moving services in Asheville, North Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; and the Nashville, Tennessee area.
If you're moving within one of these markets, start by determining your moving date and the services you need.
Then contact a moving company early enough to discuss your options and confirm availability.
For local and residential moves around Asheville, planning ahead can give you more time to compare moving services and prepare your home.
Learn more about Falco's Asheville moving services.
If you're planning a move in the Las Vegas area, determine your preferred moving date and contact movers as soon as your plans are established.
Learn more about Falco's Las Vegas moving services.
If you're moving in the Nashville area, the same basic planning process applies: establish your date, determine what services you need, and contact movers early.
Learn more about Falco's Nashville moving services.
For most residential moves, it's a good idea to start researching movers several weeks before your moving date. If you have a specific date, long-distance move, large household, or professional packing needs, starting earlier can give you more options.
It can be, depending on the moving company's availability and the details of your move. Contact movers immediately rather than assuming your preferred date won't be available.
Sometimes. Availability varies, so contact moving companies as soon as possible and be flexible with your moving date if necessary.
Start researching long-distance movers as soon as you know your relocation date. Long-distance moves involve additional transportation and scheduling considerations, so earlier planning can be helpful.
Summer can be a popular period for residential moves. If you're planning a summer move, consider starting your search early.
Yes. You generally don't need to have every box packed before booking movers. Tell the moving company whether you'll be packing yourself or need professional packing services.
Ideally, mention packing when you first request your moving estimate. This gives the moving company an opportunity to determine whether packing services are available for your moving date.
Contact your moving company as soon as you know the date has changed. The earlier you communicate, the easier it may be to discuss alternative scheduling options.
So, how far in advance should you hire movers?
The best answer is simple:
As soon as you know you're moving, start researching.
You don't have to wait until everything is packed or every detail is finalized.
Once you know your approximate moving date, begin comparing moving companies, reading reviews, requesting estimates, and determining which services you need.
For local moves, you may have some flexibility. For long-distance moves, larger households, professional packing, or specific moving dates, giving yourself more time can make the process much easier.
The goal isn't simply to find a mover quickly.
It's to find a moving company that fits your needs and has the availability to help you on the date you need.
Falco Moving Company provides residential moving services in Asheville, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Nashville, Tennessee area.
Whether you're planning a local move, long-distance move, furniture move, or need professional packing services, contact Falco Moving Company to discuss your move and request a quote.