What are the peak seasons for moving house and how do they influence hiring packing services near me? This guide examines busy moving times per region and cost spikes to expect.
Planning a move? Timing it outside frenzied peak seasons could prevent sticker shock from inflated pricing by movers and packing companies near you.
Peak moving weeks see demand spike up to 40% above typical volumes. This guide breaks down regional seasons to know and how it impacts hiring packing services near me.
Why Do Peak Moving Seasons Matter?
Movers consider any week with volumes elevated 20% or more as a peak season. As availability drops, they apply surge pricing much like Uber during NYE or airlines around holidays. Key takeaways include:
- Peak weeks see markups around 15% – 40%
- Last-minute jobs during peaks have even higher premiums
- Securing movers 6-8 weeks out saves 10-15% off average
- Regional seasons cause more fluctuations than national peaks
Simply by moving your schedule around slightly, huge savings emerge.
When are Nationwide Peak Moving Weeks?
While not as pronounced as regional trends, a few consistent national-level moving seasons emerge:
- Late May/Early June – Center around Memorial Day weekend when school gets out and families relocate for the summer.
- Late July/Early August – Coincides with new graduates moving for jobs along with families resettling before school starts.
- Late August/Early September – Another family-driven season related to kids returning to school.
Generally speaking, any major summer or school holiday triggers increased moving volume and higher national average pricing as demand outpaces supply.
Regional Peak Moving Seasons
Beyond broad national-level peaks, more acute regional moving trends exist tied to localized rental market rhythms and climate patterns. Here are some of the biggest ones:
Northeast Region
- March 15 to April 30 – The Northeast sees volumes consistently spike starting in Mid-March through April across areas like New York, Boston and Philadelphia as winter subsides and spring supply opens up.
- June 15 to September 15 – A second elevated plateau emerges around summer driven mainly by families relocating to align with school district changes. Expect inflated prices through mid-September.
Southeast Region
- March 1 to April 30 – The Southeast experiences a prolonged peak moving season starting in early March and running through April. Winter snowbirds depart while the temperate weather entices incoming residents.
- May 15 to September 30 – During the long humid summers, moving activity persists at heightened levels across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and elsewhere contributing to six straight months of peak rates.
Midwest Region
- May 15 to September 15 – Given the predominantly family-driven motives for relocation, the Midwest mirrors the standard school year schedule with peak activity bookended around summer starting in Mid-May through mid-September with temperate weather.
Mountain Region
- June 1 to August 30 – Mountain states like Colorado, Utah, Nevada and others see peak seasons mirror summer recreational months when out-of-state transplant numbers traditionally rise with the warmer weather.
West Coast Region
- March 15 to April 30 – Similar to the Northeast, winter snowbirds heading home coupled with spring breakalignments lead to inflated West Coast activity starting around mid-March through April.
- June 20 to September 15 – Summertime movers take advantage of the dry weather leading to peak rates from late June through mid-September around returning students and families.
Southwestern Region
- March 1 to May 30 – Transplants flooding warmer spots like Arizona and New Mexico increase demand for movers starting early March extending into late May.
- October 1 to November 15 – Unlike Northern states, Southwestern peak season runs in the fall months driven by snowbirds returning ahead of winter experienced in other regions of the country.
Check regional trends relevant to your geography.
Key Takeaways
The most budget-friendly weeks for moving based on lower industry demand include:
- January to Mid-March
- October to December
On average, the highest quote prices emerge around:
- Memorial Day weekend
- 4th of July weekend
- Labor Day weekend
Securing movers at least 6-8 weeks beforehand saves an extra 10-15% off typical costs.
Align your moving timeline based on school schedules when flexibility allows in your specific area. Avoid last-minute bookings during peak weeks – schedule early and save!
