Whether you’re a seasoned mover or a first-time preparer for the big day, moving house can be a tiring, stressful process. That’s why planning is key, starting with the question: when is the best day of the week to move? You may have heard some crowded weekends are the best, as your neighbor may need movers, too, or perhaps you’ve heard weekdays offer greater efficiency. Whatever your choice, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding which day to make the big leap. So, to help you prepare for the move, we’ll explore all the days of the week to determine the best day for you. Get ready for the greatest moving day of your life!
Best Weekdays to Move
When it comes to moving days, the best weekdays for a stress-free move can depend on many factors. Some people prefer to move during traditional workweek hours, since they have more access to professional moving services and do not have to take additional days off from work. Others may choose to move during the weekend so that their children can be present when they relocate.
Though weekend moves tend to be more expensive due to higher demand, weekday moves also come with their own unique challenges. By avoiding peak traffic periods or choosing a mid-week move, movers can save time (and avoid headaches) by reducing their risk of encountering long waits at loading docks or slowdowns caused by traffic. They will also be able to use even more of the available manpower by eliminating delays due to the Saturday and Sunday crowds.
On the other hand, weekend moves can be beneficial in some cases. For example, some rental movers offer discounts on Saturday or Sunday moves because there is less competition for resources on those days. Moving on a weekend also makes it easier for families to coordinate travel arrangements with friends and family who may be able to help unload items into their new home if needed.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the pros and cons of moving on weekdays versus weekends, let’s explore what makes Mondays and Wednesdays so popular when it comes to relocating homes.
Mondays and Wednesdays are popular moving days
Mondays and Wednesdays are two days of the week that tend to be popular for moving. This is largely due to the fact that these two days usually align with regular work schedules, allowing movers to plan around normal working hours. Additionally, some rental contract agreements specify move-in dates on Monday or Wednesday, so it’s possible that many movers are already obligated to schedule their moves on either of these days.
There is some debate surrounding Mondays and Wednesdays as the ideal days of the week to move. Advocates of moving during these two days sometimes cite convenience as one of the main benefits since they may have more control over when they move since fewer people are likely to need assistance from them during the weekdays in comparison to Saturdays and Sundays. On the other hand, opponents may point out that peak services, such as rental trucks and professional movers, tend to fill up quickly during the middle of the week and could lead to a longer commute, which can increase time and stress levels.
Tuesdays & Fridays are Less Popular Moving Days
The most popular days to move are Mondays and Wednesdays, as they offer the most availability during peak moving season. However, Tuesdays and Fridays can also prove to be less stressful options due to an influx of moves on other days. According to an article in US News & World Report, many movers believe that Tuesday and Friday “may provide fewer opportunities for delays—for instance, if your movers get stuck behind someone else’s truck on Monday or Wednesday.” Also, avoiding days with a lot of traffic could lead to lower prices from long-distance movers who might be worried about being late.
Of course, it should be noted that Tuesdays and Fridays will still often have higher regional traffic at certain times; for instance, rush hour tends to begin earlier on Friday mornings than on Mondays. While this means you might get a better rate from long-distance movers, you might want to research regional routes before deciding to move on a Tuesday or a Friday.
Best Weekend Days to Move
When deciding on your moving day, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of weekends versus weekdays. Saturdays and Sundays are usually the best days to move on the weekend because traffic is usually about the same as it is during the week. However, these days tend to be more expensive, as many hiring companies assume these days will take up more time due to traffic and other potential delays. While some suggest hiring a company on a Friday, this could leave limited hours in the day for you to find a place to stay or unpack the items at your new home if you’re unable to do so earlier in the week.
Although it can be tempting to move on a Saturday or Sunday simply based on their convenience, it is important to factor in cost when making your decision. Despite being convenient, choosing either of these days could require additional fees or higher rental costs for trucks or moving companies due to the peak demand for services during these two days. Therefore, it is essential that you do your research upfront so that you are aware of all associated costs and possible delays should you choose either of these two days.
Saturdays & Sundays are Expensive Moving Days
When it comes to moving days, Saturdays and Sundays are very popular. The accessibility of 9-5movers on these weekends allows for the busy life of a worker to fit into the moving process. However, availability doesn’t come for free. These two days can be the most expensive for movers. For those conscious of their budget, examining cheaper or alternative times to move is something to take into consideration. This can be especially important if you are considering long-distance moves.
Although hiring services on Saturdays and Sundays may save time, convenience comes with a price tag. Most movers will offer discounts for mid-week moves or even evening moves as an incentive for customers to move away from the weekend rush and the general availability of other companies in the market. It’s wise to consider different offers and discounts when scheduling your move.
When further research has been done, and you have found the ideal service provider, you will still need to consider other important details before beginning your big move.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Thursday and Friday are the two most popular days of the week for people to move home.
- A survey published in 2017 found that 64% of Americans prefer to move on a weekend day, with Saturday being the most popular day (at 44%).
- According to recent data from Zillow, the most popular moving period is from May 15th – June 15th, with more than 10 million moves taking place during this time frame.
What Else to Consider When Planning Your Move
It is important to weigh all considerations when planning a move. Saturdays and Sundays may be the most expensive moving days, but they can also be the least stressful. On weekends, movers are typically available for late or early pick-up and drop-off, which means you have more time to get everything done in one day. However, Saturdays and Sundays can also be busy days for movers, and they often have long waiting periods for service.
In contrast, weekday moves tend to be much cheaper than weekend moves, as demand is generally lower during the week. This also means that you’re more likely to find availability on weekdays, as movers tend to be less busy then. On the other hand, since you may need to request time off work in order to move, it may end up taking longer overall if you choose a weekday move.
A compromise between weekend and weekday moves could be arranging a single-day move on a Wednesday or Thursday instead. Moving companies tend to offer discounts for midweek bookings as well. That way, you’ll benefit from generally lower prices and less competition for their services compared to Saturdays and Sundays.
Planning a move and wondering when the best time to schedule it is? At DIVISION 1 Moving & Storage, we know that choosing the right day of the week can make all the difference. Our team of experts can help you navigate the moving process and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision.
To learn more about our moving services and how we can help you with your upcoming move, call us today at (571) 970-3189. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free estimate. Don’t wait; call now and let us help you make your move a success!