Weekend vs Weekday Move: What is The Best Day of the Week to Move?

One of the key questions people face when planning a move is, “What’s the best day to move?” In some cases, you may not have a choice due to specific circumstances, but most of the time, it’s up to you to decide when to schedule the moving services to help you with the transition. So, the real question becomes: “Which day of the week is ideal for moving?”

Some believe that moving during the week can save you money, while others argue that the convenience of a weekend move is unbeatable. However, the decision isn’t that straightforward. When choosing the best day of the week to move, there are several important factors to consider.

How to Determine the Best Day and Time to Move

Did you know that North America is one of the most “geographically mobile” regions in the world? A recent survey found that about 24% of adults reported moving within the past five years. While most people don’t enjoy the process of moving due to the stress and challenges involved, the average person in North America will live in approximately 11 different residences throughout their lifetime.

Given how frequently people move, it’s no surprise that moving is often associated with stress. While you might not be able to avoid the stress entirely, choosing the right moving day can significantly ease the process.

What’s the Cheapest Day of the Week to Move?

The simple answer is that the cheapest days to move are weekdays — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Most moving companies offer better rates during these days because demand tends to be lower. However, when considering whether cheaper is necessarily better, it’s worth pausing to weigh your options carefully.

A reliable moving company will provide a detailed moving estimate that includes any extra charges you might face for moving during peak times. This is also the perfect moment to inquire about alternatives if you have some flexibility in your moving schedule. Why? Because many movers offer discounts for moves scheduled on their slower days, which are typically during the week.

While cost is undoubtedly a major factor in choosing a moving company, it’s not the only thing to keep in mind. Even if a mover offers a fantastic deal, it won’t be much help if they’re unavailable on the day you need them. Therefore, it’s crucial to ask about their availability and working hours to ensure they can accommodate your schedule.

The Pros and Cons of Moving on a Weekday

When choosing between a weekday or weekend move, it’s important to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages. Moving on a weekday offers a unique set of benefits, but it also comes with some trade-offs. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of moving during the week:

Pros of Moving on a Weekday

1. Lower Costs: Moving during the week often comes with lower rates. Many moving companies offer discounted prices on weekdays, and the savings might even cover the cost of taking a day off work.
2. Extra Money for Other Moving-Related Expenses: The money saved on weekday moving rates can be put towards additional services, such as professional packing. When the moving company handles the packing, you avoid the hassle of dealing with boxes and bubble wrap. Plus, with professional packers, your belongings are safely packed and organized, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on the bigger picture.
3. Less Stress: If you have kids, moving during the school year can be much easier on a weekday. While they’re at school, you can handle the move without distractions. A weekday move also helps avoid interruptions from neighbors and allows you to unpack and settle in without rushing back to work. Depending on how many days you take off, you may have more time to organize your new space before returning to your daily routine.
4. Quicker Access to Utilities: Most people schedule utility services in advance, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you arrive at your new home and find that the gas or electricity isn’t working, it’s much easier to resolve the issue during regular business hours. Utility companies are more likely to respond promptly on a weekday.

Cons of Moving on a Weekday

• Loss of Work Time: One of the main drawbacks of moving on a weekday is that you’ll likely miss at least one day of work, depending on how far you’re moving. For some, taking time off work might not be feasible or could be difficult to manage, especially if your job requires your presence.
• Loss of School Time: If your move occurs during the school year, a weekday move can disrupt your child’s school schedule. This can be particularly challenging if they’re switching schools mid-year, as it could lead to missed classes or delayed enrollment at the new school.
• Limited Help: Even if you’re hiring a professional moving company, you might still need help from friends or family members for packing or other moving-related tasks. However, during the week, it can be harder to find extra help, as most people will be at work.

Do Movers Work on the Weekend?

Yes, most moving companies do operate on weekends. In fact, Saturday is the most popular moving day since it allows people to relocate without taking time off from work or interrupting their children’s school schedules.

If you plan to move over the weekend, be sure to book well in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons like spring or summer. Weekend availability can fill up quickly, so early planning is key to securing the moving company you want.

The Pros and Cons of Moving on the Weekend

Now that you understand the pros and cons of moving on a weekday, let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of moving on the weekend:

Pros of Moving on a Weekend

1. Less Likely to Miss Work: Moving on the weekend minimizes the amount of time you’ll spend away from work, making it an ideal option for people who want to avoid taking time off. For many, their job plays a big role in determining when to move, especially since a large portion of moves are related to new job opportunities.
2. Less Likely to Miss School: A weekend move is also beneficial for families with school-aged children. Moving on Saturday or Sunday helps avoid school disruptions, and if your child is starting at a new school, it allows them to begin the week fresh.
3. Less Traffic: Depending on your route, moving on the weekend may help you avoid rush hour traffic that’s common during weekdays. However, in some areas, weekends can also bring their own congestion due to people running errands, attending events, or traveling for leisure, so it’s important to consider local traffic patterns.

Cons of Moving on a Weekend

1. Busy Moving Companies: One of the major drawbacks of a weekend move is the high demand for moving services. Weekends, holidays, and summer months are considered the “peak” moving seasons, which means that moving companies are often fully booked during these times. If you need to move over the weekend, you can expect to pay higher rates due to increased demand, though the rates are usually still within a reasonable range. It’s important to plan ahead and book as early as possible, as weekend schedules fill up quickly, especially in the spring and summer.

2. Less Time to Unpack: While moving on a weekend may allow you to return to work without interruption, it leaves less time to unpack and settle into your new home. For some, this isn’t a problem, and they can ignore the unpacked boxes for a few days. However, others may find it stressful not having enough time to organize and arrange everything before the workweek starts again. If you’re someone who likes to settle in quickly, a weekend move may not provide the extra time needed for unpacking and setting up your new space.

What’s the Most Convenient Time to Move?

When planning a move, several factors should be taken into consideration to determine the most convenient time. Finding the right balance between cost, comfort, and convenience can make the moving experience smoother and less stressful. Here are a few key factors to think about:

1. Distance: If you’re making a long-distance move, weekends can mean busier roads and longer travel times. Avoiding peak travel times on weekends or holidays is crucial to minimizing delays and ensuring a smoother transition.

2. Weather: Moving in extreme weather conditions — whether it’s excessive heat, rain, or snow — can add unnecessary challenges to your move. Hot, rainy, or snowy days increase the risk of damage to your belongings, while also slowing down the moving process. Be sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

3. Traffic: If you’re moving within a city, weekday traffic can be worse during rush hours, but weekends can also see heavy congestion due to local events, errands, or weekend trips. Understanding the traffic patterns in your area can help you avoid potential delays.

What’s the Best Time of the Day to Move?

While choosing the right day to move is important, the time of day you choose can make a big difference in how smoothly things go. Most moving companies will recommend starting the move first thing in the morning, typically between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Here’s why:

1. Cooler Temperatures: Moving early in the day helps avoid the midday heat, which is especially important during the spring and summer months. Cooler morning temperatures allow both you and the movers to work more efficiently, reducing the risk of fatigue and ensuring the move gets done faster.

2. Better Traffic Conditions: Scheduling your move earlier in the day can also help avoid rush hour, especially if you’re moving on a weekday. By starting the move before traffic peaks, the movers can reach your new location more quickly, saving you both time and money.

3. More Time to Unpack: Starting the move in the morning gives you the rest of the day to begin unpacking and organizing your new space. No one wants to be digging through boxes late at night trying to find bedding or essential items. A morning move ensures that by mid-afternoon, your belongings are unloaded, and you have time to settle in, allowing for a more relaxed and productive unpacking process.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Move?

Although summer is the most popular time of year to move, it may not always be the best option. The warmer months between May and August often come with higher moving rates and more crowded schedules because it’s peak moving season. If you’re looking to save money and have more flexibility with moving dates, the cooler months — between September and April — are generally considered the best time to move.

During the fall and winter, moving companies tend to have more availability and offer lower rates since demand is lower. That said, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather, especially if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or snow during the colder months. Mid-month moves are also recommended, as most people prefer moving at the beginning or end of the month, which can drive up demand and limit availability.

How Do I Decide the Best Day and Time for My Move?

Deciding when to move depends on several personal factors, including your work schedule, family commitments, and flexibility. The key to a smooth move is planning ahead and considering what will make the move easiest for you. To help determine the best time, start by asking yourself these three key questions:

1. What day of the week would I prefer to move?

• Consider your work schedule, family obligations, and availability of movers. If cost is a concern, a weekday move may be your best option. However, if time off work is difficult, a weekend move may be necessary.

2. What time of day works best for me?

• Morning moves are generally ideal, as they allow for cooler temperatures and give you more time to unpack. However, if mornings are difficult for you, communicate with the movers to find a mutually convenient time.

3. Can I be flexible with my preferred day or time?

• Flexibility can go a long way when it comes to moving. If you’re open to different dates or times, you might be able to secure better rates or services from the moving company.

Once you’ve answered these questions, start calling moving companies to get quotes and check their availability. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about their schedules, services, and costs. Some companies will offer better rates if you move on a less busy day, while others may have specialized services that suit your needs. It’s always a good idea to get in-home estimates from two or three companies to compare options before making a final decision.

Whether you’re moving on a weekday or weekend, planning early and being aware of all factors that can affect your move will ensure a smooth process. While no move is completely stress-free, a professional moving company can significantly minimize the challenges. Choosing a trusted, experienced moving company can help ease the transition, ensuring your move goes as smoothly as possible.

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