Peak Moving Season: Everything You Need to Know Before Planning Your Move

Peak Moving Season: What It Is, When It Happens & How to Move Smart

Moving is already stressful, but choosing the wrong time of year can make it even more challenging. Every year, millions of Americans relocate, and most of them pick the same time—summer. This creates what the moving industry calls “Peak Moving Season.”

Understanding when peak season occurs, why it matters, and how it affects your costs can help you make better decisions, save money, and plan a smoother move. Van Lines Move has prepared this complete guide to help you navigate peak moving season confidently.

What Is Peak Moving Season?

Peak moving season refers to the period of the year with the highest demand for moving services. During this time:

• Movers get fully booked weeks in advance
• Prices increase due to demand
• Moving trucks, labor, and equipment are limited
• Rental trucks and containers may be unavailable
• Scheduling becomes more challenging

The peak season typically falls between May and September, with the absolute busiest months being June, July, and August.

Why Summer Is the Busiest Season for Moving?

There are several reasons why summer dominates the U.S. relocation schedule:

✔ School Breaks

Families prefer summer moves so children don’t switch schools mid-year.

✔ Better Weather

Warmer temperatures make moving easier, especially in colder states where winter snow makes relocation risky.

✔ College Students Moving

Many students move into dorms or apartments in June–August.

✔ Real Estate Market Activity

Home sales peak during summer, naturally causing more moves.

✔ More Daylight

Longer days mean more time for loading and driving.

All these factors combine to make summer the busiest and most expensive moving season.

When Exactly Is Peak Moving Season? (Month-by-Month Breakdown)

May

• Start of peak season
• Prices begin rising
• Movers start filling weekend slots

June

• Extremely busy
• Schools close
• Home transactions peak

July

• Peak of peak season
• Highest demand, highest prices

August

• Students return to college
• Families move before school starts

September

• Slightly slower but still busy
• Some summer overflow moves continue

If you plan to move during these months, book early.

How Peak Moving Season Affects Moving Costs

During peak season, moving prices increase because demand is higher. This affects:

📌 Labor Costs

More people moving → crews are limited → hourly rates increase.

📌 Truck Availability

When trucks are fully booked, you may have to:

• Pay premium rates
• Choose larger trucks
• Accept inconvenient time slots

📌 Container & Rental Truck Prices

PODS, U-Haul, and other rental companies raise prices by 20–45% during summer.

📌 Fuel Costs

Summer travel increases nationwide fuel prices, impacting long-distance moves.

On average, moving in peak season can cost 15–35% more than offseason.

Pros & Cons of Moving During Peak Season

✔ Advantages

• Perfect weather
• Easier traveling
• Kids are out of school
• Home inventory is higher
• Extra daylight for loading/unloading

✘ Disadvantages

• Much higher prices
• Movers book fast
• Rental shortages
• Traffic increases
• Extreme heat may damage items (electronics, candles, food)

How to Reduce Moving Costs in Peak Season

Even if you need to move in summer, you can still save money with smart planning.

🌟 Book Early

Reserve your movers at least:

• 4–6 weeks ahead for local moves
• 6–8 weeks ahead for long-distance moves

Late bookings cost more.

🌟 Move on a Weekday

Weekends are busy and expensive.

Tuesday–Thursday moves are cheaper.

🌟 Avoid the 1st and 30th

These are the busiest days of every month.

🌟 Declutter Before Moving

Less weight = lower moving cost.

🌟 Compare Multiple Quotes

Van Lines Move offers competitive pricing and free quotes to help you avoid overpaying.

Best Time of Year to Move (If You Want the Cheapest Rates)

If budget is your priority, consider moving during:

Off-Peak Season (October – April)

This period has:

• Lower moving prices
• Better crew availability
• Easier scheduling
• Faster delivery windows
• Rental truck discounts

Winter moves are the cheapest, especially January and February.

Essential Tips for Moving During Peak Season

✔ Stay Hydrated

Summer moves can lead to heat exhaustion.

✔ Start Early

Beat the afternoon heat and traffic.

✔ Protect Heat-Sensitive Items

Keep electronics, liquids, candles, and toiletries in climate-safe containers.

✔ Prepare Parking in Advance

Peak season means crowded streets and apartment lots.

✔ Confirm Everything With Your Movers

Double-check:

• Exact arrival time
• Payment method
• Inventory list
• Packing schedule

Van Lines Move recommends confirming details 48 hours before the move.

Should You Move During Peak Season?

Peak season isn’t always avoidable. But if you have flexibility, you’ll save more moving in the fall or winter. Still, if you need the convenience of summer weather, be sure to book early, prepare ahead, and stay organized.