Moving house is not an easy task. There’s a lot of work involved, from sorting your belongings and packing them to canceling utilities and arranging for your mail to be forwarded.
An essential part of the moving process that shouldn’t be left until the last minute is booking a moving company. Imagine finding a mover you can trust and that offers the services you need, only to find out that they’re fully booked on the date of your move.
Booking a moving company early can help prevent this particular headache. However, you might wonder, how far in advance should you book a moving company?
You might think the answer to that question is the sooner, the better. However, this is not always the case. In this article, we discuss the optimal timeline for booking a moving company tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
How Far in Advance to Book a Moving Company: Factors to Consider
Determining the ideal time to book a moving company involves carefully considering a few factors. These include:
The Time of Year/Season
Summer is widely recognized as the peak season for moving house. According to an analysis of over 600,000 removal quotes from moving companies, August is the most popular month for household moves. However, May through July also see a lot of relocations, which means a higher demand for moving services.
If you plan to move in the summer, it’s best to book well in advance. Consider booking at least two months before your move-out/move-in date to help ensure you secure a slot with your chosen moving company.
The Size of Your Move
When asking the question, “How far in advance should you book a moving company,” it’s important to remember that the size of your move is a crucial factor in determining the best timeline. Generally, the bigger the move, the earlier you should book.
Large moves that involve a large number of belongings require more planning and logistics. Booking six to eight weeks in advance allows the moving company to allocate the necessary resources and manpower for your needs.
Conversely, smaller moves might afford a bit more flexibility in timing, although early booking ensures you get your preferred moving date.
Distance Between Origin and Destination
The distance between your current and future location influences your moving timeline. Long-distance moves, especially across state lines, involve intricate planning. For this reason, many moving companies ask to be notified at least 90 days before your planned moving date.
Others might allow for more scheduling flexibility as long as they have staff, a moving truck and other necessary equipment available on your chosen date. Feel free to discuss your concerns and requirements with the moving companies you’re considering hiring.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can pinpoint the optimal timeframe for booking your moving company, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.
Benefits of Booking in Advance
Booking a moving company in advance offers a myriad of benefits, including:
Guaranteed Availability and Flexibility
Securing a moving company allows you to choose from a broader range of dates, granting you flexibility in scheduling your move. Last-minute bookings often restrict your options, forcing you into inconvenient timeframes.
Competitive Pricing and Better Deals
Early bookings can lead to cost savings. Moving companies may offer better rates and exclusive deals for customers who book in advance. By comparing quotes and services beforehand, you can make a more informed decision, ensuring you get the best value for your budget.
Reduced Stress and Efficient Planning
Booking early provides ample time for planning. It enables you to organize your belongings, prepare for packing, and coordinate other essential aspects of the move. This proactive approach reduces stress significantly, allowing for a more seamless transition to your new home.
Access to Experienced Professionals
If you leave booking too late, you might end up stuck with moving companies that few people hire because they offer less-than-stellar service. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure the services of a reputable company with skilled professionals. Their expertise can prove invaluable during the moving process, ensuring your belongings are handled with care and expertise.
Why You Shouldn’t Book a Moving Company Too Early
While booking a moving company early is essential, booking too far in advance can lead to problems. Here’s why jumping the gun might not be in your best interest:
Changing Circumstances
Life can be unpredictable. Unexpected events, such as job changes or house sale hiccups, might alter your moving plans. Booking too early can lead to complications if your moving date shifts.
Limited Flexibility
Moving companies operate on a schedule. Booking too far in advance might limit your flexibility. If you need to reschedule or change your moving date within their policy’s timeframe, you might face challenges due to the early booking constraints.
Potential Rate Changes
Moving companies periodically adjust their rates based on demand, fuel prices and other factors. Booking too early might mean missing out on more competitive rates closer to your moving date.
Lack of Updated Information
Details about your move, such as the volume of belongings or specific services required, might evolve over time. Booking too far in advance might not allow you to provide accurate information, leading to misunderstandings or misestimations.
Booking a Moving Company: Finding a Happy Medium
By being mindful of these factors, you can strike the right balance, ensuring you book your moving company with enough time to plan effectively without falling into the trap of booking excessively early. This balanced approach guarantees a smoother and more efficient experience.
If you plan on moving soon and need trustworthy movers, look no further than Freedom Moving & Storage. We are a trusted provider of packing, moving, storage and vehicle transport solutions.
Our company has a network of 800 moving trucks and a team of highly skilled and experienced moving pros. You can be confident that we can manage your move, whether it’s a small, within-city relocation or a complex cross-country move.
Contact us today at 855-343-4700 to learn more about our services or request a free quote online.
