The short answer
If you are planning a summer 2026 move, the single most important thing you can do is book early. Peak moving season runs from late May through early September, and demand for professional movers spikes dramatically during June, July, and August. Rates climb, availability shrinks, and last-minute bookings become a gamble. By reserving your moving date six to twelve weeks ahead, choosing a midweek slot, and locking in a quote now, you can avoid the worst of the rush and keep your costs under control.
Ready to get ahead of the curve? Get a free moving quote to start planning today.
Why summer moves cost more
Summer is the busiest time of year for the moving industry, and that demand directly affects what you pay. Understanding why prices increase helps you make smarter decisions about timing and budgeting.
Higher demand across the board
More people move during summer than any other season. Families want to relocate between school years. College graduates are starting new jobs. Leases signed in fall and winter tend to expire around May or June. All of this converges into a three-month window where moving companies are stretched to capacity.
Limited crew and truck availability
Moving companies operate with the same number of trucks and crew members year-round. When every customer wants a Saturday in July, there simply are not enough resources to go around. This scarcity drives prices upward and makes preferred dates harder to secure.
Premium pricing is standard
During peak season, expect to pay 20 to 30 percent more than you would for the same move in October or February. Some companies apply seasonal surcharges on top of their base rates. Long-distance moves are especially affected because trucks are booked on multi-stop routes weeks in advance.
The weekend multiplier
Weekend rates during summer represent the most expensive possible combination. A Saturday move in late June can cost significantly more than the same move on a Wednesday in the same week. If your schedule allows any flexibility at all, shifting to a weekday is one of the easiest ways to reduce your total bill.
Book early: the single best thing you can do
If you take only one piece of advice from this article, let it be this: book your movers as early as possible. Early booking is the most reliable way to control costs and guarantee availability during peak season.
How far ahead should you book?
- Local moves (under 100 miles): Reserve your date at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance
- Long-distance moves (over 100 miles): Aim for 8 to 12 weeks of lead time
- Cross-country moves: 10 to 12 weeks is ideal, especially if you need specific pickup and delivery dates
What happens when you wait
Procrastinating on your booking creates a cascade of problems. The best moving companies fill their calendars first, leaving you with fewer options and less leverage to negotiate. You may be forced to accept a date that does not work well for your schedule, or you may end up paying a premium for last-minute availability.
Lock in your preferred crew
Booking early does not just secure a date. It also increases the likelihood that you get an experienced, well-reviewed crew rather than a seasonal fill-in team. Reputable companies assign their best teams to confirmed bookings first.
Not sure which mover is right for you? Choose the right moving company with our detailed guide.
Choose your dates wisely
Not all summer dates are created equal. A little flexibility in your schedule can translate into meaningful savings and a smoother experience.
Aim for midweek moves
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the least popular moving days during summer. Moving companies often have more availability and may offer lower rates to fill these slots. If you can take a day or two off work, a midweek move is almost always the better financial decision.
Target mid-month windows
The beginning and end of the month are peak times within peak season. Leases typically start and end on the first or last day of the month, so demand clusters around those dates. Moving during the second or third week of the month puts you outside that crunch.
Consider the edges of summer
Early June and late August sit on the shoulders of peak season. Demand is still elevated compared to fall or winter, but it is noticeably lower than the July peak. If your timeline is flexible, scheduling your move during these bookend weeks can yield better pricing and more date options.
Get quotes now, not later
Pricing during summer 2026 is not going to decrease as the season approaches. Every week you wait is a week closer to the demand spike, and moving companies have little incentive to offer discounts when their calendars are filling up.
Why early quotes save money
- Price lock advantage: Many moving companies will honor a quoted rate for 30 to 60 days, sometimes longer. Getting a quote now lets you lock in pre-peak pricing before seasonal adjustments take effect.
- Comparison leverage: With multiple quotes in hand, you have real data to negotiate with. A competitor's lower rate is a powerful tool when discussing pricing with your preferred mover.
- Budget clarity: An early quote gives you a concrete number to plan around, which prevents financial surprises as your move date approaches.
Get at least three estimates
Never rely on a single quote. Collect estimates from at least three reputable moving companies, compare them carefully, and ask about anything that seems unclear or missing from the breakdown.
Estimate your moving costs with our free calculator to establish a baseline before you start collecting quotes.
Protect your belongings from heat
Summer heat is not just uncomfortable for you and your moving crew. It can cause real damage to your possessions if you do not take precautions.
Electronics and media
Laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and vinyl records are all vulnerable to high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to heat inside a truck can warp components, degrade batteries, and damage screens. Transport these items in your personal vehicle with the air conditioning running whenever possible.
Candles, cosmetics, and wax items
Anything that can melt will melt in a truck that has been sitting in the sun. Candles, crayons, lipstick, and similar items should travel with you in a climate-controlled space. If that is not an option, pack them in an insulated cooler bag.
Plants
Live plants are extremely sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. If you are moving locally, transport them in your car and bring them inside at your new home immediately. For long-distance moves, consider whether the stress of transit is worth it for each plant. Many will not survive extended time in a hot truck.
Perishable food
Do not pack perishable food onto the moving truck. Use up refrigerated and frozen items in the weeks before your move. For moving day, keep a cooler stocked with cold drinks and snacks that will not spoil.
General heat protection tips
- Avoid leaving packed boxes on driveways or sidewalks in direct sunlight while waiting to be loaded
- Ask your moving crew to load heat-sensitive items last so they spend the least amount of time in the truck
- If there is a delay between your pickup and delivery dates, confirm that your items will be stored in a climate-controlled facility
Stay hydrated and plan for the heat
Moving is physically demanding work in any season. In summer, the combination of heavy lifting and high temperatures makes heat exhaustion a real concern for both you and your moving crew.
Keep water readily available
Have a large cooler filled with ice water and sports drinks accessible throughout the entire move. Do not wait until someone feels thirsty. Encourage everyone involved to drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if they do not feel like they need it.
Provide shade and breaks
If possible, set up a shaded rest area near the truck. A pop-up canopy, a patio umbrella, or even the shade of a large tree gives the crew a place to cool down between loads. Short, frequent breaks are more effective than one long break in preventing heat-related illness.
Dress for the weather
Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing. A hat and sunscreen are not optional. Even if you are supervising rather than lifting, extended time outdoors in summer heat takes a toll.
Start early in the day
Schedule your move to begin as early in the morning as your moving company allows. The coolest hours are before 10 a.m., and getting a head start means less work during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Watch for warning signs
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, nausea, and dizziness. If anyone on your crew or in your household shows these signs, stop work immediately, move to a cool area, and hydrate. Heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Summer moving checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized and on track as your summer move approaches.
10 to 12 weeks before your move
- Research and compare moving companies
- Request quotes from at least three movers
- Book your moving date as soon as you have a confirmed timeline
- Start decluttering room by room
6 to 8 weeks before your move
- Confirm your booking and review the moving contract
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Notify your landlord, utility companies, and subscription services of your move
- Set up mail forwarding through USPS
- Order packing supplies if you have not already
3 to 4 weeks before your move
- Pack the majority of your belongings, leaving out only daily essentials
- Arrange care for pets and children on moving day
- Confirm parking and elevator reservations at both locations if applicable
- Prepare a moving day essentials bag with documents, medications, chargers, and toiletries
1 week before your move
- Finish packing and label all boxes with contents and destination room
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator
- Confirm arrival time and logistics with your moving company
- Charge devices and download offline entertainment for the trip
Moving day
- Start early to beat the heat
- Set up a hydration station with water, ice, and sports drinks
- Keep heat-sensitive items and valuables with you
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home before leaving
- Tip your moving crew if they provided good service
Next steps
Summer 2026 is approaching faster than you think. The best time to start planning is right now. By booking early, choosing your dates strategically, and preparing for the heat, you can turn what is typically the most stressful moving season into a smooth, well-managed experience.
Get a free moving quote to lock in your rate before peak season pricing kicks in. The earlier you act, the more options you have and the more money you save.
