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How Early Should You Book Your Local Move?

by sophiajames

When it comes to moving, most people focus on packing, organizing, and cleaning—but one of the most important details often gets overlooked: when to book your moving company. While local moves may seem more flexible than long-distance relocations, timing still matters. In fact, waiting too long to schedule your movers can cost you money, limit your options, and add unnecessary stress to your move.

At Edson’s Movers, we’ve seen it all—from well-planned local moves booked months in advance to last-minute scrambles just days before moving day. To help you avoid the chaos and secure the right team, let’s break down the best timeline for booking your local move—and why earlier is almost always better.

Why Booking Early Matters (Even for Short Moves)

Just because you’re moving across town instead of across the country doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. Local movers, especially reputable ones, book up quickly—especially during busy seasons.

By booking early, you:

  • Secure your preferred move date and time

  • Get access to more experienced crews and better equipment

  • Allow time for a proper walkthrough or estimate

  • Ensure availability during peak moving months

  • Have time to coordinate packing services or storage if needed

Waiting until the week of your move could leave you scrambling—or worse, paying more for last-minute service.

Ideal Booking Timeline Based on Season

The best time to book your local move depends largely on when you’re planning to move. Here’s a quick breakdown by season:

Spring and Summer (Peak Season)

  • Book 4–8 weeks in advance
    May through August is the busiest time of year for moving companies. Families move before the new school year, college students are on the move, and leases often turn over in summer. If you’re planning a summer move, the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting your ideal time slot.

Fall and Winter (Off-Peak Season)

  • Book 2–4 weeks in advance
    Fewer people move in colder months, so availability is usually better. However, holiday schedules and unpredictable weather can still impact timelines, so it’s smart to lock in your date as early as possible.

Weekends vs. Weekdays: Book Accordingly

Weekend slots fill up fast. If you’re hoping to move on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday:

  • Book at least 4 weeks out, even in slower seasons

  • Consider a weekday move for more availability and lower rates

  • Aim for mid-month rather than the beginning or end when leases typically turn over

If your schedule allows flexibility, mid-week, mid-month moves are often easier to secure and can sometimes save you money.

Red Flags of Waiting Too Long

Postponing your booking can cause more than just scheduling headaches. Here are common consequences of waiting too late:

  • Limited crew availability – You may get an inexperienced or rushed team

  • Higher costs – Last-minute moves may come with premium pricing

  • No time for a walkthrough – Movers show up with incomplete info or the wrong tools

  • Reduced access to packing materials or services

  • Increased stress and rushed packing

Booking early gives your movers time to prepare and gives you the confidence that everything will run smoothly.

How to Prepare When Booking Early

Booking your move in advance doesn’t just check a box—it helps you plan more efficiently across the board.

Here’s what you can do once your date is set:

  • Schedule time off work or childcare if needed

  • Create a packing schedule by room or category

  • Begin collecting moving supplies (boxes, tape, labels)

  • Arrange utility transfers and change-of-address forms

  • Plan for storage or junk removal if necessary

When you know your move date weeks in advance, you can plan backward and tackle your checklist one step at a time.

What We Offer at Edson’s Movers

When you book a local move with us, we don’t just show up on moving day—we guide you through the entire process. Our services include:

  • Free estimates and in-home or virtual walkthroughs

  • Custom moving plans based on your timeline and needs

  • Full-service packing and unpacking (optional)

  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly

  • Safe, efficient transportation within the same day

  • Short-term storage solutions, if your new place isn’t quite ready

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the city, we treat every job with care, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Last-Minute Move? We Can Still Help

While we recommend booking early, we understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan. If you’re facing a quick turnaround due to:

  • Sudden lease termination

  • Job relocation

  • Family emergency

  • Delayed moving services from another company

…contact us anyway. We maintain flexible availability for urgent moves and will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule.

How to Lock In Your Move Today

Ready to book your local move with confidence? Here’s what to do:

  1. Reach out as soon as you have your move date

  2. Provide a general inventory of what’s being moved

  3. Schedule a walkthrough (optional but recommended)

  4. Choose the level of service you need (standard move, full packing, storage, etc.)

  5. Relax—your move is in expert hands

Booking early gives you more than a spot on the schedule—it gives you time to plan, prepare, and breathe. Local moves may be short in distance, but they’re just as big in importance. Start early, partner with professionals, and you’ll save time, stress, and money along the way.

Have a move coming up? Don’t wait—contact us today to secure your preferred moving date with Edson’s Movers.

 

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