We run trucks year-round, and we see the demand cycle repeat every single year. July is chaos. January is wide open. The difference in our hourly rate between peak summer and the dead of winter is about 10 to 20%. January through March is when our rates are lowest and the schedule is widest open. Summer moves from May through August give you better weather and line up with school schedules, but you'll pay the peak rate. Here's how the calendar actually breaks down.
Month-by-Month Moving Demand and Rates
The hourly rate moves with the season, not just with demand. These are 2-person crew rates, the same NCUC maximum tariff rates we use across our local pages. Three-person crews ($215 to $245) and larger follow the same seasonal pattern. The cheapest stretch of the year is January through March, not the holidays.
| Month | Demand Level | 2-Person Crew Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | $165/hr (lowest) | Lowest rate of the year and a wide-open schedule |
| February | Low | $165/hr (lowest) | Same low winter rate, easy to book |
| March | Low to Medium | $165/hr (lowest) | Still the winter rate; demand starts to stir |
| April | Medium | $175/hr | Rate ticks up; pleasant weather, military PCS season begins |
| May | High | $195/hr (peak) | Peak rate starts; college move-outs |
| June | High | $195/hr (peak) | Peak rate; school lets out |
| July | Highest | $195/hr (peak) | Busiest month of the year; book weeks ahead |
| August | High | $195/hr (peak) | Peak rate; back-to-school and college move-ins |
| September | Medium | $185/hr | Demand drops after Labor Day; rate eases off the peak |
| October | Low to Medium | $185/hr | Lower demand and great weather; rate still above winter |
| November | Low | $185/hr | Quiet demand, but the rate runs higher than winter |
| December | Low | $185/hr | Low demand; rate higher than January, holiday scheduling |
The takeaway: the lowest rate of the year is January through March. Fall brings lighter demand and easier scheduling, but the rate sits a notch above winter, not below it.
Summer Moving: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Summer Moving
Summer is the most popular moving season for practical reasons. School's out, so families can relocate without pulling kids mid-year. Long daylight gives the crew more working time if the job runs long. Dry weather in most regions means fewer rain delays and less risk of water damage.
The real estate market is most active in summer, so buyers and sellers are on aligned timelines. If you're buying a home, your closing date probably falls in this window anyway. Summer also lines up with the end of many apartment leases that start in September or October.
Disadvantages of Summer Moving
Cost is the big one. Moving in July runs about 10 to 20% more per hour than the same move in January. Availability is tighter. The best crews and preferred dates book up weeks in advance. In North Carolina, the heat and humidity make moving physically brutal. Our crews are used to it, but it's still hard work in 95-degree weather. Summer thunderstorms, while brief, can cause delays. And if you're moving with a family, the pressure to get settled before school starts adds stress on top of everything else.
Winter Moving: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Winter Moving
The savings are real, and January through March is our lowest-rate stretch. Expect hourly rates about 10 to 20% below peak summer, immediate availability (often within days instead of weeks), and more flexibility in scheduling. Our calendars are lighter, so we can work around your preferred dates. In North Carolina's mild winters, weather rarely prevents a move from happening on schedule.
Disadvantages of Winter Moving
In colder climates, winter moves carry weather risks: icy roads, snow-delayed deliveries, and frozen pipes at the new home. Shorter daylight hours limit the working window. Holidays in November and December can complicate scheduling, and some businesses are closed when you need to transfer utilities or register vehicles. For families, a mid-year school change is disruptive. The slower real estate market can work for or against you depending on your situation.
The Sweet Spot for Availability: September and October
If you've got flexibility, September and October are a sweet spot for availability and weather. Demand drops sharply after Labor Day, so crews are less rushed and dates are easy to get. The weather in North Carolina is outstanding for moving. One honest caveat: our fall rate sits a notch above the winter rate, so this is the season for an open schedule and great weather, not for the rock-bottom price. If the lowest rate is your goal, wait for January. If you want easy scheduling and perfect moving weather, fall is hard to beat.
The Day of the Month Matters Too
We move Monday through Friday, and within the work week the date matters more than the day. The first and last few days of any month are the busiest because most leases start and end then. Tuesday through Thursday in the middle of the month is the easiest combination to book, and it gives the crew more breathing room regardless of season.
Tips for Peak-Season Moving
If you have to move during summer, these strategies help offset the premium:
- Book as early as possible. Six to eight weeks out is ideal for summer moves.
- Be flexible on dates. Ask the moving company which dates have openings. Shifting a day or two can save you money.
- Reduce your load. Declutter aggressively. Less weight and volume means lower cost in any season.
- Pack yourself. Self-packing saves $300 to $600 even during peak season.
- Move mid-month and mid-week. The first and last few days of the month book up first, so a mid-month Wednesday in July is far easier to get than a month-end date.
Tips for Off-Season Moving
Moving in winter? Prepare for the weather considerations:
- Monitor the forecast. Have a backup date in mind in case of severe weather.
- Protect floors. Wet and muddy conditions mean the crew tracks more into the house. Lay down floor runners and mats.
- Keep pathways clear. Shovel and salt walkways, stairs, and driveways before the crew arrives.
- Turn on heat at the new home before moving day so pipes don't freeze and the place is comfortable for unpacking.
No matter when you move, the right crew makes the difference. Contact Truckin' Movers for a free estimate and we'll help you find the best date for your budget and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to hire movers?
January, with February and March right behind it. Our hourly rates are at their lowest from January through March, and the winter schedule is wide open. A winter move runs about 10 to 20% less per hour than the same move in July.
Is it harder to sell a house in winter?
Fewer listings and fewer buyers, but the buyers who are looking tend to be more serious. Homes still sell in winter, though it may take a bit longer. In growing markets like the Triangle, inventory moves year-round.
Does weather affect long-distance moving timelines?
Yes. Winter storms can delay deliveries by one to three days. Good movers communicate delays up front and adjust schedules. Build a buffer into your timeline if you're moving during winter, especially for routes through mountains or northern states.
Should I move before or after the holidays?
Early November or mid-January avoids the scheduling headaches and emotional weight of moving during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. If you must move during the holidays, early December has better availability than late December.
How far in advance should I book summer movers?
At least 6 to 8 weeks for a summer move. Month-end or first-of-month dates, push that to 8 to 10 weeks. Last-minute summer bookings are possible but carry a premium and limited crew options.