How Much Notice Should You Give a Moving Company?

You should give your moving company at least 2-3 weeks notice, but 8-12 weeks is better for summer moves. The exact amount depends on when you're moving, how far you're going, and how big your move is. Summer moves need the most planning time because that's when everyone wants to move.

Why Notice Matters More Than You Think

Moving companies aren't just sitting around waiting for your call. They have trucks to schedule, crews to assign, and equipment to prepare. When you don't give enough notice, you might end up with no one available to help you move.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 13% of Americans moved in 2021, which represents millions of households competing for moving services. Think about it like booking a restaurant on Valentine's Day. The good places fill up fast, and you're left with whatever's available at the last minute. Moving companies work the same way, especially during busy times.

The Real Cost of Poor Planning

Moving costs can be 20-30% more expensive during peak season when demand is high. But waiting too long to book can cost you even more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment trends in the transportation and moving industry, showing how seasonal demand affects pricing and availability. Last-minute bookings often come with rush fees, limited truck availability, and less experienced crews.

Poor planning also means you might not get your preferred moving date. If you need to move by a certain day for work or school, booking late puts that timeline at risk.

How Much Notice Based on When You're Moving

The time of year makes a huge difference in how much notice you need to give. Here's what you need to know:

Summer Moves (May Through September)

More than 75% of all residential moves happen between April and September. This is called peak moving season, and it's when moving companies are busiest. The U.S. Census Bureau data shows this seasonal pattern has been consistent for decades.

For summer moves, book 8-12 weeks ahead. If you're moving during peak summer months, it's best to reserve your movers at least eight weeks in advance. Summer is prime time for moving companies, so getting a reservation on short notice is tough.

Why summer is so busy:

• Kids are out of school
• Weather is better for moving
• Most apartment leases end in summer
• People have vacation time to help with moves

Fall and Winter Moves (October Through March)

Moving in the off-season is much easier. Between September and March, most moving companies don't need as much advanced notice.

For off-season moves, 2-4 weeks notice is usually enough. You'll have more options, better prices, and more flexible scheduling.

The trade-offs:

• Weather can be challenging
• Shorter daylight hours
• Holiday scheduling around Thanksgiving and Christmas

The Sweet Spot: Mid-Week and Mid-Month

Weekend moves are typically full months in advance, but mid-week moves can sometimes be taken with just a few days' notice—especially during the off-season.

If you can be flexible with your moving day:

• Move Tuesday through Thursday for better rates
• Avoid the first and last week of the month
• Skip holiday weekends entirely

Notice Requirements by Type of Move

Not all moves are created equal. The size and distance of your move affects how much notice you need to give.

Local Moves (Within the Same City)

Local moves are the easiest to schedule on short notice. Give 2-4 weeks for summer moves, 1-2 weeks for off-season moves.

For small apartments or studios, some companies can fit you in with just a few days' notice during slow periods.

Long-Distance Moves (Different States)

Cross-country and long-distance moves need at least 8-12 weeks ahead of moving date. The shortest recommended timeframe is typically 2-3 weeks out.

Long-distance moves require:

• Interstate moving permits
• More detailed planning
• Coordination with destination crews
• Special equipment for long hauls

International Moves

International moves need the most planning time. Give yourself 12-16 weeks minimum for overseas moves. You'll need time for:

• Customs paperwork
• Shipping container scheduling
• Insurance arrangements
• Quarantine requirements for some items

How Move Size Affects Booking Time

The bigger your move, the more notice you need to give.

Small Moves (Studio or 1-Bedroom)

If you only have a few boxes or some pieces of furniture to move, then many small movers will only need about two days' notice.

Small moves are easier to squeeze into busy schedules because they don't take all day.

Medium Moves (2-3 Bedrooms)

Give 4-6 weeks notice for medium-sized homes. These moves require:

• Larger trucks
• More crew members
• More packing materials
• Longer time slots

Large Moves (4+ Bedrooms or Offices)

If you're moving a three-bedroom house packed to the brim with furniture or other bulky items, your movers will likely want several weeks' notice.

Large moves need 6-8 weeks notice minimum because they require:

• Multiple trucks or large moving vans
• Full crews for efficient loading
• Special equipment for heavy items
• Coordination with storage facilities if needed
• 
  

The Money-Saving Power of Early Booking

Booking early doesn't just get you better dates - it saves you money too.

How Much You Can Save

If you want to get the best price for your move, it's best to book as early as possible, at least eight weeks in advance. According to IRS migration data, which tracks household moves through tax return address changes, millions of American households relocate annually, creating predictable seasonal demand patterns. If you can, call 10-12 weeks before moving day for the most competitive rates.

Moving companies offer early bird discounts because:

• They can plan their schedules better
• They know their trucks will be full
• It reduces their marketing costs
• Early bookings help with cash flow

Off-Season Savings Are Even Better

Most moving companies offer considerable discounts (up to 30%) for moves during the off-peak season to attract more customers during slower times.

If you can wait until fall or winter, you'll save the most money on your move.

What Happens When You Book Last-Minute

Sometimes life doesn't give you 8-12 weeks to plan a move. Here's what to expect with short notice:

Challenges of Last-Minute Bookings

• Higher costs: Rush fees and premium pricing
• Limited options: Fewer companies available
• Less experienced crews: Regular teams already booked
• Inflexible scheduling: Take what you can get
• Potential delays: Overbooked companies juggling schedules

How to Make Last-Minute Moves Work

If you need to move quickly:

1. Call multiple companies immediately - Don't wait for callbacks
2. Be flexible with dates - Take whatever's available
3. Consider mid-week moves - Better availability than weekends
4. Pack yourself - Don't rely on company packing services
5. Have backup plans - Be ready to adjust your timeline

Some companies might have equipment available a few days or weeks before your move, but others need more notice. If you need a quick turnaround, it's best to call several companies to find out what is available.

Regional Considerations for Canadian Moves

If you're moving in Alberta like many of our customers at Last Stop Moving, there are some regional factors to consider:

Alberta's Moving Season

Alberta's harsh winters make summer moving even more popular than in other places. Plan for:

• Extra early booking for summer moves (10-12 weeks)
• Limited winter availability due to weather
• Higher demand in oil and gas regions during boom periods

Best Times to Move in Alberta

• Late spring (April-May): Good weather, less competition than summer
• Early fall (September): Still warm, kids are back in school
• Mid-winter (January-February): Best prices but challenging weather

Special Situations That Need Extra Time

Some moves require more planning time than others:

Senior Moves

Senior moving often involves downsizing and requires extra care. The American Trucking Associations Moving & Storage Conference, which represents the professional moving industry, recommends giving 8-10 weeks notice to:

• Sort through belongings properly
• Coordinate with family members
• Arrange specialized packing services
• Plan for emotional support during the process

Commercial Moves

Business relocations need the most planning time. Give 12-16 weeks notice for:

• Minimizing business downtime
• Coordinating IT equipment moves
• Planning employee communications
• Arranging weekend or after-hours moves

Specialty Item Moves

Items like pianos, artwork, or antiques need special handling. Add 2-4 extra weeks to your timeline for:

• Custom crating and padding
• Specialized equipment rental
• Expert crew training
• Insurance arrangements

Your Moving Timeline Checklist

Use this timeline to plan your move properly:

12 Weeks Before (Summer Moves Only)

• Start researching moving companies
• Get initial quotes
• Check company reviews and licensing

8-10 Weeks Before

• Get final quotes from top 3 companies
• Book your preferred mover
• Confirm moving date and services

6 Weeks Before

• Start decluttering and donating items
• Begin collecting packing supplies
• Notify schools and employers

4 Weeks Before

• Confirm details with your moving company
• Start packing non-essential items
• Arrange utility transfers

2 Weeks Before

• Pack everything except essentials
• Confirm logistics with movers
• Prepare an "essentials" box

Moving Week

• Pack remaining items
• Clean out appliances
• Do final walkthrough with crew chief

Red Flags: When Companies Need Too Little Notice

Be suspicious if a moving company says they can move you tomorrow during peak season. Reputable companies are usually booked weeks in advance during busy times.

Warning signs of problematic movers:

• Available immediately during summer
• Asking for large deposits upfront
• No physical address or licensing
• Prices significantly below others
• Unwilling to do in-home estimates

Emergency Moves: Your Last Resort Options

Sometimes you truly have no choice but to move immediately. Here are your options:

Self-Moving Options

• Rent a truck and move yourself
• Use portable moving containers
• Ask friends and family for help
• Hire labor-only movers

Professional Emergency Services

Some companies specialize in emergency moves:

• Higher costs but guaranteed service
• 24/7 availability
• Experience with urgent situations
• Limited advance planning required

Making Your Decision

The key to a successful move is matching your notice period to your specific situation. Here's how to decide:

Give 8-12 weeks notice if:

• Moving during summer months
• Moving long-distance
• Have a large home or office
• Want the best prices and dates
• Moving to/from popular areas

2-4 weeks notice works if:

• Moving during off-season
• Flexible with dates
• Local move within the same city
• Small apartment or condo
• Mid-week availability
• 
  

Last-minute options when:

• Job transfer with short notice
• Emergency situations
• Willing to pay premium prices
• Very flexible with dates
• Consider self-moving options

Final Thoughts

The answer to "how much notice should you give a moving company" isn't one-size-fits-all. Summer moves need 8-12 weeks, while winter moves might only need 2-4 weeks. The key is understanding your specific situation and planning accordingly.

Remember that good moving companies book up fast, especially during peak season. The earlier you book, the better your options and prices will be. Even if you're not 100% sure about your exact moving date, it's better to book early and adjust later than to wait and risk having no good options left.

If you're planning a move in the Edmonton area, contact Last Stop Moving as early as possible. We'll help you plan the perfect timeline for your specific needs and make sure your move goes smoothly from start to finish.