When planning a move, many people focus on logistics such as packing, securing a moving truck, and finalizing their new home. However, one often-overlooked factor that can significantly impact your moving costs is the day you choose to hire a moving company. Moving on specific days can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you opt for a less busy time. This comprehensive guide will delve into all the nuances of finding the cheapest day to hire a moving company, complete with examples, price tables, and FAQs. We will also address related topics like pricing for residential, long-distance, and office relocation services. This guide will be especially helpful for those looking for moving companies in Calgary, long-distance movers, and other moving services.
Factors that Affect Moving Costs
Before diving into the specifics of choosing the cheapest day, it’s crucial to understand the broader factors that influence moving costs:
- Distance: Long-distance moves typically cost more than local moves. Moving from Calgary to Victoria, for instance, will cost significantly more than moving within Calgary due to distance and additional services like ferries or cross-country permits.
- Size of the Move: Larger moves with more items (such as appliances, furniture, and small items) will require more labor and possibly a larger truck, which will increase costs.
- Additional Services: Services like packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly can also affect your overall moving cost.
- Time of Year: Peak moving season is typically during the summer and holidays, when demand is high, and so are prices. Conversely, moving during the off-season (fall and winter) can help you save.
- Day of the Week: As we will explore in this guide, moving on specific days can help you secure lower rates. Movers tend to be more expensive on weekends and cheaper during the week.
- Last-Minute Booking: Last-minute moves, especially on weekends or holidays, tend to be pricier as moving companies may charge a premium for emergency or last-minute services.
The Best and Cheapest Days to Move
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) vs. Weekends (Friday to Sunday)
The most important factor when choosing the cheapest day to hire a moving company is whether it falls on a weekday or a weekend. Here’s why:
- Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Movers are generally less busy during the week, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. Many people prefer to move over the weekend to avoid taking time off work, so weekdays often have lower demand. This lower demand means that moving companies are more likely to offer discounts or lower their rates to attract business. For those looking for cheap movers or affordable options, moving on a weekday can be a great way to save money.
- Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Moving over the weekend is convenient for many people, but this convenience comes at a price. Moving companies are typically busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, and as a result, they charge higher rates. Fridays are also busy, as many people prefer to start their move on a Friday to get the entire weekend to settle in.
Cheapest Days of the Week Price Table
Here’s a breakdown of average moving costs on different days of the week. Please note that the prices listed below are estimates and can vary depending on location, size of the move, and services required. These examples are based on moving companies in Calgary but can be applied generally to most locations.
| Day of the Week | Price Range for a Local Move (1-2 Bedroom) | Price Range for a Long-Distance Move (Calgary to Vancouver, 2-3 Bedroom) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | $400 – $700 | $2,500 – $3,500 | Weekday rates apply, moving a 2-bedroom apartment from Calgary to Vancouver |
| Tuesday | $400 – $700 | $2,500 – $3,500 | One of the cheapest days to move locally or long-distance |
| Wednesday | $450 – $750 | $2,600 – $3,600 | Mid-week move for a 2-bedroom home within Calgary |
| Thursday | $450 – $750 | $2,600 – $3,600 | Slightly busier than early weekdays, but still cheaper than weekends |
| Friday | $550 – $900 | $2,800 – $4,000 | Weekend rates start to kick in, higher demand |
| Saturday | $600 – $1,000 | $3,000 – $4,200 | Peak day for movers, expect higher rates |
| Sunday | $600 – $1,000 | $3,000 – $4,200 | Popular moving day, high rates similar to Saturday |
Cheapest Days in a Month
Another important consideration is the time of the month you choose to move. Most leases end at the beginning or end of the month, making the first and last weeks of the month the busiest for moving companies. This means prices can be higher during these peak periods.
- Mid-Month (10th to 20th): Moving in the middle of the month is generally cheaper because there is less demand. You can take advantage of lower rates, better availability, and even potential discounts.
- End/Beginning of the Month (1st to 10th & 20th to 31st): These are the busiest times for moving companies, as leases end, and people are looking to move into their new homes. Prices tend to be higher, and availability may be limited. It’s advisable to book well in advance if you have to move during these periods.
Time of Year: Off-Peak vs. Peak Season
The time of year also plays a huge role in determining moving costs. Moving companies experience their busiest season during the summer (from May to September), as the weather is more favorable, children are out of school, and most people prefer to move when it’s warm. During this time, prices can increase by as much as 20-30%.
Off-Peak Season (October to April)
If you want the cheapest rates, consider moving during the off-peak season. Not only are moving companies less busy, but they are also more likely to offer deals and promotions. For example, moving companies in Calgary may offer discounts to people moving during the winter months, as fewer people are willing to deal with the colder weather.
Peak Season (May to September)
The summer months are peak moving season, and prices reflect that. Movers are in high demand, and if you don’t book early, you could be faced with higher costs or limited availability. Moving over the summer may be more convenient for families with school-age children, but it is by no means the most cost-effective option.
Pricing Examples for Different Scenarios
Let’s explore some specific pricing examples for different types of moves and days.
1. Local Move (1-Bedroom Apartment within Calgary) on a Monday
- Move Date: Monday
- Distance: Local (within Calgary)
- Size: 1-Bedroom Apartment
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
- Number of Movers: 2
- Hourly Rate: $100 per hour
Total Cost Calculation:
- $100 × 3 hours = $300
Since Monday is one of the cheapest days to move, this local move within Calgary would cost approximately $300.
2. Long-Distance Move (Calgary to Vancouver movers, 3-Bedroom House) on a Wednesday
- Move Date: Wednesday
- Distance: Long-Distance (Calgary to Vancouver)
- Size: 3-Bedroom House
- Weight of Items: 7,000 lbs
- Cost per Pound: $0.50
- Additional Services: Packing, Loading, Unloading
Total Cost Calculation:
- 7,000 lbs × $0.50 = $3,500
- Packing and Loading Service: $500
Total cost for a mid-week, long-distance move from Calgary to Vancouver would be approximately $4,000.
3. Office Relocation (Small Office, 5 Employees) on a Saturday
- Move Date: Saturday
- Distance: Local (within Calgary)
- Size: Small Office (5 Employees)
- Estimated Time: 6 hours
- Number of Movers: 4
- Hourly Rate: $150 per hour (higher weekend rate)
Total Cost Calculation:
- $150 × 6 hours × 4 movers = $3,600
Total cost for an office relocation on a Saturday would be approximately $3,600 due to higher weekend rates.
Price Guide for Moving Services Based on Day
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of typical moving costs based on the day of the week for different types of moves.
| Type of Move | Monday-Thursday | Friday-Sunday | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Move (1-2 Bedroom) | $300 – $700 | $500 – $1,000 | Cheapest on weekdays, higher on weekends due to demand |
| Long-Distance (Calgary to Victoria) | $2,500 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $4,500 | Lower rates mid-week; higher on weekends and during peak season |
| Type of Move | Monday-Thursday | Friday-Sunday | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Relocation (Small Office, Local) | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 | Mid-week move for a small office saves costs compared to a weekend move |
| Last-Minute Moving Services | $100 – $200/hour | $150 – $250/hour | More expensive for emergency moves during weekends |
| Appliance Moving (Single Appliance) | $100 – $250 | $150 – $350 | Cheaper during the week for single appliance moves within Calgary |
| Senior Movers (Assisted Move) | $750 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $2,000 | Mid-week moves for senior services are often discounted |
| Furniture Moving (Single Item) | $100 – $300 | $150 – $400 | Moving a large piece of furniture is cheaper during the week |
Benefits of Moving on the Cheapest Day
Moving on the cheapest day of the week can provide multiple advantages, particularly if you are looking to save money or have a flexible schedule. Here are some key benefits:
- Lower Rates: Moving companies charge less on weekdays, especially Monday through Wednesday. This is because they experience lower demand during these days and are willing to lower rates to fill their schedule.
- Better Availability: During weekends and at the end of the month, movers are often fully booked. By choosing a less popular day, you have more options for selecting the best movers and can often secure services on short notice.
- Discounts and Promotions: Many moving companies offer mid-week or off-peak discounts. For example, some companies may provide 10-15% discounts for moves booked on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the off-season.
- Less Stress and Traffic: Moving during the week also means fewer traffic jams and delays, which can make the moving process smoother and faster. Weekdays are generally quieter, so movers can complete the job more efficiently.
- Faster Processing for Long-Distance Moves: For long-distance moves, starting the move on a weekday can mean quicker processing and delivery times as moving trucks won’t be as backed up with weekend loads.
Tips for Booking a Move on the Cheapest Day
To make the most of your move and save as much money as possible, here are a few tips for booking a move on the cheapest day:
- Plan Early: To secure the best rates, plan your move as early as possible. Even though weekday moves are generally cheaper, you still want to book early, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility is key when it comes to saving money on moving costs. If you can, avoid moving during the weekend or at the end of the month, and opt for a mid-week, mid-month move.
- Compare Quotes: Get quotes from at least three different moving companies and specifically ask about mid-week and off-peak discounts. Use the information from the quotes to negotiate a better deal.
- Move During Off-Peak Seasons: If you have the flexibility, consider moving during the off-peak season (October to April). Moving during these months often results in significant savings as movers offer lower rates to attract customers.
- Book in the Middle of the Month: If you can’t move mid-week, aim for the middle of the month, as moving companies tend to be less busy and more affordable during this time.
- Ask for Discounts: Many companies offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, or repeat customers. Don’t hesitate to ask if any discounts or promotions are available.
FAQs: Cheapest Days to Hire a Moving Company
Q1: What is the cheapest day of the week to move?
A: The cheapest days to move are typically Monday through Wednesday, with Tuesday being one of the least expensive. Moving companies have lower demand on these days and often offer discounted rates.
Q2: Are moving companies cheaper on weekdays?
A: Yes, moving companies are generally cheaper on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) due to lower demand. Weekends are more popular for moving, resulting in higher prices.
Q3: Is it cheaper to move at the beginning or end of the month?
A: It is usually more expensive to move at the beginning or end of the month because that’s when most leases expire, and demand for movers is high. Moving in the middle of the month (around the 10th to 20th) can result in lower costs.
Q4: How much does it cost to move on a weekend?
A: Weekend moving costs are generally 15-30% higher than weekday rates. For example, a local move that costs $500 on a Tuesday might cost $650 to $750 on a Saturday or Sunday.
Q5: Is it cheaper to move during the off-peak season?
A: Yes, moving during the off-peak season (October to April) can save you 20-30% compared to moving during the summer or holidays. Movers are less busy during the colder months and are more likely to offer lower rates.
Q6: What time of day is cheapest to move?
A: Morning moves can sometimes be cheaper because they allow movers to schedule multiple jobs in one day. Some companies also offer discounts for moves scheduled earlier in the day to maximize efficiency.
Q7: How can I find cheap movers in Calgary?
A: To find affordable or cheap movers in Calgary, start by getting quotes from at least three moving companies. Look for mid-week discounts and off-peak pricing. Be sure to check online reviews to ensure you’re getting good service in addition to a low cost.
Q8: Can I negotiate moving rates?
A: Yes, many moving companies are open to negotiation, especially if you’re moving during a less busy time like mid-week or mid-month. Mention that you are flexible with your move date and ask if any discounts are available.
Conclusion
Choosing the cheapest day to hire a moving company can make a significant difference in the overall cost of your move. Moving mid-week, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and during the middle of the month, can help you save hundreds of dollars. Additionally, moving during the off-peak season can further reduce costs.
Whether you’re looking for affordable movers in Calgary, planning a long-distance move to Victoria or Vancouver, or relocating your office across town, being strategic about when you move is crucial. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can minimize your moving expenses while ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.