The key to a low-stress move is knowing what needs to be done and when, so you can create a comprehensive moving plan. The first step is nailing down the relocation date. Once you have that, it’s time to decide how you’ll move: on your own, or with the help of professionals.
Professional movers not only make the process faster and easier, but also enable you to focus less on the heavy lifting and more on making your new space a home. But before they can do that, you’ll need to book them!
Understanding how far in advance to book movers, especially in the bustling Austin area, could be key to making sure that you’re ready to go on the big day. Let’s take a closer look at how to map out your timeline.
Why Early Booking Matters
So, how far in advance do you actually need to book movers to have a smooth experience? Booking as early as possible gives you plenty of time to run price estimates, avoid the higher fees that can come with booking close to your move date, and lock in a day that works with your work schedule. Booking early can actually save you up to 30 percent on moving costs.
Ideally, you should book your moving company in Austin two or three months ahead of time. If that timeline isn’t possible, try everything in your power to finalize movers four weeks out.
However, there are a few different factors that can affect when to hire movers, like:
The size of your home
The season of your move
The distance you’re moving
The nature of the items you’re moving (such as size and fragility)
Seasonal and Event-Related Demand in Austin
How early to book movers can also depend on when you want to move. If you want to move in peak season in Austin, during the summer months, start looking for moving companies at least three months out to lock in your date. Movers tend to get extremely busy in late July and early August, when students at UT-Austin are settling in for the fall semester.
Many families also see summer as a good time to move when kids are out of school, and parents may be able to take a few days off to get organized. The weather is hot, but central Texas usually sees less rain by the time July rolls around. Because this is a popular time to move, you should book your moving team as soon as you can to secure your date.
If your move-in date is flexible, relocating during the winter months offers more availability for choosing a moving day and booking furniture movers in Austin. As a bonus, it’s also going to be cheaper to move off-season.
Recommended Timelines by Home Size
Knowing when to book movers also hinges on the size of your home. Packing up a small apartment is much faster and easier than packing up a large home, especially if you have bulky or fragile items like pianos, chandeliers, and artwork. A greater number of items, as well as larger ones, means it will probably take more people, trucks, and time to get the job done.
When shopping around for movers, you should mention whether you want full-service moving, such as packing and unpacking, as this will add extra time and equipment. If you have a large home, book early so that your moving company can have the right team and equipment ready on the day of your move.
Weekday vs. Weekend Availability
As you can probably imagine, weekends are a lot more popular for moving than weekdays. Moving Monday through Thursday is usually cheaper and more flexible than moving on the weekends. If you want to move during the week, you can typically wait a little longer to book, but you should book at least two months out if you want to move during the weekend.
The time of the month also matters. Many people plan their moves for the end of the month when their leases are up, so moving companies’ availability can quickly diminish as each month rolls along. If you anticipate your moving day to be towards the end of the month, book your services as soon as possible.
Book MASH Movers, the Best Movers in Austin
MASH Movers is a dedicated team of locals who love good music, Austin’s vibes, and welcoming new neighbors to the city that we love so much. We offer full-service moving for all kinds of jobs, both big and small, and make it easy to schedule your move with just a call or a click.
Reach out to MASH Movers today to get a risk-free quote and learn more about how we can help you schedule your move to Austin!