How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers?

Book too late and you will get whatever date and time slot is left. Book too early and you may lock in a date that changes. The right lead time depends on the season, the day of the week, and how far you are moving. This guide gives a working timeline for local and long distance moves in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.

How Far in Advance to Book Local Movers

For most local moves, two to four weeks is enough. Lead time moves up and down with demand, so use this as a guide:

Winter weekday, mid-month: one to two weeks.
Fall or spring weekday: two to four weeks.
Any weekend or month-end date: four to six weeks.
Summer weekend, or the last days of June, July, or August: six to eight weeks, and earlier if you can.

The busy season runs from May through September, and weekends and the first and last days of a month fill up first. Our guide to off-peak and mid-month moving explains why a quieter date can be easier to book.

How Far in Advance to Book Long Distance Movers

Long distance moves need more routing and scheduling work, so add about two weeks to the local guide. For a long distance move, or any move at the end of a month or during summer, book four to eight weeks ahead. You will also need time for an inventory, a written estimate, and a confirmed delivery window.

Moves That Need More Lead Time

Office moves: Book as soon as you sign the new lease, ideally two to three months ahead.
Specialty items: Pianos, safes, hot tubs, and pool tables need extra people and equipment. Read our guides to moving a hot tub and moving a pool table, and mention them when you ask for a quote.
Apartments with elevator rules: Reserve the elevator and any loading zone as soon as you have a date.
Moves around school and university calendars: Late August near campuses and the end of the school year in suburbs such as Olathe are busy stretches.

What If You Need to Move Sooner?

Last-minute moves are possible when a mover has space, and we accommodate them when we can. Military families on short-notice orders can also move on a compressed timeline, which our military moves service is built for. If your date is close, call or request a quote right away, be flexible on the day, and have your inventory ready so the estimate can be fast.

A Timeline for Your Move

Eight weeks out: Start collecting quotes, especially for a summer weekend or a long distance move. Check each mover’s license before you compare prices with our guide to moving company scams.
Four to six weeks out: Pick a mover and confirm the date in writing. Reserve elevators and parking.
Two to three weeks out: Book packing help if you want it, and decide what you are keeping. Follow our moving checklist.
One week out: Confirm arrival time, final inventory, and payment terms. Finish packing.
Moving day: Clear the paths, keep valuables with you, and walk through each room with the movers.

Whatever the season, get a written estimate before you commit. Our guide to what movers cost in St. Louis and the Metro East shows what a good one includes.

Why Booking Early Helps

You get the date and arrival window you want.
You have time to compare more than one estimate.
You can reserve elevators, parking, and specialty equipment.
Lead time is also your best protection from rushed, risky decisions.

Ready to lock in a date? Request a free moving quote with your addresses and inventory. You can also read about our local moving and long-distance moving services.

Booking FAQ

How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers?

Two to four weeks is enough for most local moves. For long distance moves, or any move at the end of a month or in summer, book four to eight weeks ahead.

Can I Book Movers the Week Before My Move?

Sometimes. Winter weekdays in the middle of the month are the easiest to fit in. Weekends, month-end dates, and summer dates are much harder at the last minute.

When Is the Busiest Time to Move?

Summer, weekends, and the last days of the month. The busy season runs from May through September.

Do I Need to Book Packing Separately?

Packing is usually scheduled with the move, so ask for it when you book. Adding it late can limit the dates available.