Best Day of the Week to Move: Tips and Recommendations

Picking the day of the week to move matters. But which is the best day of the week to move? Explore the the different options and discover the best day to move with this guide.

12 min read

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Key takeaways

1. Consider moving between Tuesday and Thursday to take advantage of lower rates and greater availability of moving companies, as these days typically experience less demand.
2. If you need time to unpack and settle without taking leave from work, a Friday move allows for an extended unpacking period over the weekend, though it might be more expensive.
3. Check local traffic trends to choose a day when roads are typically less congested, which can significantly reduce transport time and stress.
4. Moving on weekdays can be advantageous for setting up utilities, as most service providers operate full hours and can address any installation issues in real-time.
5. Moving house on the weekend provides convenience but moving companies may be stretched on the weekends, covering as many bookings as possible. Ensure you book early.
6. Avoid the start and end of the month if possible, as these periods are popular and often come with higher rates due to increased demand from renters and homeowners alike.
7. Align your moving day with your personal needs—consider family commitments, work schedules, and whether you can get extra help from friends or family on your chosen day.

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Picking the perfect day of the week for moving house is kind of like choosing the right partner for a three-legged race; it matters more than you'd think! It's not just about avoiding a stumble (a.k.a. a moving day disaster), but also about crossing the finish line without breaking the bank. Whether you're just hopping across town or gearing up for a marathon move to a new city, the day of the week you choose to make your move could be the secret ingredient to a smooth and cost-effective transition.

So, let's dive in, shall we? This guide isn't your average, run-of-the-mill moving advice. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty—like how picking a Tuesday could mean a few extra bucks in your pocket versus a Saturday move, or how you might get the A-team of movers if you avoid the weekend rush. We'll cover everything from costs to convenience, and mover availability, to help you circle that perfect date on your calendar.

Weekday vs. Weekend moves

First big question hitting you is avoid the mad rush and opt to move on a weekday or have the convenience to move on the weekend. Weekday moves whisper of quieter streets but tug at your work schedule. Weekend moves, on the other hand, promise leisure time but with a side of potential chaos. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges that can affect your experience.

Benefits of moving on a weekday

Moving house on the weekday, usually from Monday to Thursday, could save you a bundle in comparison to weekend rates. Plus, it’s easier to secure a removal company for these days since they are less in demand and some added benefits include:

• Cost savings: Many moving companies offer lower rates during weekdays due to lower demand. This can be a cost-saving opportunity for those on a tight budget.
• Wider options of movers: With fewer people moving on weekdays, you’ll have better success to top-rated removal companies and a wider range of time slots.
• Less traffic: Roads tend to be clearer during daytime on weekdays in residential areas, potentially speeding up your move.
• Streamline utility connections: Setting up essential services for your home like electricity, water, and internet is often smoother on weekdays when service providers have all staff on deck.
• Child minding: If you have school-age children or young children at childcare, moving on a weekday can be much more convenient as they will be occupied during the day, leaving you free to focus on your move.

Benefits of moving on a weekend

Weekend moves, while potentially busier, offer their own unique advantages. Especially for individuals with stringent work schedules during the week, moving over a weekend provides an opportunity to relocate without taking unwanted time off work. Here are some of the benefits:

• No need to take leave: The most significant advantage is not having to use precious days or personal leave for moving, allowing you to save those for actual rest days or holidays. For children it also means they don't miss school.
• Potential longer weekends: If you plan ahead, there is an option to take advantage of public holidays and long weekends, giving you some extra time to move or some much needed time to rest after you've moved.
• More hands on deck: Friends and family are more likely to be available to help with the move during the weekend, making it easier to manage without professional movers.
• Extended unpacking time: Moving over the weekend gives you a buffer of an extra day or two to unpack and settle in before returning to work, reducing the pressure to get everything done in one day.
• Relaxed pace: Without the rush to get back to work the next day, you can pace your move to reduce stress and manage tasks more efficiently.

Challenges of moving on a weekend

However, it's important to consider the challenge of a weekend move as well:

• Higher demand for movers: As weekend moves are more popular, removal companies and moving truck rentals may have limited availability for your preferred time slots.
• Increased costs: Weekend moving can come at a premium due to high demand. You may find that moving rates are significantly higher compared to weekdays.
• Heavy traffic: With most people out and about, depending on your location, weekends can see a spike in road traffic and human traffic, particularly if there are events or public holidays. This makes it challenging on the roads, parking and shifting furniture into the truck.
• Limited utility connections: Some service providers may have reduced staff or only offer emergency services over the weekend, making it more challenging to set up and connect utilities in your new home over the weekend.
• Childcare and school availability: If you have children, childcare and schools are usually closed on weekends, making it harder to manage moving logistics and moving house especially when you cannot get help from friends or family.
• Emergency services: If you encounter a problem during the move, like plumbing or locksmith needs, getting immediate help can be more costly and less available on weekends.

Cost considerations

Selecting the optimal day to move can significantly influence your overall moving expenses. Here are some key points to consider to manage your moving budget effectively:

Cheapest days of the week to move

• Weekday savings: Generally, moving companies offer reduced rates from Monday to Thursday. These days see less demand, which can translate to lower costs and can save money. It’s wise to get quotes from several companies and compare rates for different days.
• Last-minute deals: Sometimes, movers have gaps in their schedules on less popular days, which they might fill at a discount. Asking about last-minute offers could yield savings.

Mid-week moving advantages

• Dedicated service: The middle of the week is often the sweet spot for moving. Not only are rates likely lower, but moving crews are also less stretched, potentially leading to a more reliable and dedicated service.
• Less rush, more focus: With a mid-week move, both you and the removalists might face less pressure, allowing for a more careful handling of your belongings.
• Flowing traffic: With less cars on the road, more people at work and kids in school, it may mean that the time taken to load the truck is more efficient, travel time is significantly reduced. Which can translate to reducing your overall costs.

Moving costs can vary based on multiple factors, including the distance of the move and the volume of items. However, choosing the right day can make a noticeable difference in your moving budget and extra money in your pocket.

Scheduling strategies

Choosing the right timing for your move isn’t just about picking a day; it also involves understanding broader trends and timings that can impact availability and costs.

Popular moving days

• What days are moving services in demand? In Australia, Friday is the most popular day to move house because it allows for a weekend of unpacking and settling in without taking too much time off work. Saturday and Sunday on the weekend generally see a spike in moving activity for most people who do not have the luxury of taking time off from work or who are unwilling to sacrifice holiday or accumulated annual leave simply to move.
• What times are in demand? Peak time is considered early morning, as it's most popular with people who aim to get their house moving tasks out of the way and allow them more time to unpack and settle in.
• Public holidays: Long weekends, Easter or Christmas holidays are also prime moving times, especially for those who have school-age children. However, moving companies may be fully booked on these days and if not, will charge higher rates.
• The drawbacks: While popular days might seem convenient, high demand can lead to higher prices and reduced availability of moving services. If your schedule allows, opting for a less popular day could mean a smoother and possibly cheaper move.

Best times of the month to move

• Mid-month: Moving during the middle of the month can be advantageous, as removal services are often in lower demand compared to the beginning and end of the month and usually times when leases typically start or expire.
• Lease and rental agreement timings: Align your move with the start or end dates of your lease to avoid overlapping rent payments or finding yourself without a home for a day.

Seasonal considerations

• Avoiding peak seasons: Consider the time of year when planning your move. The spring quarter is often the time where estate agents record the most homes getting listed for sale. So, by the time houses are due to be settled, the summer months are often busier and more expensive due to the high volume of people moving in and out and not to mention the ideal weather for moving. Moving in autumn or just before spring hits in the winter months can provide more favourable conditions and better pricing.

Properly planning your move according to these strategic timing considerations can reduce stress and cost while ensuring you have access to the best prices and moving companies available.

Day-specific insights

When choosing the specific day of the week to move, it’s important to consider the unique benefits and potential drawbacks of each option. Here’s a breakdown of a few specific days and what they offer:

The case for moving on Fridays

Friday is a popular moving day because it allows for a 3 day weekend move and the convenience of settling into the new house over the coming weekend, without interrupting the workweek. This makes it easier to unpack and organise without the rush. But this option can be more costly than other days during the week.

As most utility service providers operate during weekdays, setting up your utilities in advance ensures they are lined up and running by the weekend.

Moving on Mondays

Starting the week with your move can lead to a more organised week ahead, with everything placed and ready as the week unfolds and time to enjoy your very first weekend in your new house and maybe host a house warming party.

Mondays are often less busy for most professional movers compared to Fridays, possibly leading to lower costs and greater number of furniture removalists who are available to choose from.

Mid-week moves: Tuesday to Thursday

Tuesday to Thursday often strike the perfect balance between lower costs, availability of movers, and minimal disruption to your weekly schedule. Which can mean the cheapest day of the week to move.

With fewer people prefer moving mid-week, you might find less traffic on the roads and more flexibility in scheduling and potentially snag your preferred day and quicker service.

Each day comes with its own set of advantages, and your choice might depend on factors like your personal work schedule, the availability of help from friends or family, and how quickly you need to settle into your new place.

Local and seasonal factors

It's just as important to consider local and seasonal changes when planning for a move, considering local conditions and seasonal changes as these can significantly affect your experience and costs. Here’s how to account for these factors:

Local considerations

• Traffic and events: Be aware of local events and typical traffic patterns in your area. For example, if you live in a city that hosts large events, try to avoid moving dates that coincide with these, as traffic could delay your move.
• Road closures: A significant factor that might also hamper moving day are road closures. If you are in an area or moving to an area that is impacted by road works, be sure to frequently check road closures in your suburb and major arterial roads..
• Parking and building access: Check with local authorities and building management about any restrictions on parking or specific moving hours. Some urban areas have strict rules that could impact your moving day logistics. Leaving this unchecked and create a lot of unnecessary stress on moving day.

Impact of seasons on moving

Weather conditions plays a crucial role in scheduling a move. For instance, winter moves can be hindered by heavy rain and flash flooding in flood regions, while summer moves might be affected by extreme heat.

Moving during off-peak seasons (typically between autumn and early spring) can be less costly and more convenient due to decreased demand. Conversely, summer is the busiest moving season, so booking early or choosing alternative dates might be necessary.

Operational considerations

Selecting the best day to move also involves understanding the operational aspects of moving companies. Here are a few key points to consider:

Working hours of removalists

Weekday vs. Weekend operations

Most moving companies operate throughout the week, but their schedules on weekends might be tighter due to higher demand. Knowing their available hours can help you book the most convenient time.

Sunday operations

While some companies might offer services on Sundays, they often charge higher rates for a Sunday move and could be one of the most expensive days to move due to it being outside of regular working hours.

Professional moving company reviews

• Day-specific performance: Check reviews that specifically mention the day of the week. Some companies might have different staff working on weekends, which could affect the quality of service.
• Availability and flexibility: Understanding how flexible a removal company is with last-minute schedule changes or delays can also be crucial, especially if unexpected issues arise on your moving day.

These operational considerations can play a significant role in deciding not only which day to move but also how smoothly the process goes. Choosing a day when you can get the best possible service and support from your moving company and other services will ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

Final recommendations

Choosing the best day to move is a balance of personal, economic, and practical factors. Here’s a recap of the key considerations to help you make the most informed decision:

Determining the best day and time to move

• Evaluate your personal schedule: Consider your work obligations, availability of help from friends or family, and when you can receive the best support and services before deciding on a particular date for your move.
• Assess moving company availability: Align your preferred moving day with the availability of reputable house moving companies near you to ensure a smooth process.

Insurance and security

• Check insurance policies: Verify the moving company's insurance coverage and if it makes any difference which day of the week you move. Ensure your belongings are protected with removal insurance and against any potential moving day mishaps.
• Security considerations: Think about the security of your old location and new home on the moving day, especially if you need to leave items unattended.

Stress and fatigue management

If possible, allow yourself a day after the move to recover and start organising your new space, particularly if you choose to move towards the end of the week or on a weekend.

Final thoughts

There you have it, we've explored insights of different moving days of the week, from the bustling activity of Fridays to the calm of mid-week moves. We've considered how local events, seasonal changes, and operational factors like moving company schedules can impact your decision. The goal has been to provide you with valuable insights that help you match your moving day with your personal and logistical needs.

Ultimately, the best days to move is one that aligns with your unique circumstances. Maybe you're a student or have retired and have the flexibility of a mid week move, so saving on costs by choosing a quieter weekday may be the best . Or someone that needs to ensure the convenience with a Friday move as you only have Friday's off work, which makes Friday the best day to move. Or you could also be needing to move last minute, in which case ASAP is the best day to move. Nevertheless, your decision should enhance your moving experience, making it as stress-free and efficient as possible.

Remember to evaluate all factors carefully to choose a day and best time that offers the best balance of convenience, cost, and availability. We wish you the best of luck with your move whichever day you choose and hope your transition to your new home is as hassle free and joyful as possible!

Once you decide on the best day of the week to move, you can use Find a Mover to help with a range of options on booking professional local and interstate moving companies near you.