There are thousands of relocations every year, whether it’s because of a job,  family, or just a desire for a new environment. Some people prefer to relocate themselves, while others only trust reputable moving companies. It’s only reasonable to be curious about how much something will cost, regardless of which option you choose. You should look for opportunities to save money and prevent unforeseen moving costs because moving can be very expensive. So, when is the cheapest time to move long distance? Experts from one of the best moving companies in Southern California have made a rundown to help you decide. Continue reading to learn when moving is most cost-effective and the reasons why.

How many residents of California are moving?

According to the latest figures, around 360,000 individuals left California in 2021. The Census Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service are two of the federal agencies that provide information on population migration. Most Californians are relocating to Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Idaho in terms of sheer numbers. For many, the main reason is home prices and the cost of living.

When is the cheapest time to move long distance?

Statistics show that every year, almost 46 million Americans relocate. The peak moving season accounts for about 62% of all residential moves (from May to September). The “off-season” for moving is normally from September to April. So if you’re interested in moving during that time, you may save a significant amount of money. While children need to go to school, the weather makes it a little more challenging for people to carry out a simple relocation. Moving companies reduce their prices because they anticipate receiving fewer phone calls from clients seeking their services.

The smartest approach would be to employ long distance movers in the winter if you are moving on a limited relocation budget and want to cut costs everywhere you can. In the winter, the prices drop dramatically, and you can easily organize the relocation to suit your demands and requirements.

man taping carrying box with scotch

Planning a move for the middle of the week will make it simpler and less expensive

Best month of the year to start your relocation

As was already said, the moving industry’s off-season runs from September through April. As a result, moving during that time period will almost certainly result in significant financial savings for you. There will be less demand for international and interstate movers in California, leading to lower moving costs. According to statistics, January will be the least expensive month to relocate, and it does seem good for folks moving on a tight budget.

You should still be ready for inclement weather, such as snow, ice, and potential snow storms since January is often the coldest month of the year. The majority of southern states never experience too much cold during the winter, and winter is not generally that harsh across the nation.

What time of day is the least expensive to move?

Early in the morning is the ideal time to begin your relocation with Los Angeles County movers. It will allow you more time throughout the day and keep it cooler during the peak moving season. The mornings are also less crowded than later in the day. Due to increased demand, professional movers typically charge higher fees in the morning. If that works better for your schedule than an evening time slot, go for it! Not only will you be able to save money on hourly wages, but you’ll also be able to save money on gas.

Sign "WHEN"

Various factors determine when is the cheapest time to move long distance.

Find out what costs can be eliminated from those times as well, whether they occur before or after the relocation has taken place. If you are moving at night, there are fewer people around so it cuts costs. This includes things like the mileage fee per hour charged for professional movers’ transportation services.

Avoid rush hour

It’s ideal to move outside of rush hours if you’re doing local moving and the movers charge by the hour. That is, it is best if the moving truck can arrive at the first place as early as possible and leave for the next location before 3 o’clock in the afternoon. You will be charged for that period if your moving truck is stalled in traffic and your movers charge by the hour.

Additionally, in some places, such as California, movers are required to bill “double-drive time,” which accounts for the time it takes them to go to the first location and back to the office of the moving business after finishing the task.

Empty apartment with packed carton boxes before moving

Select a reputable mover that offers packaging services

Moving is less expensive on weekdays

The most affordable days of the week for relocating typically depend on availability. The most effective days to move are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The majority of consumers desire to move into a new home over the weekend because there are numerous duties that need to be completed and they have to go to work during the week. Moving companies are therefore hectic from Friday through Sunday.

So, if you want your move to be money-smart, plan it for the middle of the week. That is when you will probably receive the best deal. You will have the opportunity to negotiate for discounts more because long distance movers California offers want to fill their calendars as much as possible.

Additional factors to be considered

When preparing for your upcoming move, keep the following things in mind:

  1. Weather – If you haven’t previously taken it into consideration for your relocation, be sure to. If you reside in a cold climate, you probably won’t want to relocate during the dead of winter.
  2. Work schedule – Moving on a weekend can be worthwhile if you are in a very hectic period at work.
  3. Family matters – There may be times of the year when school-age children are unable to take a break. Moving in the summer may be advantageous in this situation.
When is the cheapest time to move long distance depends on many factors

By picking the right time, you can reduce your relocation costs.

The verdict

Our advice should assist you in understanding price variations and when is the cheapest time to move long distance. The ideal method to obtain the most affordable moving prices is to get in touch with your reliable professional moving company. Create with them the best moving strategy for your particular transfer. Make sure you get in touch with your movers in advance so they can advise you on the most affordable and advantageous time to move.

Services

Testimonials

Bravo Moving place picture
4.5
Based on 306 reviews
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Sharon Colette profile picture
Sharon Colette
00:55 01 Mar 26
Jordy and Jose were really great to work with. They were really respectful with our belongings. Also very friendly to work with, I would recommend them to anyone.
Sharon Colette profile picture
Sharon Colette
00:55 01 Mar 26
Jordy and Jose were really great to work with. They were really respectful with our belongings. Also very friendly to work with, I would recommend them to anyone.
Danna Schott profile picture
Danna Schott
19:32 18 Feb 26
Anthony provided us with a flawless move. Quickly and professionally handled. We are grateful to him for making what could have been a very stressful time in our lives easy and organized. He’s the absolute best we’ve ever seen.
Danna Schott profile picture
Danna Schott
19:32 18 Feb 26
Anthony provided us with a flawless move. Quickly and professionally handled. We are grateful to him for making what could have been a very stressful time in our lives easy and organized. He’s the absolute best we’ve ever seen.
Tina Badgett profile picture
Tina Badgett
22:55 15 Feb 26
They were professional, kind hand kept me in the loop all along the way. They actually arrived earlier than I expected and that was a pleasant bonus. All the guys were fabulous! I highly recommend them to everyone 😊
Tina Badgett profile picture
Tina Badgett
22:55 15 Feb 26
They were professional, kind hand kept me in the loop all along the way. They actually arrived earlier than I expected and that was a pleasant bonus. All the guys were fabulous! I highly recommend them to everyone 😊
Keven Lewis profile picture
Keven Lewis
00:38 21 Jan 26
After an incredibly stressful move across country Anthony Thurman made the final move in a breeze. Incredible service, timely delivery and a kindness that truly left an impression.
Keven Lewis profile picture
Keven Lewis
00:38 21 Jan 26
After an incredibly stressful move across country Anthony Thurman made the final move in a breeze. Incredible service, timely delivery and a kindness that truly left an impression.
Carson Breitbart profile picture
Carson Breitbart
02:19 19 Jan 26
Anthony and Shawn were awesome, super attentive and awesome. Hard working individuals.
Carson Breitbart profile picture
Carson Breitbart
02:19 19 Jan 26
Anthony and Shawn were awesome, super attentive and awesome. Hard working individuals.
Vasudevan Venkatesan profile picture
Vasudevan Venkatesan
00:16 02 Dec 25
Jason and Jose helped our move from Southern California to northern California, we did pack our own boxes of small household things , while the moving team did the furnitures, tv and large items. The items did arrive with no damages. Jason did assess before moving that it may go over the estimate I had due to 2 large sofas I had. The service I had was very good. But I did end up paying about 2k more than what was quoted 2.7k, but I understand it's a quote and an estimate.
Vasudevan Venkatesan profile picture
Vasudevan Venkatesan
00:16 02 Dec 25
Jason and Jose helped our move from Southern California to northern California, we did pack our own boxes of small household things , while the moving team did the furnitures, tv and large items. The items did arrive with no damages. Jason did assess before moving that it may go over the estimate I had due to 2 large sofas I had. The service I had was very good. But I did end up paying about 2k more than what was quoted 2.7k, but I understand it's a quote and an estimate.
Life with Monte profile picture
Life with Monte
03:22 25 Feb 25
Terry and Joe were THE best team of movers in my whole experience. They were patient, friendly, kind and helpful. I could NOT have asked for better service. They set up my bed and stacked things carefully where I asked. I wish every leg of my move had been with them only. If you want quality service from this company I highly recommend Terry and Joe. I cannot thank them enough.
Life with Monte profile picture
Life with Monte
03:22 25 Feb 25
Terry and Joe were THE best team of movers in my whole experience. They were patient, friendly, kind and helpful. I could NOT have asked for better service. They set up my bed and stacked things carefully where I asked. I wish every leg of my move had been with them only. If you want quality service from this company I highly recommend Terry and Joe. I cannot thank them enough.
Josh Akman profile picture
Josh Akman
19:45 31 Jan 24
Sam and his team at Bravo Moving did a great job for us. Everything was packed nicely with good blankets and padding. They were able to do the job quickly. They left our apartment very clean. They were easy to work with, and I would recommend them.
Josh Akman profile picture
Josh Akman
19:45 31 Jan 24
Sam and his team at Bravo Moving did a great job for us. Everything was packed nicely with good blankets and padding. They were able to do the job quickly. They left our apartment very clean. They were easy to work with, and I would recommend them.
Chris S profile picture
Chris S
17:29 05 Apr 23
Dan is the best mover (and handsome according to him) I have encountered. He is very responsive and professional with the move! My move from CA to WA was seamless and within 5 days only. Highly recommend Bravo!
Chris S profile picture
Chris S
17:29 05 Apr 23
Dan is the best mover (and handsome according to him) I have encountered. He is very responsive and professional with the move! My move from CA to WA was seamless and within 5 days only. Highly recommend Bravo!
Alayna Hill profile picture
Alayna Hill
03:42 16 Mar 23
Bravo Moving company was excellent in many ways. They were excellent at communicating where they were when there was a weather delay. They took good care of my belongings. They placed the boxes where I asked them. The movers were conscientious, polite, and professional.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend them.
Alayna Hill profile picture
Alayna Hill
03:42 16 Mar 23
Bravo Moving company was excellent in many ways. They were excellent at communicating where they were when there was a weather delay. They took good care of my belongings. They placed the boxes where I asked them. The movers were conscientious, polite, and professional.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend them.
Holiday profile picture
Holiday
02:09 16 Jan 23
Alex and Kirill did an awesome job! They were quick and efficient. They even finished my move while it was pouring rain! I’m truly grateful for that. They were really nice and considerate too. I would definitely recommend their service!
Holiday profile picture
Holiday
02:09 16 Jan 23
Alex and Kirill did an awesome job! They were quick and efficient. They even finished my move while it was pouring rain! I’m truly grateful for that. They were really nice and considerate too. I would definitely recommend their service!
Jackie Cheyne profile picture
Jackie Cheyne
01:57 21 Nov 22
Bravo Moving's team did an excellent job moving our items from storage to our new home in another state. The four movers were professional, friendly and hardworking. All of our items made it through the move with no damage. We really appreciate how the company met our needs and would recommend them highly.
Jackie Cheyne profile picture
Jackie Cheyne
01:57 21 Nov 22
Bravo Moving's team did an excellent job moving our items from storage to our new home in another state. The four movers were professional, friendly and hardworking. All of our items made it through the move with no damage. We really appreciate how the company met our needs and would recommend them highly.
Nathan Brown profile picture
Nathan Brown
15:41 12 Nov 22
I have used Bravo Moving Services for a couple times and have had a great experience both time. They were on time, friendly, attentive, hard working and efficient. Reasonable and competitive price. They took care of my furniture and I had zero damage. I would recommend to anyone with big or small move. Great job. Thank you very very much guys!!!!
Nathan Brown profile picture
Nathan Brown
15:41 12 Nov 22
I have used Bravo Moving Services for a couple times and have had a great experience both time. They were on time, friendly, attentive, hard working and efficient. Reasonable and competitive price. They took care of my furniture and I had zero damage. I would recommend to anyone with big or small move. Great job. Thank you very very much guys!!!!
Conor Hall profile picture
Conor Hall
14:19 10 Nov 22
This was by far the best experience we've ever had with movers. They were on time, professional, and had a wonderful attitude. They packed our better than you can imagine and were super efficient. Highly recommend Bravo Moving Company!
Conor Hall profile picture
Conor Hall
14:19 10 Nov 22
This was by far the best experience we've ever had with movers. They were on time, professional, and had a wonderful attitude. They packed our better than you can imagine and were super efficient. Highly recommend Bravo Moving Company!
Peter Turner profile picture
Peter Turner
13:07 10 Nov 22
Bravo excellent movers! Their movers performed an outstanding job; they worked really well together and were quite fast and efficient. They were both incredibly professional and courteous, and they never complained! The pricing was also quite reasonable. I was really satisfied and will absolutely use this business again! Thank you once again for a wonderful, stress-free relocation.
Peter Turner profile picture
Peter Turner
13:07 10 Nov 22
Bravo excellent movers! Their movers performed an outstanding job; they worked really well together and were quite fast and efficient. They were both incredibly professional and courteous, and they never complained! The pricing was also quite reasonable. I was really satisfied and will absolutely use this business again! Thank you once again for a wonderful, stress-free relocation.
Aimee Beeley profile picture
Aimee Beeley
01:37 27 Nov 21
Bravo Moving is a trustworthy, affordable, and professional moving company. Ali was able to answer all my question and help me make a difficult time so much easier by handling my long distance move. I highly recommend this company and my extended family will be using Bravo in the near future. Don’t waste your time with other companies, call Bravo Moving.
Aimee Beeley profile picture
Aimee Beeley
01:37 27 Nov 21
Bravo Moving is a trustworthy, affordable, and professional moving company. Ali was able to answer all my question and help me make a difficult time so much easier by handling my long distance move. I highly recommend this company and my extended family will be using Bravo in the near future. Don’t waste your time with other companies, call Bravo Moving.

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