If you’re planning a move, one of the first questions you may have is: How far in advance should you hire movers?
For most moves, a good rule of thumb is to book a professional moving company about 4 to 8 weeks before your moving date. If you’re moving during the busy summer season, at the end of the month, on a weekend, or over a long distance, booking 8 weeks or more in advance can give you a better chance of getting the date and schedule you want.
For local moves with flexible dates, you may be able to hire movers with less notice. But waiting until the last minute can limit your choices—especially when reputable moving companies are already booked.
At Hansen’s Moving and Storage, we help customers plan local and long-distance moves throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right time to reserve your movers.
Quick Answer: When Should You Book Movers?
Here’s a practical timeline:
| Type of Move | Recommended Booking Time |
|---|---|
| Local move | 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Long-distance move | 6–8+ weeks ahead |
| Summer move | 8+ weeks ahead |
| Weekend move | 6–8 weeks ahead |
| End-of-month move | 6–8 weeks ahead |
| Moving during a holiday period | 6–8+ weeks ahead |
| Flexible off-season move | 2–4 weeks may be possible |
| Last-minute move | Call as soon as possible |
These are guidelines rather than guarantees. Availability depends on the moving company, location, time of year, size of the move, and services required.
Why Should You Hire Movers in Advance?
Booking early does more than reserve a truck.
It gives you time to compare moving companies, discuss the details of your move, determine whether you need packing or storage services, and create a realistic moving schedule.
More importantly, the most convenient moving dates tend to fill first.
Many people want to move on Fridays, Saturdays, near the end or beginning of the month, and during the warmer months. If your moving date falls into one of these high-demand periods, waiting too long may leave you with fewer scheduling options.
Hiring movers early can also give you more time to prepare your home properly instead of trying to pack, organize, arrange transportation, and coordinate movers at the last minute.
How Early Should You Book Movers for a Local Move?
For a local move, try to reserve your movers about 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
If you are moving within Santa Rosa or between communities in Sonoma County, booking early gives the moving company time to understand the size and logistics of your move.
Local moves can still involve complications.
A move from a small apartment is very different from moving a four-bedroom house. Stairs, elevators, narrow driveways, parking restrictions, heavy furniture, pianos, safes, storage stops, and packing requirements can all affect the planning process.
The more information you give your mover ahead of time, the easier it is to prepare for moving day.
How Early Should You Book Long-Distance Movers?
Long-distance moves generally require more planning, so consider booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
If your moving date is during summer or another high-demand period, start even earlier if possible.
Long-distance moving involves more than loading belongings onto a truck. The mover may need to coordinate pickup schedules, delivery arrangements, travel time, inventory, packing requirements, and other logistics.
If you already know you’re moving out of Santa Rosa or Sonoma County, there is little advantage to waiting until the last minute to start talking with moving companies.
What Is the Busiest Time of Year for Movers?
Summer is traditionally one of the busiest periods for moving.
Families often prefer moving when children are out of school, and longer daylight hours and generally favorable weather can make summer attractive for relocation.
That increased demand means desirable moving dates can disappear quickly.
If you expect to move between late spring and early fall, consider contacting movers as soon as you know your likely moving date.
You don’t necessarily need every box packed before calling a moving company. In fact, speaking with a mover early can help you determine what needs to happen before moving day.
Does the Day of the Week Matter?
Yes.
Weekends are popular because many people prefer not to take time off work. Fridays can also be in high demand because they allow customers to use the weekend to unpack and settle into their new home.
If your schedule is flexible, ask whether a midweek moving date is available.
Flexibility can be particularly useful when you’re booking with shorter notice.
The same principle applies to the time of the month. The beginning and end of the month can be busy because leases frequently start or expire around those periods.
When Should You Start Packing?
For many households, packing should begin several weeks before moving day.
Start with things you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations, extra linens, books, collectibles, and items stored in closets or garages.
As moving day approaches, pack increasingly important belongings while keeping daily necessities available.
Your final boxes should contain the things you use regularly.
A simple approach is:
6–8 weeks before moving: Declutter and decide what will move with you.
4–6 weeks before: Begin packing nonessential items.
2–3 weeks before: Pack most household belongings and confirm moving details.
Final week: Pack frequently used items while keeping medications, important paperwork, valuables, chargers, clothing, toiletries, and other essentials separate.
If you don’t want to pack everything yourself, ask your moving company about professional packing services.
Should You Hire Movers Before You Start Packing?
Usually, yes.
You do not have to finish packing before reserving movers.
In many cases, it makes more sense to hire the moving company first and then build your packing schedule around the confirmed moving date.
When you contact the mover, be prepared to describe approximately how much you are moving, the size of your home, your origin and destination, and any special items involved.
If your plans change, contact the moving company as soon as possible.
What Information Should You Have Before Calling a Moving Company?
You don’t need every detail finalized, but having some basic information will make the conversation more productive.
Try to know:
- Your preferred moving date or range of dates
- Your current location and destination
- Approximate size of your home
- Whether stairs or elevators are involved
- Whether you need packing services
- Whether you need storage
- Whether you have unusually heavy or difficult items
- Whether the move is local or long distance
- Any parking or access limitations at either property
For example, if you need to move a piano or safe, tell your mover when requesting your quote rather than waiting until moving day. Specialized items may require additional planning, equipment, or staffing.
What If You Need Movers at the Last Minute?
Sometimes a move happens faster than expected.
A home closes sooner than planned. A lease changes. A job requires a quick relocation. Another mover cancels. Suddenly you need help within days rather than weeks.
If that happens, call moving companies immediately.
Don’t assume that it is too late.
A moving company may have an opening because of a schedule change, cancellation, or an available crew. Being flexible about the moving date or time can improve your chances of finding availability.
However, avoid choosing a moving company solely because it can accommodate you immediately. You still want to verify that you are dealing with a legitimate, established moving business.
Is It Better to Book Movers Too Early or Too Late?
In most situations, earlier is better than later.
Booking early gives you more time to organize your move and increases the likelihood that your preferred date will be available.
That does not mean you should reserve a mover before you have a reasonable idea of when and where you’re moving.
But once your move is reasonably certain, contacting movers should be near the top of your moving checklist—not something you leave until the week before the move.
How Far in Advance Should You Get a Moving Quote?
You can begin requesting moving quotes as soon as you know you’re likely to move.
Ideally, start the process several weeks before your preferred date.
Be as accurate as possible when describing your move. Tell the company about large furniture, stairs, difficult access, packing needs, storage requirements, pianos, safes, and other circumstances that could affect the move.
A good moving estimate depends on good information.
Do You Need Storage Between Homes?
Sometimes your move-out date and move-in date don’t line up.
Maybe your new home isn’t ready. Perhaps you’re downsizing and haven’t decided what to keep. Or you need temporary storage while selling or renovating a property.
In that situation, choosing a company that offers both moving and secure storage can simplify the process.
Instead of coordinating separate moving and storage companies, you may be able to plan both parts of the transition together.
Hansen’s Moving and Storage offers moving, packing, and storage services, allowing customers to discuss these needs as part of their overall moving plan.
How Do You Choose a Moving Company?
Availability matters, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration.
Look for an established moving company with experience handling the type of move you’re planning. Ask questions about services, scheduling, estimates, packing, storage, and any specialty items you need moved.
If you’re comparing movers in Santa Rosa or Sonoma County, local experience can also matter. A mover familiar with the area is more likely to understand local neighborhoods, roads, access issues, and common moving logistics.
The objective isn’t simply to find someone with a truck.
It’s to find a moving company you can trust with your belongings and your moving day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Movers
Is 2 months too early to book movers?
No. Booking movers approximately two months in advance can be a smart choice, particularly for a summer, weekend, end-of-month, or long-distance move.
Is 2 weeks enough time to hire movers?
It may be, particularly during a less busy period, but availability will vary. Contact movers immediately rather than waiting. Being flexible about your moving date can help.
Can I book movers 3 months in advance?
Yes. If your moving date is confirmed, contacting a moving company several months ahead can make sense, particularly for a large or complicated move.
What month is hardest to book movers?
Demand is generally higher during the warmer months, particularly during the summer moving season. If you’re planning a summer move, start contacting moving companies early.
Are weekends harder to book?
They can be. Fridays and weekends are convenient for many customers, which can make those dates popular. If you have flexibility, ask about weekday availability.
When should I book movers if I’m moving out of state?
For a long-distance or interstate move, begin planning at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead when possible, and earlier during high-demand periods.
Can movers pack my belongings for me?
Many full-service moving companies offer professional packing. Hansen’s Moving and Storage provides packing services for customers who want assistance preparing for their move.
Should I book movers before my closing date is final?
If your closing date is uncertain, contact the moving company and explain the situation. Ask how scheduling, date changes, deposits, and cancellations are handled before committing to a specific date.
Planning a Move in Santa Rosa or Sonoma County?
If you’re planning a move, don’t wait until the last few days to start looking for help.
For most local moves, start contacting movers about 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For long-distance moves or high-demand moving dates, 6 to 8 weeks or more is a safer planning window.
Hansen’s Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance household and business relocation services, packing services, secure storage, and specialized moving for items such as pianos and safes.
With more than 21 years in the moving business and a BBB A+ rating, Hansen’s Moving and Storage serves customers who want experienced help planning and completing their move.
Planning a move? Contact Hansen’s Moving and Storage for a free moving quote and ask about availability for your preferred moving date.
Visit HansensMoving.net to get started.