Why You Should Never Move on a Weekend — If You Can Help It

When you’re planning a move, choosing the right moving company is important. But there’s another decision that can make a surprising difference in the cost and stress of your move: the day you move.

For many people, Saturday or Sunday seems like the obvious choice. You’re off work, the kids are out of school, and you have the weekend to get settled.

The problem? Everyone else is thinking the same thing.

Weekends are among the most popular times to move, which means moving companies’ schedules can fill quickly. When demand is high, you may have fewer choices of available dates and times — and depending on the mover, you may pay more.

If you have flexibility, Cowboy Moving & Storage recommends considering a weekday move instead.

Why Are Weekends So Popular for Moving?

Most people understandably try to schedule their move around work. Moving on Saturday means they don’t have to take a vacation day, while Sunday gives them another day before returning to work.

That convenience creates demand.

The busiest weekends can be those that fall around the 1st and 15th of the month, when leases frequently begin or end, home closings may be scheduled and more people are trying to move at the same time.

If your moving date is flexible, ask your moving company whether another day could save you money. A Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month may offer greater availability and potentially a better rate than a peak weekend.

Holiday Weekends Aren’t Necessarily Better

A three-day weekend may sound like the perfect opportunity to move. You have an extra day to pack, move and unpack without taking time off from work.

Unfortunately, plenty of other people have the same idea.

Holiday weekends can mean higher demand and potentially higher moving costs. There may also be fewer available crews, and traffic can add time to a move — particularly around popular Colorado destinations during Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.

There’s another consideration: If something unexpected happens, businesses you need may be closed or operating reduced holiday hours. Apartment offices, storage facilities, utility companies and other services may not be as readily available.

Whenever possible, schedule your move for a regular weekday instead.

Three More Ways to Reduce Your Moving Costs

Choosing the right day is only one way to make your move more affordable. Here are three other strategies that can help.

1. Get Rid of Things Before You Move

Why pay someone to move things you don’t really want?

Go through closets, garages, cabinets and storage areas well before moving day. Sell, donate, recycle or discard items you no longer use.

Pay particular attention to heavy or bulky items. That old bookcase you’ve been meaning to replace may not be worth paying to move to your new home.

The less you move, the less time your move may take — and that can translate into savings.

2. Do Some of the Packing Yourself

Professional packing can be invaluable for fragile, valuable or difficult-to-pack belongings. However, you may be able to reduce your overall moving costs by packing some of the easier items yourself.

Books, linens, clothing and other non-breakable household items are relatively simple to pack ahead of time.

Start early so you aren’t throwing things into boxes the night before the movers arrive. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room. An organized move is usually a more efficient move.

3. Be Completely Ready When the Movers Arrive

Moving day is not the time to finish packing.

Have boxes sealed and labeled, furniture cleared off and pathways open before your moving crew arrives. Disconnect electronics, decide what is going and what is staying, and make sure everyone in the household knows the plan.

The easier it is for the movers to get to work, the more efficiently your move can proceed.

Don’t Choose a Mover Based on Price Alone

Saving money is important, but the cheapest moving company isn’t necessarily the best value. Look for a mover with an established history, experienced employees, appropriate licensing and insurance, clear estimates and a substantial record of satisfied customers. Consumer-protection guidance also recommends getting written estimates, checking a mover’s reputation and complaint history, and avoiding companies that demand large cash deposits or ask customers to sign blank documents.

Ask whether you are dealing with the actual moving company or a broker. You should know who will arrive at your home, who will handle your belongings and who will be responsible if there is a problem.

Most importantly, look for a company that has been around long enough to establish a reputation you can verify.

Moving Colorado Since 1968

Cowboy Moving & Storage has been moving Colorado families and businesses since 1968. As a family-owned Colorado moving company, Cowboy has built its reputation through decades of dependable service, experienced and vetted employees, straightforward pricing and thousands of satisfied customers.

Whether you’re moving across town or across Colorado, planning ahead can help make your move easier and more affordable.

Have some flexibility with your moving date? Ask Cowboy Moving & Storage which days may be the most economical for your move.

Call Cowboy Moving & Storage at (303) 789-2200 to discuss your upcoming Colorado move and get an estimate.

Cowboy Moving & Storage — The Recommended Mover.