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How Far in Advance Should I Book a Moving Company?
May 4, 2021
It’s never too early to hire a moving company
If you’re planning to move in the summer of 2021, it’s a good idea to book your moving company as soon as possible. While summer has always been a popular time to move, new flexibility with work and school has made moving easier than ever — which means more people are trying to get on companies’ schedules. Booking early will make it easier to get the mover you want, and it lets you focus on other details of your move!

Why you should hire a moving company far in advance
Booking a move early is important if you want:
A specific mover
Some companies’ schedules may fill up weeks or even months in advance, particularly now with the flood of people moving across the county. Booking early improves the chances of a company having availability.
Not sure what service you want to use? See our moving company comparison.
Locked in rates
Most companies lock in your rate when you reserve the move (though there may be some extra costs you’ll need to budget for if your move details change). And since prices may go up as demand increases, you may get a better rate the earlier you book, too.
Your choice of date and time
If moving out or in on a specific day is crucial, calling far ahead of time gives you the best chance at availability for the date and time you need.
Plenty of time to plan
Once you’re on a schedule, you can focus on packing, making travel plans, changing your address, and doing all the other tasks before moving day. This moving checklist will show you what to do after booking.
How much notice does a moving company need?
Every moving company is different, with some recommending up to three-months' notice, and others being able to accommodate last-minute moves. Here’s the current suggested timeline for each type of move U-Pack offers:
Long-distance moves
Ideally, you’ll want to reserve at least two months before your move date, but 12 weeks is recommended for moves during busier times (like around holidays). To be safe, go ahead and book as soon as you have most of the details figured out.
Booking a last-minute move?
If you’re moving on short notice, call as soon as possible. In some locations, depending on availability, we can schedule a move with just 1-2 days’ notice. Just note that the closer your date gets, the more flexible you may need to be.
Off-shore moves
U-Pack moves to Alaska or Hawaii should be booked at least four weeks in advance to guarantee equipment. And for U-Pack moves going out of the 50 states to Canada and Puerto Rico, booking at least 4-8 weeks ahead gives us time to get you on the schedule and gives you time to gather documents and complete the required paperwork.
When to hire movers for loading and unloading
With so many people moving, loading and unloading crews are staying very busy. If you need help, it’s best to book them at the same time as your move. If you need to add labor to a U-Pack move, we can refer you to loading and unloading crews at the time of reservation.
Want to book your move now?
The first step to scheduling your U-Pack move is getting a quote, either online or over the phone. Then you can easily reserve when you’re ready!
If you need help figuring out the timing for your move, let us know. We’re here to help.
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