Updated: February 19, 2025
Moving in Washington, D.C. can get expensive, but choosing the right day can help you save money. Avoiding days when demand is high, such as weekends and the end of the month, can cut costs by hundreds of dollars.
Key Takeaways
Quick Answer: The Best & Worst Days to Move in D.C.
- Cheapest Days to Move: Tuesday & Wednesday (Mid-week moves offer the lowest rates)
- Best Time of Month: Mid-month (10th-20th) (Fewer lease transitions = lower costs)
- Most Expensive Days: Weekends, month-ends, and peak season (May-September)
Why it's useful:
You can spend less money by choosing a day when orders are scarce. It's easier to find available movers in the middle of the week. When there is less competition, scheduling is faster and delays are less common. By choosing the right moving day, you can reduce your spending, avoid unnecessary stress, and get more convenient options. The following will explain how much it costs to move in DC and how the day of the week affects the price.
How the day of the week affects costs
When planning a move in Washington, DC it's important to consider how costs vary by day. Choosing the right date can significantly reduce your spending. Below is an analysis of average moving prices on different days of the week.
| Day | Average Moving Rate per Hour (2 Movers + Truck) | Estimated Total Cost for a 2-Bedroom Move |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | $118–$140 | $590–$700 |
| Tuesday | $100–$120 | $500–$600 |
| Wednesday | $100–$120 | $500–$600 |
| Thursday | $118–$140 | $590–$700 |
| Friday | $140–$180 | $700–$900 |
| Saturday | $160–$200 | $800–$1,000 |
| Sunday | $150–$180 | $750–$900 |
This table lets us know that Tuesday and Wednesday have the lowest rates. The average hourly rate is between $100 and $120, which can save you up to $200 over the weekend when moving from a studio or one-bedroom apartment or one-bedroom house.
Saturday costs the most, ranging from $160 to $200 per hour, as demand is highest on that day. Many people prefer to move on the weekend, but choosing Tuesday or Wednesday can cut costs by 20% in Washington, DC.
Our manager, Alexander K. explains, “Weekends are always in high demand, so we charge 20% more. But if you book a Tuesday or Wednesday move, we offer lower prices because our schedule is not as busy.”
This statement reflects a key principle of the moving industry: pricing is dictated by demand. Because fewer people move on weekdays, moving companies lower prices to attract midweek customers and optimize their schedules.
Why mid-week moving is cheaper
Discounts from movers
Moving companies try to distribute orders evenly, rather than working only on weekends. There are fewer customers Tuesday through Thursday, so movers often offer discounts to fill the free days. Movers prefer to get an order at a reduced price rather than leave equipment idle. If you're planning a move, ask about a weekday discount. Some companies do not advertise such offers, but are willing to make the price lower. You can also compare rates from several movers to choose the best option.
How traffic affects the cost
Washington, DC is known for its busy roads. Highways such as I-395, I-495, and I-66 often experience traffic jams, especially in the morning and evening. On weekdays, rush hours are in the morning from 7:00 to 9:30 am and evening from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. On weekends, traffic is more difficult from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. due to traveling and shopping. You can track traffic jams in real time here.
Most moving companies in DC charge by the hour. If a truck gets stuck in traffic, you'll have to pay for lost time. In the middle of the week, the roads are freer, which means the move will go faster and the price will be lower.
Move in the Morning: To save even more money, it is better to schedule your move in the early morning, around 7:00. This way the movers will avoid traffic jams!
Why it's easier to plan a move on a weekday
During weekends and at the end of the month, the demand for moving is at its highest. This makes it difficult to choose a convenient time, find a free company and get a good price. In the middle of the month and mid-week, the situation is calmer. By choosing dates from the 10th to the 20th of the month, you can avoid the frenzy of moving at the end of the month. In addition, weekdays are more likely to find a good deal if someone cancels their order at the last minute.
What is the benefit of moving in the middle of the week
If you choose a weekday, you can save $200-$400 compared to weekends. Less demand allows movers to pay more attention to customers, and the process is more organized.
When is the best time to move in Washington, DC
Seasonal features and their impact on cost
- Summer (May through September) is the most expensive time to move. During this period, prices can increase by 25-30% due to high demand. It is difficult to book services at the last minute, and due to busy roads, moving can take longer. To avoid overpaying, it is better to plan the move in advance - 6-8 weeks in advance. You can also choose the middle of the month and weekday mornings when demand is lower.
- Winter (January-March), on the other hand, is considered the most profitable time to move. During this period, there are fewer customers, so companies make discounts, offer flexible schedules and additional services. Some movers reduce prices by 20-30%, and renting warehouses and trucks is cheaper. However, there can be delays in winter due to weather, so it pays to have a backup plan.
- Spring and fall (April, October-December) offer a balance between demand and prices. At this time, services are cheaper than in summer but more expensive than in winter. The weather is usually favorable and free dates can be found without much difficulty, especially in the middle of the month. The only exception is major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the demand for services increases dramatically.
📌 Peak vs. Off-Peak Moving Seasons in Washington, D.C.
| Season | Cost Impact | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| May–September (Most Expensive) | 🔴 High prices | Peak moving season—families relocate before school starts. High competition drives up costs. |
| December–March (Cheapest) | 🟢 Lowest prices | Cold weather reduces demand, leading to discounted moving rates. |
| April, October–November (Moderate Pricing) | 🟡 Balanced rates | Less demand than summer but still higher than winter. Movers may offer specials. |
The first and last days of the month (1st-7th and 21st-30th) are the busiest. This is due to the fact that most leases end or start on the 1st of the month, which leads to an increase in demand for movers. It is harder to find available movers at this time, and prices go up. The cost of storing things also increases as warehouses fill up faster.
📌 Best Time of Month to Move in D.C.
Moving companies price moves differently depending on when in the month you schedule.
| Time of Month | Price Trend | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 1st–7th (Expensive) | 🔴 High demand | Most leases start on the 1st, causing increased competition. |
| 10th–20th (Cheapest) | 🟢 Lower demand = best deals | Movers fill their schedules mid-month with discounted rates. |
| 21st–30th (Expensive) | 🔴 High demand | Lease turnovers at month-end drive up costs. |
Plan a morning move to save time and money
Why morning time is better
Early moving helps you avoid traffic jams, which reduces travel time and lowers hourly costs. Movers work faster and more efficiently in the early part of the day, while closer to evening moves take longer due to fatigue and busy roads. The optimal time to start is between 7am and 9am. At this time, the roads are less congested and the process is faster.
How to maximize your benefits
To take advantage of the morning hours, it's worth booking in advance as they are sorted out first. If you're paying for your move by the hour, a morning schedule will avoid idling in traffic, helping you save $50-100 on labor costs.
Top tips for saving money on moving in Washington, DC
- Book services 4-6 weeks in advance to lock in a favorable price.
- Choose a Tuesday or Wednesday move to avoid high weekend rates.
- Avoid May through September, when demand is highest and prices are higher.
- Plan your move for the middle of the month (10th-20th) when demand is lower.
- Start moving in the morning to avoid traffic jams and reduce costs.
By following these steps, you can save hundreds of dollars when using the services of a DC moving company.