Updated: May 24, 2026
The cheapest day to hire movers is a weekday—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Moving companies offer lower rates during the week because demand is lower compared to weekends. On average, weekday moves can often cost 10-20% less than weekend moves, depending on demand, season, and availability. If you want to save money, avoid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as they are the busiest and most expensive days for moving.
Why Are Weekdays Cheaper for Moving?
- Lower demand → Moving companies are less busy, so prices are lower.
- More availability → Movers can offer better scheduling flexibility.
- Less traffic delays → Avoiding weekend congestion can reduce hourly moving costs.
- Potential discounts → Some companies provide weekday promotions to fill their schedules.
How to Get the Best Moving Rates?
- Move mid-week and mid-month → Avoid the start and end of the month, when demand peaks.
- Book early → Reserving a moving company at least 4-6 weeks in advance can secure the best rates.
- Choose off-season months → Moving between January and March is the cheapest time of year.
Effect of the Day of the Week on Moving Costs
Houston moving prices can vary significantly depending on the day you choose. According to the experience of moving companies and internal data from Wellknown Moving Company, in many cases, Weekend moving demand is especially high in fast-growing Houston suburbs such as Katy, Pearland, Cypress, and The Woodlands, where many families prefer to relocate before the start of the school year. Those looking to cut costs should consider not only convenience, but also proper time management - a small date change can result in significant savings.
Over the past decade, experts have noticed that moving mid-week or on a less busy day helps reduce the bottom line by hundreds of dollars. Peak periods are during active home sales, new jobs, and the beginning of the school year. The professional consensus is that weekends and the end of the month are the busiest, so rates are higher. On weekdays, demand is lower, and therefore moving prices are more affordable.
Traffic Congestion and Optimal Time of Day
In Houston, traffic is heavily congested during peak hours on major highways such as I-610, I-10 and US-59. If your movers charge by the hour, getting caught in traffic between 7:00 and 9:00 am or 4:30 and 6:30 pm can significantly increase the total cost of your move. To avoid unnecessary costs, it's better to schedule your move for a quieter time. The best option is to leave early in the morning, before 7:00 am, or wait until late morning, when traffic is less heavy.
Seasonal Changes in Cost
The cost of services is also affected by the season. In summer, the demand for moving increases, especially from May to August, when families try to change their homes before the start of the school year. Many companies have higher prices during this period. In the fall and winter, moving is cheaper, but short daylight hours and cooler weather can make planning difficult.
Another busy period is late July through early September, when students and families move en masse for the start of the school year, which can also drive up prices.
When is the cheapest season to move?
In winter, the demand for movers in Houston decreases, which means there is a chance to save well. In the fall and winter, the demand for moving services is lower. Unless you have a tight deadline, it's best to schedule your move between January and March, which is considered the cheapest time of year for moving in Texas. Many moving companies offer seasonal discounts or promotions, so it’s always worth checking for seasonal offers and discounts if there are special offers for the desired date.
Special considerations when choosing a moving date
Choosing the cheapest day to hire movers does help save money, but it's important to consider other factors that can affect the cost and convenience of the move.
Holidays can increase costs significantly. Periods around Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas typically see increased booking activity, which may result in higher rates and limited mover availability. In 2026, holiday moving dates continue to fill up quickly, especially during summer weekends and end-of-month periods. To avoid unnecessary expenses, many people choose to schedule their move shortly before or after major holidays instead of during peak demand days.
In addition to prices, it is important to consider your own schedule. Even if services are cheaper on certain days, they may not fit the time. If the move falls on a weekday, and it's difficult to take a day off, you can schedule it for the evening, when traffic is less congested. Sometimes convenience can be more important than saving money, but if you plan your time correctly, you can avoid unnecessary costs and make the move as comfortable as possible
A Real Example of Saving Money on Moving
One of our recent clients decided to take her relocation seriously when moving from Sugar Land, TX. She was looking for the cheapest day to hire movers and chose the middle of the week, the middle of the month, and even January - a time when the demand for moving is minimal. Because weekday winter moves are typically less competitive, her final quote ended up being significantly lower than the weekend estimates she had received earlier. In many cases, choosing an off-season weekday can reduce moving costs by several hundred dollars compared to peak summer weekends in Houston.
How to Reduce Moving Costs
To learn more about how to save money on moving, explore our article on budget moving.
1. Early Booking
One of the easiest ways to save money is to book your service early. Our experience working with families in the Greater Houston area shows that if you book your service at least six weeks before your summer move, you can cut 15-20% off the final cost. During this time, demand is high and available dates are few, so the earlier you decide on a date, the cheaper the move will cost.
2. Reduce the Amount of Stuff
The fewer boxes and furniture, the less time and movers will be needed. If you don't want to just throw away unwanted items, you can give them to charitable organizations such as Goodwill Houston or Houston Furniture Bank that accept clothing, furniture, and household items. This way, you can not only cut down on expenses, but also help those in need.
3. Finding a Good Deal
Before signing a contract, it's a good idea to check with the movers to see if they have any package deals. Some companies offer several services at once - packing, transportation and temporary storage - at a better price. If you already have several offers on hand, you should tell the carrier about it, as many companies are willing to meet your needs and discuss the price.
Choosing the right moving date can significantly affect your overall relocation costs in Houston. In most cases, mid-week and off-season moves offer better pricing, greater availability, and fewer scheduling delays. By planning ahead and avoiding peak demand periods, you can make your move more affordable and less stressful in 2026.