Moving during Memorial Day weekend can be convenient, but it’s rarely the easiest weekend to book movers. It sits at the front edge of peak moving season, lots of people have the Monday off, roads fill with holiday travelers, and last-minute slots disappear fast. You can still pull off a smooth move; you just need to book early, plan around the traffic, and expect to pay a bit more than a quiet weekday would cost.
The appeal is real: an extra day off means more time to move without burning vacation hours. The catch is that everyone else had the same idea. Here’s how to make it work.
Why Memorial Day weekend costs more
Memorial Day unofficially kicks off summer, the busiest moving stretch of the year. Demand for movers jumps right around this weekend, and prices follow demand.
- Holiday weekend premium. Movers know the weekend is in high demand, so the cheap, flexible rates of a slow weekday aren’t on the table.
- Peak-season pricing. Late May is when summer rates kick in. The same crew costs more now than it did in March.
- Limited availability. Fewer open slots means less room to negotiate and less ability to shop around.
- Possible holiday or overtime rates. Some companies charge more for the holiday itself or for a Sunday, so confirm exactly which days carry a premium.
None of this makes the move a bad idea. It just means you should budget for a higher number than an off-peak Tuesday and lock your booking early.
The traffic problem, and how to beat it
Memorial Day weekend is one of the heaviest travel weekends of the year. Millions of people hit the road for the long weekend, which matters whether you’re moving across town or across states.
- Start early in the day. Get the truck loaded and rolling before mid-morning, when holiday traffic builds. An early start also dodges the afternoon heat.
- Avoid the peak travel windows. Friday afternoon/evening and the return rush late Monday are the worst. Moving Saturday morning or Sunday is often calmer on the roads.
- For long-distance moves, plan the route around the holiday. Expect busy highways, full gas stations, and crowded rest stops. Build in extra time.
- Watch local events. Many cities hold parades or festivals over the weekend that can close streets near your old or new place. Check ahead so the truck isn’t blocked.
When to book a Memorial Day move
Earlier than you think. Because this weekend is both a holiday and the start of peak season, the good crews book up well in advance.
- Six to eight weeks out: Start getting quotes and book. For a long-distance move, lean toward the eight-week end.
- Four weeks out: If you haven’t booked, do it now. Options are thinning.
- Two weeks or less: You’ll likely face limited choices and higher prices, and may need to be flexible on the exact day.
If your dates have any flexibility, ask whether moving the day before or after the holiday is cheaper. Sometimes shifting off the exact holiday weekend by a day or two saves real money and gets you a better crew.
Should you move on the holiday weekend at all?
It comes down to your trade-offs. The extra day off is genuinely useful, especially if you can’t easily take time from work. But if your dates are flexible, a mid-week move in early May or in the fall is cheaper and far less stressful.
Move on Memorial Day weekend if: you need the extra day, your dates are fixed by a lease or closing, or you book early enough to get a good crew at a fair rate. Consider shifting if: your dates are flexible and saving money matters more than the long weekend.
Weather and heat planning
Late May is warm to hot across most of the country, and downright brutal in the South and Southwest. Plan for it:
- Load early to beat the afternoon heat.
- Stock water and electrolytes for yourself and offer some to the crew.
- Protect heat-sensitive items like candles, electronics, and medications from a hot truck.
- Dress for the work: light clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen if you’re outside.
Your Memorial Day weekend moving checklist
- Book six to eight weeks ahead and get the date in writing, confirming which days carry holiday or weekend premiums.
- Get three written quotes so you know what a fair holiday-weekend price looks like.
- Verify licensing (state for local, FMCSA for interstate) before you commit.
- Reserve building access early: elevators, loading docks, and any COI your building needs. Management may keep holiday-weekend hours.
- Plan parking for the truck, and check for local parades or road closures.
- Schedule an early start to beat both traffic and heat.
- Pack an essentials box with chargers, documents, medications, snacks, and water.
- Confirm the day before with the mover, since holiday schedules can shift.
- Set up utilities ahead of time; some providers have limited holiday hours for service starts.
Getting three real quotes early is the best way to avoid overpaying on a high-demand weekend. If you’d rather compare vetted options without calling around, you can request a free quote from Moverly and line them up side by side.
FAQ
Is it more expensive to move on Memorial Day weekend?
Usually, yes. Memorial Day weekend is a holiday and the unofficial start of peak moving season, so demand is high and rates rise. Some companies also add holiday or weekend premiums. Booking early and asking whether shifting a day or two off the holiday is cheaper can soften the cost.
How far ahead should I book a Memorial Day weekend move?
Six to eight weeks ahead, leaning toward eight for a long-distance move. The good crews fill up fast for this weekend because it’s both a holiday and the season’s kickoff. Booking two weeks out or less usually means fewer choices, higher prices, and less flexibility on the day.
How do I avoid traffic when moving on the holiday weekend?
Start early in the morning, before holiday traffic builds, and avoid the worst windows: Friday evening and the late-Monday return rush. Saturday morning and Sunday are often calmer. For long-distance moves, build extra time into the route and expect busy highways and rest stops.
Is Memorial Day weekend a good time to move?
It can be, if you need the extra day off and book early enough to get a good crew at a fair rate. If your dates are flexible, though, a mid-week move outside the holiday weekend is cheaper and less stressful. Weigh the convenience of the long weekend against the higher cost and heavier traffic.