Cheapest Day to Hire Movers in Charlotte

Written by Move and Care Charlotte

Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: April 08, 2024

Moving in Charlotte, like anywhere, can be expensive and stressful. But did you know that when you schedule your move can make a big difference in how much you pay? If you’re looking to save money on your relocation, choosing the right day is key. Let’s explore the cheapest day to hire movers in Charlotte and why timing your move wisely can shave a significant amount off your moving bill.

Why Does the Moving Day Matter?

Moving companies price their services partly based on demand. In Charlotte, as in most cities, weekends and end-of-month dates see a surge in people moving (leases often end then, and many prefer to move when off work). Higher demand means higher rates. By contrast, on days when movers have fewer bookings, they’re likely to charge less and offer more flexibility. In short, picking a low-demand day for your move can result in a lower quote without sacrificing service quality.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Finding the Cheapest Day

Weekdays (Monday–Friday) are generally cheaper days to hire movers than weekends. Most families and individuals schedule moves on the weekend, which causes moving companies to fill up and often charge peak pricing. On a weekday, trucks and crews are more likely to be available and some companies even offer discounts to attract bookings on those slower days. In fact, many Charlotte movers have lower base rates Monday through Thursday – for example, Move & Care Charlotte advertises a lower hourly rate on weekdays and a higher rate on weekends, due to demand. The difference can be notable: weekends might also come with a minimum hour charge (e.g. 3-hour minimum on Saturday) whereas a Tuesday move might only require a 2-hour minimum, meaning you pay for less time.

Which weekday is best? Industry experience and local insight suggest that mid-week days like Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to move. By Tuesday/Wednesday, people who needed to move at the start of the week (or procrastinated until last weekend) are already done, and it’s still a few days until the next weekend rush – a sweet spot with lower demand. Many Charlotte moving companies find their schedules light in the middle of the week and may be willing to negotiate or offer a better deal on those days. That said, Monday and Thursday can also be cost-effective if that’s what works for you; they’re slightly closer to the weekend but still typically less busy than Friday or Saturday. The least expensive day can vary by company – for example, one local report noted some movers had their lowest average rates on Sunday – but as a rule of thumb, aim for Tuesday–Thursday for the best prices. Always compare a couple of quotes; mention you’re flexible on mid-week dates to see if the mover can give you a better rate.

Here's a clear breakdown based on recent average quotes from moving companies in Charlotte:

Avoid Peak Times of the Month

Picking the right day of the month is as important as the day of the week. The beginning and end of each month are crunch times in the moving world – this is when leases typically start or expire and when home sales close. In Charlotte, a lot of renters move out on the 31st and into new places by the 1st. The result? Movers are in high demand during the last and first week of the month, and prices often reflect that. To save money, try to schedule your move in the middle of the month if you can. For instance, moving on the 12th or 15th of the month might mean your movers have more open slots and are willing to offer a lower rate, whereas the 30th or 1st could be pricier with every crew booked up. By steering clear of the month-end rush, you not only save cash but might also get more personalized attention since crews aren’t juggling multiple moves back-to-back.

Choose the Right Season (and Time of Year)

Time of year plays a big role in moving costs. Charlotte’s peak moving season aligns with late spring and summer. May through August tends to be the busiest (students are out of school, families prefer to move before a new school year, and the weather is generally cooperative). During these months, especially around June–July, you’ll see higher moving rates due to demand. In fact, about 60% of all US moves happen in the summer months, and Charlotte is no exception – expect both prices and temperatures to be high if you move in July!

If you have flexibility, schedule your move in the off-season. The period from October through April is considered the off-peak for moving in Charlotte. Within this, the winter months (December, January, February) often offer the lowest rates. Fewer people want to move during the holidays or chilly winter weather, so moving companies often charge less to drum up business. For example, some Charlotte movers note that January is the cheapest month to hire movers locally. Not only are rates lower, but you may also find it easier to book the exact date you want. Do keep in mind Charlotte’s climate: while winters are relatively mild, we do get the occasional ice storm. If you’re moving in the heart of winter, stay flexible in case of a rare snow or ice event. Overall, though, choosing a winter or early-spring moving date can potentially save you 15-25% compared to a peak summer weekend move.

Here's a detailed breakdown of seasonal pricing:

Extra Tips to Save Money on Your Move

Picking a cheap day is a great start – here are a few more insider tips to make your Charlotte move even more affordable and smooth:

• Book in Advance: Once you know your moving window, reserve your movers early. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead for a mid-week, mid-month move can sometimes lock in a lower price before any seasonal price hikes hit. Plus, you’ll have more companies to choose from when you’re not last-minute.
• Stay Flexible and Ask for Deals: When requesting quotes, let companies know you’re flexible on dates and looking for the best rate. You might say, “I can move any day that week – is there a day that’s more cost-effective for you?” Movers might offer you a discount to take a slot they have trouble filling (like a Wednesday afternoon). Being open to their schedule can save you money.
• Avoid Rush Hour if Possible: Charlotte traffic can be intense on weekdays around 8–9am and 5pm. If you’re moving on a weekday, consider starting after morning rush (around 10am) or ask the movers if an early start is possible to beat the traffic. Less time stuck in traffic means less time you’re paying hourly movers. (Some movers charge flat travel fees, but many charge by the hour including transit – every minute counts!)
• Beware of Holidays and Events: Try not to schedule your move on major holiday weekends or during big local events. For example, the Charlotte area hosts popular NASCAR races in May and October, which can snarl traffic and even affect moving truck availability in the region. Likewise, moving around Independence Day or Labor Day can be pricier. If you avoid these, you’ll sidestep surge pricing and logistical headaches.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Even when targeting a cheap day, always compare quotes from a few reputable movers. This isn’t so much about the day you move, but it ensures you’re getting a fair market price. When companies know you’re shopping around, they’re more likely to give you their best rate or price-match a competitor.

So, what is the cheapest day to hire movers in Charlotte? In summary: a mid-week weekday, ideally in the middle of the month during the off-season, will usually net you the best price. Aiming for a Tuesday or Wednesday move in a quieter month like February or November can yield significant savings compared to a Saturday in July. By avoiding peak moving times, you benefit from lower rates and a less hectic moving experience.

Timing isn’t everything – good planning and the right moving company matter too – but it’s one of the simplest ways to save money on your move. With the tips above, you can schedule your Charlotte move smartly and keep more cash in your pocket. Happy moving, and enjoy getting settled in your new home knowing you made a savvy move (literally!) by choosing the best day to relocate.

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