There are all sorts of factors to consider when you prepare for an interstate relocation to or from Chicago. One of the most important factors is understanding how far in advance to book long-distance movers so you can establish a timeline for your packing process and your actual move.
Starting nice and early will give you plenty of time to research different companies, obtain a few estimates, and pick the right moving team. Even if you’ve moved locally a handful of times, it’s helpful to find some professional interstate moving tips—after all, a long-distance move usually requires a lot more time, planning, and organization.
The Ideal Long-Distance Moving Timeline
Before you can get a firm grasp on how far in advance to book long-distance movers, you’ll need to determine your estimated moving dates.
The best time to book movers varies throughout the year. Peak moving season is generally late March through early October, with the summer months of June, July, and August being particularly busy. Waiting until the last minute can drive up your stress and your costs, so the earlier you book, the better!
When to Book Interstate Movers During Peak Season
If you plan to move across state lines over the summer, try to book your long-distance movers at least six to eight weeks before your actual moving date.
Remember: summer is peak moving season, and if you give yourself too little time, you could find yourself scrambling to find a reliable long-distance moving company that you feel comfortable working with.
Here’s an estimated schedule you might want to follow if you’re moving in June, July, or August:
- 10-12 weeks before your move date: Start researching long-distance movers and requesting estimates.
- 8-10 weeks prior to your move: Compare the estimates in detail and contact each company’s customer service team with any questions you might have.
- 6-8 weeks ahead: Book your long-distance movers.
- 4-6 weeks in advance: Begin your packing process. This might require less time if you’re hiring professional packers instead of packing up your home by yourself.
Most moving companies understand that the ideal timeline isn’t always possible. If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, let your movers know the dates you need to be out of your old home and into your new one, and they’ll do the best they can to accommodate your schedule.
How Far in Advance to Book Long-Distance Movers in the Off-Season
Moving to a new city and state in the off-season usually doesn’t require quite as much time as moving during the summer. You can usually begin the process about four weeks before your move date. If the six to eight-week timeline is feasible, great! There’s nothing better than giving yourself a couple of months to plan your move.
This timeline will give you an idea of how far in advance to book long-distance movers when you’re moving outside of the peak summer months:
- 8-10 weeks prior to your move: Research moving companies and request estimates for your interstate relocation.
- 6-8 weeks in advance: Compare the estimates you’ve received and get in touch with each company with your questions.
- 4 weeks before your move date: Book your movers. It’s also beneficial to start your packing process about a month before your move, including finding packing supplies and decluttering your home.
Keep in mind that reality isn’t always ideal, so this schedule might not be possible for your unique situation. The best long-distance movers in Chicago are equipped with all sorts of interstate moving tips and experience, and can often help you plan your relocation in less time.
Why You Should Book an Interstate Move in Advance
Knowing how far in advance to book long-distance movers—and confirming your interstate moving company nice and early—helps set you up for a smooth and stress-free move since some of the most important logistics are already covered. However, there are even more advantages to planning ahead.
The first benefit to booking early is the movers’ availability. Reliable interstate movers’ schedules can fill up quickly, so if you wait too long, there’s a good chance your favorite company won’t have room in their schedule.
A second advantage to advanced booking is that you might be able to keep your costs a bit lower, especially if you have a little flexibility on your move date. Even if you can’t change your dates to be out of peak season, your movers might be able to provide slightly discounted rates if you move in the middle of the month instead of the beginning or end of the month.
Finally, confirming your spot on your long-distance moving company’s schedule gives you ample time to plan your relocation’s logistics. Booking your movers is a huge task to knock off of your long-distance moving checklist, but your work isn’t quite done. There are still a lot of to-dos, including:
- Packing up your home’s inventory
- Finding new medical providers for your family
- Canceling your utilities at your old place and setting them up at your new apartment, condo, or house
- Updating your address with the United States Postal Service, your credit card companies, and any delivery or subscription services
- Arranging for your own transportation (and overnight lodging, if applicable) from your old city to your new one
This is just a short list of the items you’ll need to take care of. For even more interstate moving tips, contact Chicago’s favorite local and long-distance moving company!
Not Sure How Far in Advance to Book Long-Distance Movers? Call Chicago’s Favorite Moving Company!
We’ve been moving and grooving since 2008, so we know more than a thing or two about scheduling smooth and stress-free home relocations. Our friendly customer service team is here to help you plan your long-distance move, and our talented and highly-trained movers will take outstanding care of your possessions when your big day arrives.
Connect with our long-distance moving specialists today, and we’ll get to work on your custom interstate move estimate.