Wondering when you should hire a moving company to manage your cross-country relocation in Canada? Get tips on ideal timing.
Moving long distances across Canada can be stressful. Choosing the right time to book a moving company across canada is key for an organized, smooth move.
This guide will overview:
- High and low seasons for moves
- Best and worst months for a cross-country move
- Key dates when demand surges
- Recommendations for ideal timing
Follow our tips to discover the perfect time to hire your national mover and avoid headaches!
Overview of Moving Seasons in Canada
Like real estate markets, the moving industry experiences seasonal cycles of high and low demand in Canada. This impacts:
- Availability of movers
- Time needed to book services
- Overall moving costs
Here is a quick rundown:
Peak Moving Season
- May to September
- Highest demand for moves
- Often busiest for national movers
Off-Season
- October to April
- Lower demand periods
- More last-minute availability
Keep these general seasons in mind when deciding long distance moving timelines. Now let’s dive into details on the best and worst months.
The Best Months for a Long Distance Move
If possible, aim to move during the off-season fall and winter months in Canada.
October-November offer ideal timing thanks to:
- Mild weather across most regions
- Lower demand than summer
- Better availability and prices from movers
Late February-March is another good option weather-wise. By planning in the off months you’ll encounter fewer crowds and delays.
Other Best Month Considerations
Here are a few other factors that make certain months favorable times for cross-country relocation:
September
- Before bad weather hits
- Summer vacation crowds gone
- Kids start school
December
- Before heavy snows and the holiday rush
- Some people get bonuses to finance moves
No matter when you decide to organize your move, book early. Let’s examine why…
Why Booking Early is Crucial
Give yourself 2-3 months of lead time to hire a national moving company in Canada.
Here are key reasons:
Availability
- Movers book out far in advance
- Last-minute often means waiting lists
Rates
- Early birds get the best prices
- Last-minute premium fees
Planning
- Vital with complicated logistics
- Avoid chaos and delays
Wait to leave things until the final weeks. Communicate your ideal moving dates with prospective movers ASAP to lock in reservations.
Next, let’s review the worst times for cross-country relocations.
The Worst Months for Long-Distance Moves
While no times are truly “bad”, a few months see challenges like:
- Extreme cold and snow
- Peak demand and crowds
- School year schedules
The least ideal months are:
January
- Frigid temperatures nationwide
- Snowstorm risks disrupt moves
June to August
- Peak crowds and demand
- Toughest to book movers
Mid-May to mid-June
- Busiest graduation season
Also, avoid public holidays like Canada Day (July 1st) and Labor Day (early September) when roads are jammed.
Key Dates to Avoid
Beyond whole months to bypass, watch out for specific high-traffic and demand dates.
Try to steer clear of moves on or around:
- Long weekends
- Major local events
- End/beginning of each month
- Holiday weekends
- Universities’ start and end dates
Scheduling between major dates spreads demand more evenly for providers.
Tips for Booking at the Best Time
Follow these tips to nail down prime long-distance moving dates:
- Book super early during off-seasons
- Ask about demand cycles when contacting providers
- Seek deals for off-peak moves
- Remain highly flexible with exact dates
Conclusion
To conclude – aim for fall or winter when coordinating a full-service move across Canada. Time things right to avoid extreme cold, snow, peak crowds, and premium costs from movers.
Book long-distance moving help 2-3 months early, aligned to lower demand cycles. Stay flexible around ideal target dates, and you’ll set yourself up for relocation success!