icon back
Back to blog

Get a Head Start – Peak Season is Here

Monday, March 27, 2023
Happy friends moving into a new house caring the cardboard boxes

It’s no secret that moving during peak season can be rough! Approximately 43 million people move in the US annually and 80% (35 million) will move in “Peak Season”. So if you’re like the majority of us who move between April and September each year, Shyft has some tips up our sleeves for you:

1. Book Movers Early

Start looking for a professional mover at least two months before your move. There’s really no such thing as doing it too early. And make sure to get quotes and referrals from multiple companies because options are our best friends! With Shyft, we can handle all the research you need and provide you with multiple options and help you choose the best solution for your needs.

A man in front of his laptop managing his move online and checking his moving quotes in his phone with a move coach

2. Be Flexible

Most people prefer moving at the beginning or end of the month, as most rent and mortgage payments are due on the first. If you can move in the middle of the month, you have a much better chance of landing the service levels you want and the pickup/delivery dates you need. There are also surcharges on the weekends that could impact your move options. Don’t worry, Shyft can help you figure out what will work with you and your schedule!

A satisfied woman after completing her moving video survey dances ballet in suit holding her coffee and her laptop

3. Hire a Reputable Mover

Be careful on looking for the best deal. All moving companies are not created equal. These people will be in your home handling your most important belongings so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Look at reviews and do your research so you know which questions to ask. At Shyft, we have trusted partners that have been carefully vetted. We will help find the optimal mover based on your needs and budget.

4. Time Is Money

A big mistake people make is that they wait to book their moves. The more you wait, the higher the likelihood the service levels, the dates, and even the price won’t be the same. Peak season gives everyone challenges. The moment you see something that fits your needs, book it. Shyft is here to help.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to sort and purge. You pay more to move things that you ultimately are going to get rid of, so why pay the movers to move it and then toss it? Toss it before you move. Our video survey technology helps you through this.

A clock ticking betweens piles of money

5. Reserve a Truck Pronto

Going the DIY route and renting a truck? We can help but often times you may find yourself doing it on your own. Here are some incredibly important tips:Determine what size truck you need. It’s important to make your reservation in advance to ensure availability.

A truck on a moving day ready to be filled with moving boxes next to it

Make sure you call the rental company the day before to confirm. A lot of times the truck they promised isn’t there and you need to come up with a plan B pronto.Moving trucks often are harder to book between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The end of the month is especially busy, so if you wait until the last minute you might be out of luck.

  • Avoid Peak Days
  • The busiest time to move is on the weekends and at the beginning and end of the month. If possible, avoid these times and you may possibly get a better service and maybe even rate
  • Make a Plan For Storage
  • After determining the size of unit you need, we can help find facilities to gauge availability and pricing.
  • Lock in a Good Deal
  • More demand during the busy summer month means more competition for units. Rates increase. Also, the competition heats up for small- and medium-sized moves. Shyft Moving will help you navigate these murky waters. Our Move Assistants will be your best friend during the process. We’re here to help.

Always.