# How Far in Advance Should I Book a Moving Company? [![Profile picture for user Regina Haggard](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2025-04/Regina%20Haggard.jpg.webp?itok=HPXelZHb)](/author/regina-haggard) By: [Regina Haggard](/author/regina-haggard "View user profile.") May 6, 2025 In: [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company&title=How%20Far%20in%20Advance%20Should%20I%20Book%20a%20Moving%20Company%3F) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20Far%20in%20Advance%20Should%20I%20Book%20a%20Moving%20Company%3F&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company&media=&description=How%20Far%20in%20Advance%20Should%20I%20Book%20a%20Moving%20Company%3F) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=How%20Far%20in%20Advance%20Should%20I%20Book%20a%20Moving%20Company%3F&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company) ## Is there a perfect time to schedule a move? As you work through the steps of a [moving checklist](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/documents-and-tools/moving-checklist), booking the move is one in which time is of the essence. But just how soon should you reserve moving equipment? The easy answer is as soon as possible, but ideally, the best time to make a reservation for an out-of-state move is 2 to 3 months in advance. Booking early helps ensure preferred movers, dates and equipment — helping your move go smoothly. Learn more about the standard amount of notice movers typically need and what to do if you need a quick move. ![Man planning a move in advance using computer, phone, paper and pen.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) ## How early to book movers: a general guideline It’s always better to schedule your out-of-state move as soon as possible, but what’s the recommended timeline? - **Cross-country and long-distance moves**: at least 8-12 weeks ahead of moving date. The shortest recommended timeframe is typically 2-3 weeks out. - **Local and in-state moves**: 4-6 weeks ahead of moving date. The shortest recommended timeframe is typically 1-2 weeks out. The sooner you reserve, the more likely a company will be able to meet your moving timeline. This is especially true for moves to places like Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Puerto Rico or during busy summer months or holidays. ### When is the best time to schedule moving labor? It’s best to hire moving crews at the same time you book a move. If you’re moving long distance with U-Pack®, we can [refer you to local moving labor](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/moving-labor) when confirming your reservation. ### I need a quick move. What should I do? Some companies might have equipment available a few days or weeks before your move, but others need more notice. If you need a quick turnaround, it’s best to call several companies to find out what is available. Keep in mind these things when making a last-minute reservation: - Preferred equipment might not be available - The price might be higher than if you’d booked in advance - You might have to be flexible with the exact moving date ## Can U-Pack handle a last-minute move? At U-Pack, we understand that needing to move can happen quickly. If you need to relocate to another state on a short timeframe, U-Pack can typically schedule a move with just a few days' notice (depending on the location and equipment availability). Call [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) as soon as you know about the move to speak to a moving consultant. ## Don’t wait too long! Reserve your U-Pack move now! Get your free, no-obligation quote online or call [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) to speak to a moving consultant. If you have any questions about [how U-Pack compares to other long-distance movers](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/compare-movers), please let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! Categories [Auto Shipping](/articles/category/auto-shipping) [College](/articles/category/college) [Comparisons](/articles/category/comparisons) [Home DIY](/articles/category/home-diy) [Job](/articles/category/job) [Long Distance](/articles/category/long-distance) [Military](/articles/category/military) [Moving Cost](/articles/category/moving-cost) [News](/articles/category/news) [Packing and Loading](/articles/category/packing-and-loading) [Places](/articles/category/places) [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) [Senior](/articles/category/senior) Hide Comments Show Comments [View the discussion thread.](http://upack.disqus.com/) More articles you might like... [![Woman looking through items at a moving sale.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### How to Have a Moving Sale A moving sale is a great way to make some extra money and save on moving expenses. Learn how to have a successful sale and save even more with U-Pack. ](/articles/how-to-have-a-moving-sale) [![A man rests against a train window after saying goodbye to family and friends.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### Saying Goodbye Quotes Saying goodbye can be the hardest part of moving away. Take comfort in these goodbye quotes when you struggle to put your feelings into words. ](/articles/saying-goodbye-quotes) [![Family laughing in the car playing a road trip game.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### 26 Road Trip Games for Kids and Adults Want to stop boredom in its tracks on your next road trip? Check out 26 fun road trip games to keep your family happy in the car. ](/articles/26-road-trip-games-for-kids-and-adults) ## Looking for more articles? [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/planning-your-move) [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/planning-your-move)