E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

For a standard local move, you should book movers at least four to eight weeks in advance. For a long-distance move or a move during the peak summer season, you need to extend this timeline to three or four months to ensure availability and secure a reputable moving company.

The Real Question Isn't "When," It's "Why"

For over 140 years, we've seen countless families through the complexities of relocation. The single most common question we hear is, "How far in advance should I book movers?" While the simple answer is "about eight weeks," that response misses the entire point. The date on the calendar isn't a magic number; it's the endpoint of a crucial process.

Booking movers isn't about meeting a generic deadline. It’s about creating a strategic "vetting runway"—a period of time that empowers you to differentiate between legitimate moving companies and predatory brokers, secure accurate in-home estimates, and sidestep the costly scams that prey on last-minute desperation.

The Last-Minute Scarcity Trap

Waiting until the last few weeks to schedule your move puts you in a position of weakness. High-quality, professional moving companies with their own trucks and crews are often booked solid, especially during the peak moving season from May to September. This perceived scarcity creates a perfect environment for opportunists.

Here’s how the trap is set:

• The Broker Surge: When you're desperate, you're less likely to scrutinize who you're hiring. This is when moving brokers, who are essentially sales agents without trucks or movers, thrive. They’ll give you a low-ball quote to get your deposit, then sell your job to the lowest-bidding carrier they can find—a carrier you’ve never researched or spoken to.
• The "Hostage" Quote: A common tactic in last-minute moves is the non-binding, over-the-phone quote. A company gives you an attractively low price without ever seeing your belongings. On moving day, a different crew arrives and informs you that your shipment is much larger than estimated. Suddenly, the price doubles or triples, and if you refuse, they may refuse to unload your possessions. This is why you need time for a proper estimate.

Mover vs. Broker: The Critical Difference You Need Time to Uncover

The single most important reason to start your planning early is to verify you are hiring an actual moving company, not just a middleman. An asset-based moving company (a true "mover") operates its own fleet of trucks, employs its own crews, and is directly responsible for your belongings from start to finish.

A moving broker, on the other hand, is a sales entity. They don't own trucks or employ movers. Their job is to book your move and then subcontract it. This can lead to a severe lack of accountability, quality control, and communication. An early start gives you the necessary time to investigate a company's credentials. A legitimate moving company should have a U.S. DOT # and/or MC #, which you can easily verify. You can check their operating status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to ensure it's 'Authorized'. This simple check is your first line of defense.

Deconstructing the Ideal Timeline by Task, Not by Week

Instead of fixating on a number of weeks, think about the essential tasks you need time to complete. This task-based approach ensures you don't miss a critical step in the vetting process. For a long-distance move, experts recommend you book at least one to four months in advance, and this timeline provides the perfect runway for these actions.

12-16 Weeks Out: Research and Discovery

This is your intelligence-gathering phase. Your goal is to build a shortlist of 3-5 reputable moving companies. Look for companies with a long history, positive reviews, and professional affiliations like ProMover Certification from the American Trucking Associations' Moving & Storage Conference. IIf you’re planning a residential move, begin researching movers about 12–16 weeks before move-in to compare options and secure availability without pressure.

8-12 Weeks Out: In-Home Estimates and Quote Comparison

This is the most critical phase, and it cannot be rushed. You must schedule at least three in-home or virtual survey estimates. During this process, a relocation consultant will visually inspect everything you plan to move—from the attic to the garage—to provide a detailed inventory and a binding estimate. This is also your chance to ask about specific services, like full-service packing or moving insurance options like valuation coverage.

An online calculator or a phone quote cannot accurately assess the weight and volume of your household goods. According to the American Trucking Associations, if a mover refuses to provide an in-home estimate and claims they can give an accurate estimate without seeing your items, you should choose another mover. This is a major red flag.

2-4 Weeks Out: Final Decision and Booking

With binding estimates in hand, you can now make an informed, pressure-free decision. Compare the offers not just on price, but on the scope of services, the terms of the moving contract (also known as the bill of lading), and the professionalism you experienced during the estimate. Once you’ve made your choice, sign the contract, pay your booking deposit, and secure your move date on their schedule.

Leveraging Flexibility for Better Rates

An early start doesn't just protect you from scams; it can also save you a significant amount of money. The moving industry has predictable peak seasons and days. As a rule, moving companies are busiest in the summer, and moves during this season typically come at a higher cost.

By planning your relocation far in advance, you give yourself the scheduling flexibility to take advantage of lower rates. If your moving dates are not set in stone, ask potential movers if they offer better pricing for:

• Mid-week moves (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• Mid-month moves (avoiding the rush at the beginning and end of the month)
• Off-season moves (from September through April)

Key Factors for Vetting a Moving Company

Use your vetting runway to evaluate every potential company against these critical factors:

Company Type (Carrier vs. Broker)

Ask directly: "Are you an actual moving company with your own trucks and employees, or are you a broker?" A reputable carrier will be proud to confirm they are an asset-based moving company and may be an agent for a national van line, which gives them a wide network for long-distance moves.

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Official Licensing and Complaint History (FMCSA)

Every legitimate interstate moving company must be licensed with the federal government. Look up their U.S. DOT number in the FMCSA database to check their operating status, safety record, and any registered complaints. For local movers, check with your state's department of transportation or consumer affairs agency.

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Availability of Binding, In-Home Estimates

Do not proceed with any company that will only offer a non-binding quote over the phone for a home larger than a one-bedroom apartment. A binding estimate, based on a visual survey of your goods, is the only way to ensure a guaranteed price and avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day.

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Price Transparency and Avoidance of Hidden Fees

A professional mover will provide a detailed, itemized quote that clearly explains all moving costs. Ask about potential extra charges for things like stairs, long carries (if the truck can't park close to your door), or shuttle services if your new home is on a narrow street.

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Booking Lead Time Required

During your initial call, ask about their availability. A company that claims to have wide-open availability during the peak summer relocation season with only a week's notice might be a red flag. The best companies book up early.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The ideal timeline depends entirely on your personal situation. Here is how different types of movers should approach their planning.

The Cautious Planner

Relocating a family long-distance with high-value items, your priority is reliability and legitimacy over rock-bottom prices. You should begin the process 3-4 months in advance. This gives you ample time to thoroughly research company histories, check FMCSA records, schedule multiple in-home estimates, and compare binding offers without feeling rushed into a decision.

The First-Time Mover

Often a student or young professional moving from an apartment, you are the prime target for online scams with low-ball quotes. You need to start your research at least 8 weeks in advance. This timeline is less about truck availability and more about self-education. Use this time to learn the difference between a mover and a broker, understand what a binding estimate is, and recognize the red flags of a predatory company.

The Last-Minute Relocator

Forced into a move with a short notice due to a job change or housing issue, your vetting runway is dangerously short. If you have less than 4 weeks, you must be hyper-vigilant. Immediately focus on established, local moving companies with a physical address you can visit. Prioritize getting an in-home or virtual survey immediately. Be prepared for higher costs and limited availability, and be extra skeptical of any offer that sounds too good to be true.

Ultimately, having enough time to properly plan your move is the best insurance you can have against stress, scams, and hidden costs. With a history stretching back to 1881, we at E.E. Ward Moving & Storage understand that a successful relocation is built on trust and transparent planning. If you're in the Columbus, Ohio area and value a legacy of reliability, contact our team for a free, no-obligation in-home estimate to start your move on the right foot.

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