Moving on a Weekday or a Weekend in the DMV?

How the day affects the price

Weekend, end-of-month, and same-day slots run higher in our quotes. Midweek and mid-month dates are the cheapest. Whichever day you choose, the number is confirmed in writing before move day and does not change after that.

Weekdays

A weekday move works with the building, because the people who run it are at work.

• The management office is open if an elevator key or a dock gate is missing.
• Freight elevators are easier to reserve, and some buildings only allow weekday moves.
• Dates are available with less notice.
• The cost is a day off work, plus rush hour on the Beltway, I-270, and I-66.
• Many DC streets ban parking during rush hour, and a moving truck has to follow the signs. Read the ones on your block before you set a start time.

Weekends

A weekend move works with your job, and that is why everyone wants one.

• No time off needed, and friends or family can help.
• Roads inside DC are usually lighter.
• End-of-month Saturdays fill weeks ahead.
• Some buildings restrict or ban weekend moves, and Sunday is the day most often ruled out.
• If something goes wrong with the elevator or the dock, the office may be closed.

How far ahead to book

Lead time depends on the day more than the season.

• Tuesday to Thursday, mid-month: often the same week.
• A regular Saturday: two to four weeks.
• The last weekend of a month, or any weekend from June through August: four to six weeks.
• $100 holds your date and comes off your final bill.

The start time matters too

A start around 9 or 10 in the morning misses the worst of the weekday traffic and still leaves the whole day. If your building gives you an afternoon elevator slot, tell us, so the crew arrives with enough time to wrap and stage before the window opens.

A checklist for choosing

Answer these in order and the day usually picks itself.

• Which days and hours do both buildings allow moves?
• When can you get the freight elevator at each end?
• Do your lease dates give you any overlap, or is there only one possible day?
• Can you take a weekday off?
• Is the price difference worth more to you than the day off?