Choosing the right day of the week to move can impact your costs, scheduling flexibility, and even how smooth the entire experience feels. At Prestige Moving, we’ve seen how timing can play a major role in whether a move is efficient or frustrating. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best day of the week to move — plus bonus tips, internal planning resources, and expert advice for Ottawa residents.
Why the Day of the Week Matters for Your Move
Moving isn’t just about choosing a date—it’s about strategic planning. The day you choose will influence:
- Moving rates and discounts
- Traffic and elevator availability
- Mover availability
- Your ability to take time off work or school
If your schedule is flexible, you can reduce costs and stress by picking a low-demand window.
Midweek Moves: Tuesday and Wednesday Are the Sweet Spot
Most moving companies, including local movers in Ottawa, offer lower rates during weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Why?
- Fewer people book these days
- Movers have more time and flexibility
- Buildings and elevators are more accessible
- Less congestion on the roads
A midweek move can also improve your chances of getting premium customer service—movers are less rushed, more focused, and likely to spend more time on details.
Friday and Weekend Moves: Popular But Pricey
Fridays and weekends are high-demand moving days. Many clients schedule their move then to align with time off from work. However, expect:
- Higher hourly rates
- Limited availability
- Faster booking deadlines
If you’re set on a weekend date, we recommend contacting your moving company in Ottawa at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Mondays and Thursdays: The Underestimated Choices
Mondays are great for those who want a fresh start at the beginning of the week, but can sometimes suffer from delayed weekend moves. Thursdays, on the other hand, give you the advantage of a weekend buffer without the full weekend rush.
Key Factors to Consider When Picking a Moving Day
Before choosing your day, factor in:
- Weather conditions – Moving across Canada in winter? Avoid Mondays after snowstorms.
- Building elevator booking policies
- Work/school schedules
- Closing dates and lease expiration
- Truck parking availability
If you’re unsure, you can consult our top 10 questions to ask before hiring movers so you’re prepared in advance.
The Cheapest Day to Move in Ottawa
Hands down, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest. When you combine this with smart packing tips (like those in our packing strategy guide), you’ll reduce both labor time and total cost.
When Should You NOT Move?
Avoid moving on:
- End-of-month Fridays
- Long weekends and statutory holidays
- Days before school starts or ends
- Winter storms or severe weather alerts
You can check availability with Ottawa’s long-distance movers who often adjust operations around those peak periods.
How Early Should You Book Your Move?
We suggest securing your spot at least 4 weeks in advance—especially if you’re booking cross-country movers. If you’re moving from Ottawa to Toronto or any long-distance route, early booking guarantees:
- Preferred time slots
- Lower pricing
- Stress-free coordination
What If You Need Storage Between Moves?
If your move doesn’t line up perfectly, consider using Ottawa storage services that offer short-term and long-term storage options. These can be lifesavers for clients with mid-week moves who don’t get possession until the weekend.
Pro Tip: Bundle Your Move with Packing Services
Want a hands-off experience? Book a full-service option that includes professional packing in Ottawa to save yourself the hassle. It’s especially ideal for seniors, professionals, or families with small children.
Avoid Last-Minute Stress with a Move-Day Checklist
Use our post-move checklist to make sure everything is ready before, during, and after moving day. It includes essentials like:
- Utility transfers
- Final property inspections
- Emergency contact lists
- Damage inspection and inventory check
Summary: Best Days of the Week to Move Ranked
- Tuesday – Cheapest, lowest demand, most flexible
- Wednesday – Great availability, no traffic
- Thursday – Pre-weekend buffer
- Monday – Decent availability, but cautious of weekend delays
- Friday–Sunday – Popular, but expensive and time-restricted
Final Thoughts
If flexibility is on your side, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll save money, avoid the rush, and make your transition smoother. Need help planning the perfect move day? Contact our team to receive a custom quote and moving calendar tailored to your property size, date preference, and location.
For even more strategies, don’t miss our guide on how to protect your furniture when moving—because timing is just one part of a stress-free move.