Book movers in St. Louis four to six weeks ahead for a move between October and April, and six to eight weeks ahead for a summer move or any date at the end of a month. Long distance moves need eight to twelve weeks. Those windows matter because summer weekends and the last three days of the month fill first and cost 20 to 30 percent more than off-peak dates. If you are already inside two weeks, you can still find a crew, but you will have fewer choices of day and start time. Call movers directly, offer a weekday, and be flexible on the hour.
Arch Moving is a locally owned St. Louis mover based in St. Ann, and scheduling is the first thing every customer asks us about. We work across St. Louis City, the county, St. Charles County, and the Metro East, so we see how the calendar fills in each area. Here is what each booking window gets you, when St. Louis is busiest, and what to do if you are short on time.
Booking Windows by Type of Move
| Type of move | Book this far ahead |
|---|---|
| Local, October to April | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Local, May to September | 6 to 8 weeks |
| End of month, any season | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Long distance | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Office or commercial | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Building with a reserved elevator | Add 2 weeks |
The four to six and six to eight week guidance matches moveBuddha’s St. Louis cost data, which also reports the 20 to 30 percent premium on peak dates.
When St. Louis Movers Are Busiest
Summer
May through September is peak season. Families move between school years, and warm weather makes it the default choice.
Month-End
Leases turn over on the first. The last three days of a month and the first day of the next are the tightest dates on the calendar.
Student Dates
Washington University, Saint Louis University, and UMSL bring thousands of students in and out. Mid-May and mid-August are crowded around the Central West End, Midtown, and University City. Our guide to moving for college covers that side.
Fridays and Saturdays
Everyone wants the weekend to unpack. Tuesday through Thursday are the quiet days.
Put those together and the hardest date to book is the last Saturday of July. The easiest is a Tuesday in February. Our guide on avoiding peak season goes deeper on timing.
What Each Window Gets You
Eight Weeks or More
- Your choice of date and start time
- Time for a proper in-home or video estimate
- Time to compare three movers
- The best chance of a morning slot in summer
Four to Six Weeks
The practical target for most local moves outside summer. You will usually get your date, though perhaps not your first choice of hour.
Two to Three Weeks
Fine in winter. Tight in summer. Expect to be offered a weekday.
One to Two Weeks
Available slots come from cancellations. You take the time offered.
Under a Week
Possible, especially mid-week. Check the mover carefully, since this is when unlicensed operators pick up customers. Our guide to last-minute movers covers how to do it safely.
Tip: When you call, give two or three dates you could accept. A mover who is full on Saturday may have Thursday open at a lower rate, and you will only hear about it if you ask.
Things That Set Your Timeline Besides the Mover
Building Rules
Downtown lofts, Central West End towers, and Clayton condos usually require a freight elevator reservation, which our guide to Clayton moving costs covers in detail. Month-end elevator slots can be gone two or three weeks ahead. Reserve the elevator first, then book the crew to match.
City Permits
St. Louis City requires a blocking permit if the truck will block part of the street or sidewalk. The city asks for standard applications at least one week ahead. Our guide to St. Louis apartment moves explains the permit.
Closings and Lease Dates
If you are buying, do not lock in a move date until the closing date is firm. Ask your mover about their rescheduling policy before you book.
Special Items
Pianos, safes, and pool tables need extra crew or equipment. Mention them at booking so the right team is assigned.
What an Estimate Needs
Booking early gives you time to get a proper estimate. Missouri’s consumer moving guide from MoDOT describes two kinds:
| Estimate | What it means |
|---|---|
| Binding | Valid for 30 days. You pay the actual cost or the estimate, whichever is less, plus unforeseen charges such as extra stairs |
| Non-binding | A written approximation. The final cost can be higher |
An estimate stops being valid if the details change, such as the date, the addresses, or the amount of goods. That is another reason to settle your date before you ask for a binding figure.
Have this ready when you call:
- Both addresses, with floors and stairs
- Number of bedrooms or square footage
- Large or heavy items
- Whether you want packing
- Your preferred date and two alternates
- Any building rules you know about
Does Booking Early Save Money?
Usually, in three ways.
- You can choose a cheaper date. Mid-week and mid-month slots are available.
- You can compare. With three estimates you can see which one is out of line.
- You get a morning start. In a St. Louis summer, a crew that starts at 8 a.m. works faster than one that starts at 1 p.m. in the heat.
A Booking Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks out | Get three estimates. Confirm closing or lease dates |
| 6 weeks out | Book the mover. Reserve the elevator if needed |
| 4 weeks out | Start sorting and packing. Order supplies |
| 2 weeks out | Apply for a city blocking permit if needed |
| 1 week out | Confirm the crew, the time, and the building |
| Day before | Finish packing. Set aside essentials |
Tip: Put a reminder in your calendar to confirm with the mover one week out. A two-minute call catches any mix-up while there is still time to fix it.
If You Are Already Late
- Call instead of filling in web forms
- Offer any weekday and any start time
- Ask to be put on a cancellation list
- Consider movers for furniture only and take boxes yourself
- Ask about labor-only help if you can get a truck. Our comparison of full-service and labor-only movers explains how that works
- Confirm the mover is on MoDOT’s authorized list before you pay a deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book movers in St. Louis?
Four to six weeks for a move between October and April, six to eight weeks for summer or month-end, and eight to twelve weeks for long distance.
Can I book movers a week ahead?
Often, if you can take a weekday. You will have less choice of time.
When is peak moving season in St. Louis?
May through September, with the heaviest demand on weekends and at the end of each month.
Does it cost more to book late?
It can. Late bookings are often limited to peak dates, which cost 20 to 30 percent more.
How long is a moving estimate valid?
In Missouri, a binding estimate is valid for 30 days, provided the details of the move do not change.
Should I book before my closing date is confirmed?
Wait until the date is firm, or ask the mover about rescheduling before you commit.
Booking Your St. Louis Move
Our St Louis Moving Company handles local and long distance moves, packing and unpacking, furniture assembly, piano moving, labor-only jobs, junk removal, and commercial moves across the St. Louis area.
We are locally owned and operated, with no franchise fees. Call (314) 866-7235 with your dates and we will tell you what is open.