Yes, most professional moving companies work on Sundays — and many are fully booked on them. Sunday is one of the most popular moving days of the week because it gives people a full weekend to pack on Saturday and a Monday to recover. The catch: because demand is high, Sunday slots often fill weeks in advance, and some companies charge a weekend premium.
Here is exactly what to expect when you book a Sunday move, how pricing compares, and what questions to ask before you sign anything.
Do moving companies actually operate on Sundays?
Most full-service moving companies — local and long-distance — operate seven days a week, including Sundays. That said, "available" and "available for your date" are different things. Sunday availability can thin out quickly, especially during:
- Peak season (May through August) — the busiest months for residential moves
- Month-end weekends — when leases turn over and demand spikes
- Holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July
If your move falls on any of those dates, booking a Sunday slot four to eight weeks in advance is a reasonable target. For an off-peak Sunday in November or February, two to three weeks is often enough. For guidance on exactly when to lock in your date, see how far in advance you should book movers.
Does moving on a Sunday cost more?
It depends on the company and the move type.
Local (hourly) moves
Local movers charge by the hour, and some apply a weekend or Sunday surcharge — typically $25–$75 per hour above their weekday rate, though this varies widely. Others charge a flat weekend rate or no premium at all. Always ask explicitly: "Is your Sunday rate the same as your weekday rate?" Get the answer in writing before you book.
Long-distance moves
For interstate moves, pricing is tied to the weight of your shipment and the distance — not the day of the week. A Sunday pickup is generally priced the same as a Tuesday pickup. What does vary is driver and crew availability, which can affect how early in the day your move can start.
The honest comparison
| Move type | Weekday pricing | Sunday pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Local / hourly | Standard rate | Often same; some add $25–$75/hr surcharge |
| Long-distance / by weight | Standard rate | Typically same; availability may be tighter |
| Full-service packing + move | Standard rate | Some companies add a weekend service fee |
The single best thing you can do to avoid surprises: ask every company for a written estimate that spells out their weekend rate. For a deeper look at how hourly billing works, see how movers charge by the hour.
Is Sunday cheaper than Saturday?
Slightly, in some markets. Saturday is often the most in-demand moving day of the week, so some companies that do apply a weekend premium charge more on Saturdays than Sundays. But this is not universal — check with each mover rather than assuming.
Weekdays (Monday through Thursday) remain the lowest-demand days and tend to carry the most scheduling flexibility. If you have any flexibility in your date, a mid-week move can sometimes save you money and makes it easier to book a mover on short notice if your plans shift.
What about moving on a federal holiday?
Federal holidays are a different calculation entirely. Some companies close on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day). Others stay open but charge a holiday surcharge. Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, and similar calendar dates often see high demand because people have the day off.
If you are eyeing a holiday Sunday, call companies directly and ask about their holiday policy — do not assume online availability calendars are current.
How to book a Sunday move: step by step
- Start your search 4–8 weeks out during peak season (May–August) or 2–4 weeks out during off-peak months. You can find movers in your area to compare who's available on your date.
- Get at least three written estimates. Federal rules (FMCSA 49 CFR 375) require that interstate estimates be labeled binding or non-binding and be based on a physical survey — in person or by recorded video — unless you waive that in writing. A phone-only quote for an interstate move is an FMCSA red flag.
- Ask directly about the Sunday rate. Confirm whether a weekend premium applies and have it reflected in the written estimate.
- Confirm crew and truck availability in writing. "We work Sundays" is not the same as "we have a crew confirmed for your Sunday."
- Check the mover's USDOT number at the FMCSA website before you commit. Look for "Motor Carrier of Household Goods" (they move you directly) vs. "Broker of Household Goods" (they hand you off to a carrier).
- Review the bill of lading before signing. For interstate moves, you should receive it at least 3 business days before loading. Never sign a blank document.
You can also browse mover reviews to see how companies perform on weekend moves specifically — late starts and understaffed crews show up in weekend complaints more often than any other timing.
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Will Sunday movers start later in the day?
Possibly. Some companies schedule Sunday crews for a later start window — 9 or 10 a.m. instead of the typical 8 a.m. — to allow for staff scheduling. If an early start matters to you (it often does for apartment buildings with strict elevator reservation windows), confirm the earliest available start time in writing. For a full picture of what to expect at the beginning of the day, see what time movers usually start.
Sunday moves and building restrictions
If you are moving into or out of an apartment or condo building, check the building's move-in/move-out policy before you book a Sunday slot. Many buildings:
- Restrict moves to weekday hours (sometimes Monday–Friday only)
- Require elevator reservations 48–72 hours in advance
- Charge a separate building access or elevator deposit
- Prohibit Sunday moves entirely in some co-ops and HOA-governed communities
Discovering this rule after you have booked a Sunday mover is an expensive mistake. Call the building manager first, get the rules in writing, and then book your mover around those constraints. For more on managing building logistics, see how to move into an apartment building.
Red flags specific to Sunday bookings
- A company that only gives you a phone quote for an interstate Sunday move and refuses to do a video survey — that is an FMCSA red flag regardless of the day.
- A large cash deposit required upfront. FMCSA treats this as a red flag for any move, but it appears more often when demand is high (weekends included).
- No confirmation of crew count or truck size. Some companies overbook Saturday and fill Sunday with a reduced crew. Confirm both in writing.
- Vague availability. "We should be able to do Sunday" is not a confirmed booking.
For a broader checklist of warning signs, see how to spot a moving scam before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Are movers more expensive on Sundays than on weekdays?
Sometimes. Local movers that charge by the hour may apply a weekend surcharge — often $25–$75 per hour above their weekday rate, though this varies. Long-distance movers typically price by weight and distance, so the day of the week usually does not change the base rate. Always ask in writing before signing.
Is it harder to book movers on a Sunday?
Yes, during peak season (May–August) and around month-end. Sunday is one of the most popular moving days because it leaves Monday free to recover. Booking 4–8 weeks out during busy periods gives you the best chance of securing a slot.
Do movers work on Sunday holidays?
Some do, some don't. Many companies stay open on federal holidays that fall on a Sunday but may charge a holiday surcharge. Call each company directly and ask about their specific holiday policy rather than relying on an online calendar.
Can I move into my apartment building on a Sunday?
Only if your building allows it. Many apartment buildings, condos, and co-ops restrict move-in and move-out to weekdays or specific hours, and some prohibit Sunday moves entirely. Confirm with your building manager before booking any mover.
What questions should I ask a mover when booking a Sunday slot?
Ask: (1) Is your Sunday rate the same as your weekday rate? (2) Do you have a confirmed crew for my date — not just general availability? (3) What is the earliest start time? (4) Is your quote binding or non-binding, and based on a physical or video survey? Get all answers in writing.
Is it better to move on a Saturday or a Sunday?
Neither is universally better. Saturday is often the most in-demand day, so some companies are more flexible on Sundays. Sunday can also give you Saturday to finish packing. The trade-off is that some buildings restrict Sunday moves. Compare both options with your specific mover and building before deciding.
Ready to see which companies have Sunday availability in your area? Find movers near you or browse by state to compare options. If you want help narrowing it down, reach out to Robert, our moving concierge — available on the site to help you think through the details before you commit.
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