The excitement of a new home in Perth is often quickly followed by the daunting task of planning the move itself. One of the biggest questions on every budget-conscious mover’s mind is: “When is the cheapest time to move?” And if you’ve heard that moving mid-week can save you money, you’ve heard correctly!
Hiring professional removalists in Perth, just like most major Australian cities, moving mid-week is almost always cheaper than moving on a weekend. Let’s unpack why this is the case and how you can leverage this knowledge to save hundreds on your next relocation.
Why Mid-Week Moves Reign Supreme for Your Wallet
The simple economics of supply and demand dictate moving costs, and mid-week offers a sweet spot:
- Lower Demand:
- Work Schedules: The vast majority of people work Monday to Friday. Moving during these days often requires taking annual leave, which isn’t always feasible or desired. This means fewer people are competing for removalist slots.
- School Schedules: Families with children generally avoid moving during the school week to prevent disruption to their kids’ education.
- Lease End/Start Dates: While some leases end mid-week, the demand is significantly lower compared to the flurry of activity at month-end, which often falls on a weekend.
- Greater Supply & Availability:
- Removalist Resources: With fewer customers, removalist companies have more trucks and crews available. This increased supply means they are more eager to secure bookings.
- Better Scheduling: Less congestion allows removalists to plan their routes more efficiently, potentially saving on fuel and travel time, which can translate into better rates for you.
- Less Overtime: Staff penalty rates are typically lower during standard weekday hours compared to weekends, reducing the company’s operational costs.
- Competitive Pricing:
- Due to lower demand and operational costs, Perth removalists are more likely to offer discounted hourly rates, smaller minimum charges, or simply more flexible pricing for mid-week moves. You’ll often find deals advertised specifically for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
The Typical Price Difference
While exact figures vary by company and the specifics of your move (size of home, distance, items), you can realistically expect to save anywhere from 10% to 30% on a mid-week move compared to the same move on a Saturday or Sunday in Perth.
- Example: If a weekend move for a 3-bedroom house costs $1,800, a mid-week move could bring that down to $1,260 – $1,620.
- Hourly Rates: A two-person team might charge $140-$180 per hour on a weekday, but $170-$220+ on a weekend.
Best Days to Book a Mid-Week Move
For the absolute best value, aim for:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday: These are generally the quietest days for removalists.
- Mid-Month: Avoid the last few and first few days of any month, as these are universally popular due to lease cycles.
Strategies to Maximise Mid-Week Savings
- Plan Ahead: As soon as you know your moving date, start contacting removalists. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing your preferred mid-week slot at a good price.
- Be Flexible: If you can be flexible with your exact moving day within the mid-week period, you might find even better deals.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t just accept the first price. Obtain at least 3-4 detailed quotes from different Perth removalist companies, explicitly stating your desired mid-week date. This allows you to compare and negotiate.
- Consider Your Work Leave: Factor in the cost of taking a day or two of annual leave versus the savings on your removalist bill. For larger moves, the savings can easily outweigh a day’s lost wages.
- Utilise the Quiet Time: With less pressure on the removalists, the move might feel less rushed, and they may even be more accommodating for minor adjustments.
Quick Takeaways on Mid-Week Moving Costs in Perth
- Yes, Mid-Week is Cheaper: Expect 10-30% savings on moving costs by choosing a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday) in Perth.
- Why: Lower demand from other movers, greater availability of removalists, and reduced operational costs for companies.
- Best Time: Aim for mid-week and mid-month for the most budget-friendly rates.
- Strategy: Plan and book well in advance, get multiple quotes, and weigh the cost of leave against the savings.
If saving money is a priority for your next Perth move, shifting your moving date from the weekend to mid-week is one of the most effective strategies. A little planning can go a long way in keeping more dollars in your pocket for settling into your new home!
FAQs
Q: Is it difficult to get time off work for a mid-week move?
It depends on your employer and role. Many employers are understanding about requiring a day or two of leave for moving. Consider using annual leave or discussing flexible working arrangements. The savings on moving costs often justify taking a day off.
Q: Do removalists ever offer weekend discounts in Perth?
It’s extremely rare for removalists to offer discounts for weekend moves, as this is their premium period. Discounts are almost exclusively offered for off-peak times (mid-week, mid-month, off-season).
Q: What about moving on a Monday or Friday? Are they considered mid-week for pricing?
Mondays and Fridays are typically more expensive than Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, though generally still cheaper than a Saturday or Sunday. Many people try to extend their weekend by moving on a Friday or Monday, increasing demand on those days. For the absolute best rates, stick to mid-week.
Q: Does the time of year also affect mid-week vs. weekend pricing?
Yes, absolutely. Mid-week moves during the off-peak season (e.g., winter in Perth, June-August) will be the cheapest overall. Conversely, a weekend move during peak summer (December-February) will be the most expensive. The mid-week discount percentage might be consistent, but the base rate it’s applied to changes seasonally.
Q: If I choose a mid-week move, is there anything else I should be aware of?
Access might be easier for the moving truck as there could be less street parking competition than on a busy weekend. However, remember that traffic during peak commuter times can be heavier on weekdays, so factor this into your timing, especially if moving across large distances within the metro area.
