Moving During May Day Holiday? These Tips Can Cut Your Costs in Half

Friends planning to move during May Day — let me say this upfront: booking a moving company now might already be late.

May Day is peak moving season every year. Everyone uses the holiday to switch apartments, moving company orders surge, and prices follow. A job that normally costs 300 yuan might run 500 or more during the holiday.

But if May Day is your only option, there are still ways to save.

Tip 1: Off-Peak, Off-Peak, Off-Peak

May 1st and 2nd are the most expensive days. If you can move on May 3rd or 4th, prices drop 20-30%.

Time of day matters too: before 6 AM and after 7 PM, moving company quotes are typically lower than daytime. Plus less traffic means faster, more efficient moves.

Tip 2: Pack Yourself, Only Hire Movers for Big Items

Moving company fees usually split into two parts: transport plus packing. Packing is surprisingly expensive — one box packed can cost 50-80 yuan.

Pack clothes, books, and small items yourself in advance. Only hire movers for the fridge, washing machine, and bed. This alone saves several hundred yuan.

Where to get boxes? Courier stations, supermarkets, neighborhood recycling points — all free.

Tip 3: Compare at Least Three Companies

Get quotes from minimum three moving companies. Check what the quote includes: floor surcharges, distance fees, assembly fees, waiting fees.

Some companies quote low then add charges on-site. Always ask: is this price all-inclusive? Any additional fees?

Tip 4: Shared Truck Moving

If you don’t have much stuff — a few boxes plus a bed — consider shared truck service.

Many moving platforms now offer shared truck mode, combining your cargo with others on one vehicle. 40-50% cheaper than a dedicated truck. Downside: less schedule flexibility, need to work with platform dispatch.

But if you are not in a rush, this is the cheapest option.

Tip 5: Declutter Before Moving

Moving fees are volume-based. More stuff means higher costs.

Spend one day decluttering before the move: unworn clothes go on resale apps, unused small appliances get donated or tossed, expired food and seasonings get cleared out.

Last time I decluttered three large bags of clothes and miscellaneous items before moving. Moving fee dropped by 200 yuan. And the new place felt much cleaner.

Final Reminder

On moving day, notify property management in advance. Confirm whether the truck can enter the complex and use the elevator. Many complexes restrict outside vehicles during holidays — getting stuck at the gate is not fun.

Wishing everyone a smooth move and a happy new home.