How to Move During a Labor Shortage: Strategies for 2025 Relocations
The year 2025 brings new challenges to the fast-moving industry one of the biggest being the ongoing labor shortage. With fewer trained professionals available and higher demand for relocation services, finding dependable movers at reasonable prices can be more difficult than ever. Whether you’re planning a cross-town move or relocating across the country, understanding how to navigate this shortage can save you time, money, and stress.
Despite these challenges, moving during a labor shortage is absolutely possible as long as you plan strategically. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover five proven strategies that can help you enjoy a smooth, affordable, and stress-free move in 2025. From booking early to leveraging technology, each step is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of your moving experience.
Book Early to Secure the Best Movers
When skilled labor is in short supply, early planning becomes the most powerful tool you have. Moving companies often book up weeks or even months in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer or the end of the month. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with limited options, higher costs, and less reliable service. The key is to book your move six to eight weeks ahead whenever possible.
Early booking has multiple advantages. First, it gives you access to the most reputable movers those with strong track records and experienced teams. Second, it allows you to negotiate better rates. Many companies, including My Fast Movers, offer discounts or early-bird pricing to customers who schedule in advance. Lastly, by booking early, you give yourself more time to prepare your belongings properly, reducing the chance of errors or damages on moving day.
If your dates are flexible, consider asking your moving company to place you on a standby list. This means if another customer cancels or reschedules, you could secure an earlier or more convenient moving slot. Even a few days’ flexibility can make a big difference in both price and availability during a labor shortage.
Be Flexible With Dates and Times
When the demand for movers exceeds supply, your willingness to be flexible can make your relocation far easier. The busiest days in the moving industry are weekends, month-ends, and the summer months — all times when movers’ schedules are packed and prices are higher. If you can, try to move during a weekday or mid-month period when competition for crews is lower.
Flexibility doesn’t just apply to the day of the move; it also applies to timing. Some moving companies may offer lower rates for early morning or late-afternoon time slots because these are less in demand. If you’re moving locally, consider a split-day move — where part of the crew works on packing or loading in the morning, and another team handles delivery in the evening. This allows companies to optimize their staff schedules, which can lead to cost savings for you.
Another smart approach is to remain open to different moving formats. For example, if full-service moves are fully booked, ask about partial services such as loading or unloading only. At My Fast Movers, we help clients customize their moves to match their budgets and timelines — a critical advantage in 2025’s tight labor market.
Declutter and Lighten Your Load
Every item you move takes time, space, and labor — and during a labor shortage, minimizing what you move can significantly reduce stress and costs. Before you start packing, take a critical look at your belongings and decide what truly needs to make the journey to your new home. Items you no longer use, wear, or need can be sold, donated, recycled, or discarded.
Not only does this reduce the workload for your movers, but it also speeds up the process and decreases the number of laborers required. Fewer items mean smaller trucks, fewer packing materials, and lower fuel costs. If you’re moving long-distance, decluttering can even reduce shipping weight — which has a direct impact on total cost.
Consider holding a garage sale or listing valuable items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist. The money you earn can offset moving expenses. For larger furniture that’s outdated or doesn’t fit your new space, donating to local charities or organizations like Habitat for Humanity can be a win-win — you help others while simplifying your move.
At My Fast Movers, we always encourage clients to declutter before move day. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce both cost and complexity. Remember: the lighter your load, the faster and more affordable your move will be.
Use Partial or Hybrid Moving Services
One of the best ways to navigate a labor shortage is by choosing a hybrid or partial moving service. In this model, you handle part of the work yourself — such as packing, unpacking, or driving — while professional movers take care of the heavy lifting and transport. This approach allows moving companies to serve more clients with smaller crews, while still ensuring that critical tasks are done safely and efficiently.
For example, you might pack all your boxes and disassemble your furniture before moving day, allowing the movers to focus solely on loading and unloading. Alternatively, if you’re comfortable driving a rental truck, you can hire movers just for loading and unloading at each location. This flexibility helps you cut costs while also making efficient use of limited professional manpower.
Hybrid moving is particularly useful for customers who want to maintain control of their move but still benefit from professional expertise. Many clients also find that combining DIY packing with expert transportation provides the best balance of affordability and reliability. My Fast Movers offers customized hybrid options to fit various needs — perfect for anyone looking to stay on budget while ensuring quality handling of their belongings.
Additionally, if you’re planning a long-distance move, hybrid options can allow you to handle the local parts of the move yourself while relying on professionals for the cross-country leg. This hybrid strategy saves money, ensures flexibility, and makes it easier to adjust plans if labor availability changes suddenly.
Final Thoughts
Moving during a labor shortage in 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful — it just requires smart planning and flexibility. By booking early, staying open to different dates, decluttering, considering hybrid services, and leveraging digital tools, you can enjoy a successful and affordable move even in a tight labor market.
Remember, the key is to plan ahead and stay informed. Keep communication open with your movers, confirm details early, and stay adaptable to changing schedules. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
At My Fast Movers, we understand that every move is unique — especially in times of labor challenges. Our mission is to make your relocation simple, efficient, and worry-free. From personalized moving plans to flexible scheduling and transparent pricing, our team is ready to support your next move in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to move smart during the 2025 labor shortage? Contact My Fast Movers today to schedule your move and experience stress-free, professional relocation services you can trust.
