Ask anyone who has moved recently, and they will tell you the same story: the day goes by faster than you think. One minute you are taping up the last box with optimism, and the next, it’s dark outside, you’re exhausted, your stomach is growling, and the bed frame is still in pieces on the floor.
Moving day is notorious for unforeseen delays. Traffic jams, elevator hogging, and midday heat can all conspire to turn a simple relocation into an all-day marathon. But there is a secret to avoiding the late-night moving scramble, a strategy used by the most efficient movers and organizers.
It’s simple: Start earlier.
That’s why we recently announced early morning booking windows. Starting your move at 7 AM reduces delays, avoids peak building traffic, and helps you finish earlier with less stress, especially in busy cities and apartment buildings.
Whether you are a natural early riser or someone who just wants to get the hard work over with, booking the first slot of the day is the smartest moving hack you can use. Here are six reasons why the "early bird" strategy wins every time.
1. You Beat Traffic and Parking Bottlenecks
If you live in a bustling metro area like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle, you know that traffic changes everything. A 10-mile drive that takes 20 minutes at 7 AM can easily turn into a soul-crushing hour-long crawl by 9 AM.
By scheduling your Lugg for 7 AM, your movers can transport your items while the roads are largely clear. This means your move happens before peak congestion sets in. While Lugg only bills labor time at pickup and drop-off (not during transit), traffic still affects the overall rhythm of a move, from how predictable arrival times are to how smoothly crews can stage loading and unloading.
Furthermore, parking is infinitely easier in the early morning. Before the rest of the city wakes up and commutes to work, loading zones are usually open, and street parking is available right in front of your building. This means your Luggers can load up faster without having to park down the block and haul furniture hundreds of feet.
2. The Fresh Crew Advantage
Moving is physically demanding work. When you book the first slot of the day, you are getting your moving crew at their absolute best. They are fresh, rested, and running exactly on schedule.
Later in the day, moving timelines can naturally fluctuate. If a customer from a morning slot underestimated their inventory or hit unexpected traffic, it can create a ripple effect that delays appointments later in the afternoon. By securing the 7 AM slot, you are the first priority.
3. Cooler Temps Mean Safer, Faster Moves
Even in the winter months, moving heavy furniture is a workout. In the summer, midday moves can be grueling. By noon, the sun is at its peak, surfaces are hot, and energy levels naturally dip.
Moving in the early morning ensures your crew is working during the coolest, freshest part of the day. This keeps energy levels high and the pace steady. It is safer for your movers, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, and it is significantly better for your belongings.
Did you know? Many household items are sensitive to heat.
- Electronics: Computers, TVs, and monitors can overheat if left in a hot truck during midday traffic.
- Plants: Delicate houseplants wilt quickly in warm, enclosed vehicles.
- Vinyl Records & Candles: Warping and melting risks increase significantly after 11 AM in warmer months.
An early start protects your valuables from the midday elements.
4. You Avoid Peak Elevator Traffic
If you live in a high-rise or large apartment complex, the elevator is the bottleneck of your entire move. Between 8 AM and 10 AM, the lobby is a chaotic mix of neighbors heading to work, kids going to school, dog walkers, and delivery couriers. You might find yourself waiting five minutes just to get an empty car.
At 7 AM, the building is quiet. You can often lock down the freight elevator or use the main elevator without stopping on every floor. This uninterrupted access can shave thirty minutes to an hour off your total move time.
5. You Finish Earlier — Sometimes by Lunch
The best part of an early move? It finishes early.
Imagine this scenario: Your movers arrive at 7 AM. They load up, drive, and unload at your new place. By 10:30 or 11 AM, the heavy lifting is done. The truck pulls away, and you are standing in your new home with the entire day ahead of you.
This gives you the afternoon to:
- Unpack your essentials and kitchen gear.
- Assemble your bed so you aren't struggling with screws at midnight.
- Go out for a nice lunch in your new neighborhood.
- Actually relax in your new space.
Instead of ending your moving day exhausted and sleeping on a bare mattress, you can end the day feeling settled, organized, and ready for a good night's sleep.
6. Less Anxiety, More Control on Moving Day
There is a psychological benefit to starting early. When you wait around until 1 PM for movers to arrive, you spend the whole morning in "waiting mode," anxiously checking the clock. By starting at 7 AM, you take control of the day immediately. You tackle the hardest task first, giving you a sense of accomplishment that sets the tone for the rest of your move.
For folks booking same-day movers or trying to avoid last-minute chaos, starting earlier gives you far more control over how the day unfolds.
How to Prep for a 7 AM Move
To make the most of an early start, a little night-before prep goes a long way:
- Pack the Night Before: Don't leave any packing for the morning. The goal is to wake up and open the door for the movers.
- Clear the Path: Ensure hallways and entryways are clear before you go to bed.
- Have parking ready: If permits or loading access are required, arrange them ahead of time.
- Coffee First: Set your coffee maker timer or know where the nearest open cafe is. You'll need the fuel!
Ready to Start Your Day the Right Way?
Don't wait for the rush. Take advantage of our new hours and lock in the best time of the day.
Book a 7 AM Lugg and start your next move on your terms.
