When Is the Cheapest Time to Move? Peak vs. Off-Season Pricing

A month-by-month guide to moving costs in Japan. Learn when prices are highest and how to save by choosing the right timing.

Peak Season vs. Off-Season

Moving costs in Japan fluctuate significantly by season. Even for a single-person move, the difference between peak and off-season can be tens of thousands of yen.

Month-by-Month Price Guide

Month	Demand	Price Trend
January	★☆☆☆☆	Cheap (especially after New Year)
February	★★★☆☆	Rising (late Feb starts peak season)
March	★★★★★	Most expensive (late March is the peak)
April	★★★★☆	High (early April still busy)
May	★★☆☆☆	Moderate (calms down after Golden Week)
June	★☆☆☆☆	Cheapest month (rainy season reduces demand)
July	★☆☆☆☆	Cheap
August	★★☆☆☆	Moderate (slightly busy around Obon)
September	★★★☆☆	Higher (company transfer season)
October	★★☆☆☆	Normal
November	★☆☆☆☆	Cheap
December	★★☆☆☆	Moderate (slightly busy at year-end)

Peak Season (Late Feb – Early Apr)

March and April mark the start of the new school and fiscal year, with a surge in moves for school, work, and job transfers. Key characteristics:

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Prices are 1.5–2x higher than off-season.

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Booking your preferred date can be difficult.

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Time slot selection is limited.

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Negotiating discounts is nearly impossible.

Off-Season (May – January)

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Prices are 30–50% lower than peak season.

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Easy to book your preferred date and time.

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Companies are more open to price negotiation.

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Crews are less rushed, often resulting in more careful service.

June, July, November, and January are typically the cheapest months.

Weekday vs. Weekend

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Weekdays are cheaper. Tuesday–Thursday tends to be least busy.

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Weekends and holidays have higher demand and prices.

Beginning vs. End of Month

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End of month is busier due to lease turnovers.

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Beginning to mid-month is emptier and cheaper.

Time of Day

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Morning slots: Most popular, higher price.

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Afternoon slots: Cheaper than morning.

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Free time (no time selection): Cheapest option. The mover decides the start time, which you may only learn on the day itself.

Korokoro Movers

We offer free time scheduling at no extra charge. Our pricing starts at ¥9,800 year-round — we don't dramatically increase prices during peak season. Book with confidence anytime.