How Long Does it Take to Move?
Here’s the quick answer: How long it takes to move depends on your home size, moving distance, method, and how prepared you are. A local studio move can usually be done in a single day, while a long-distance family move can take weeks.
With the right planning, you can save time, reduce stress, and stay in control.
Our track record
How long does it take to move? Key factors that shape your timeline
No two moves are exactly alike, but there are a few particular factors that play a big role in how long yours will take. Understanding these ahead of time helps you plan smarter and set expectations.
Here’s what will influence your moving timeline most:
- Home size and amount of stuff: Larger homes and households with more furniture, decor, and storage require more time to pack, load, move, and unpack.
- Moving distance: A local move may take a day, while a cross-country or international move can stretch across weeks due to transport, delivery schedules, and paperwork.
- Moving method: Hiring professional movers is usually faster and more efficient than doing it all yourself.
- How organized you are: A well-planned, decluttered, and labeled move runs faster. Last-minute packing or missing supplies can drag out the timeline.
- Accessibility: Stairs, long hallways, elevators, or tight parking spots can significantly slow you down when you’re loading and unloading.
- Timing and weather: Summer demand, holidays, or poor weather conditions (snow, rain, heat) can delay your move or restrict mover availability.
Average move timelines by home size
Here’s a general breakdown of how long your move might take, based on the size of your home and whether it’s local or long-distance. This includes packing, the moving day itself, and unpacking afterward.
| Home size | Packing time | Moving day (local) | Moving day (long-distance) | Unpacking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/One-bedroom | 1–2 days | 2–4 hours | 2–7 days (cross-country: 1–2 weeks) |
1–3 days |
| Two-bedroom/small house | 2–4 days | 3–6 hours | 3–10 days (cross-country: 1–2 weeks) |
2–5 days |
| Three+ bedroom/large home | 4–7 days | 6–10 hours (may span 2 days) |
1–3 weeks (cross-country: up to a month) |
1–2 weeks |
These are averages. Your actual timeline will vary depending on how much you’re moving and how prepared you are.
How each stage of the move affects your timeline
Packing
Packing tends to take longer than most people expect, especially if you’re decluttering or juggling a busy schedule. The more efficiently you pack, the faster the rest of the move will go.
- Studio/1-bedroom: Can usually be packed in 1–2 days if you’re organized and focused.
- 2-bedroom: Typically takes 2–4 days, especially if you have kids or need to sort through closets and storage.
- 3+ bedroom: May require 4–7 days or more, particularly if you’re downsizing or packing a full garage, attic, or basement.
Typical time estimates for packing individual rooms:
- Kitchen: 4–8 hours (fragile items slow you down)
- Bedroom: 3–4 hours
- Living room: 2–4 hours
- Garage/basement: 3–5 hours (sometimes more for large or messy spaces)
Moving day (loading, transport, unloading)
The physical move can be surprisingly quick for smaller homes, but it could be spread out over multiple days or weeks for larger households or long-distance relocations.
- Studio/1-bedroom (local): 2–4 hours
- 2-bedroom (local): 3–6 hours
- 3+ bedroom (local): 6–10 hours, sometimes over two days
- Long-distance moves: 2–21 days in transit depending on distance and delivery windows
Here’s the typical breakdown:
- Loading: 1–4 hours
- Transport: Local moves take under an hour; cross-country moves can take up to 30 days.
- Unloading: 1–4 hours, often quicker than loading, especially with professional help
The move took 24 hours, which is incredibly fast for this type of move during peak season. —Greg G., Bravo Moving
Learn MoreUnpacking and getting settled
Unpacking is usually more relaxed, but it still takes time, especially if you’re starting a new job or managing family responsibilities.
-
- Essentials unpacked: 1–2 days to get the kitchen, beds, and bathrooms set up
- Complete unpacking: 3–14 days depending on how fast you work and how much you moved
- Fully settled: Most people report it takes 1–3 months, but some boxes stay sealed longer.
Other factors that can delay your move
Even with the best planning, some things can throw off your moving timeline. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Volume of belongings: The more you own, the more time everything takes, from packing to truck loading to unpacking at your new home.
- Access limitations: Stairs, elevators, long hallways, or street parking restrictions can add hours. Be sure to plan around these challenges in advance.
- Distance: Longer distances mean longer in-transit times, and national carriers may have longer delivery windows, especially during peak season.
- Furniture breakdown: Disassembling and reassembling beds, dining tables, or shelving units adds extra time.
- Weather: Snow, rain, heat waves, or storms can delay or reroute movers.
- Planning and communication: Last-minute scrambling, missed emails, or vague instructions can create confusion and delays.
Professional movers vs. DIY: What’s faster?
If you’re deciding between hiring movers or doing it all yourself, here’s how each approach impacts your moving speed:
- Professional movers: They work quickly and efficiently. Most companies can complete a small move in 2–6 hours and large ones in a single day. They’re also experienced at navigating tricky logistics like stairwells or tight doorways.
- DIY move: Cheaper but slower, especially when you’re loading/unloading, disassembling furniture, or driving a rented truck through unfamiliar cities.
- Hybrid approach: Pack yourself and hire labor-only movers through companies like HireAHelper. This saves money while ensuring your stuff is loaded efficiently.
|
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
Preparation timeline: What to plan and when
Finding a new home
The home search alone can take weeks or even months, depending on whether you’re renting or buying.
- Renters: Plan for 2–6 weeks to search, apply, sign a lease, and coordinate your move.
- Homebuyers: Expect at least 2–3 months to find, finance, close, and move in.
Booking movers and organizing logistics
- Book movers: Ideally 4–8 weeks in advance, or earlier during peak season or the end of the month.
- Truck/container rental: 3–4 weeks out for better pricing and availability.
- Address change + utilities: Schedule 1–2 weeks ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Move time formula: Estimate your timeline
If you want a quick estimate for how long your move might take, here’s a simple formula:
- Move time = (Rooms × 2.5 hours) + loading time + driving time + unloading time
Example: 4-room, 2-bedroom apartment
4 × 2.5 = 10 hours + 2 (loading) + 1 (drive) + 2 (unloading) = ~15 hours total
Want a custom quote? Try our Moving Cost Calculator.
Tips to speed up your move
Want to make your move more efficient? Here are some tried-and-true strategies to stay on schedule.
- Declutter first: The less you move, the faster it goes, and the less you’ll pay.
- Label by room and priority: Mark boxes clearly so movers (and you) know where everything belongs and what to open first.
- Pack a “first night” kit: Essentials like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes should stay with you.
- Book movers early: Secure the best crews and prices by reserving your move at least 4 weeks out.
- Prep access points: Reserve elevators, clear driveways, and confirm loading zones if needed.
- Get help: Even one or two friends can speed things up significantly.
- Consider hiring pros to pack: Many companies can pack a full home in just a few hours.
- Use a checklist: Stay on track with our moving checklist.
FAQs
How long does it take to move a house or apartment?
How long do movers take on moving day?
How long does it take to unpack after moving?
What delays a move?
Do moving companies have minimum time requirements?
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
