How Long Does It Take to Move? Key Factors and Timeline Explained

How long does it take to move? A question that has rattled around any person's head as they know of an upcoming move for a job, new living situation, or any other reason. The timeline of a move is really complicated for anyone who has moved, but even more so for first-timers. In short, it takes weeks to months to complete a move from start to finish and depends upon whether it's a local or cross-country move. Let's discuss several key factors that go into how long a move takes and some hacks to save time.

Introduction to Moving

There are two main elements to any move: Time and distance. Local or cross-country move? DIY or hire professionals? There are many factors, including the distance of the move, that will impact the moving timeline from start to finish. The different distances will affect the timeframe in various ways, including drive time, transportation arrangement planning time, and preparation time.

Average Times Spent on The Moving Process

Every move is unique, so giving an exact number on your move would be pointless. Given that, we interviewed prior customers to understand pre-move planning and preparation processes, as well as used 3 Men Movers data to get some starting points so you can understand what's typically seen. No surprise, what usually takes days, professional movers can accomplish in a few hours, shortening your moving timeline.

The Move Process and Activities (average time spent)
House Size	Planning	Preparation Packing	DIY move	Professional Movers	Unpack and Organize	Total
Studio to 2BR apt	1-2 weeks	2-5 days	1 day	2-4 Hours (3 movers)	1-3 days	3-4 weeks
2-3 BR house	1-3 weeks	1-3 weeks	1-2 days	4-6 hours (3 movers)	1-2 weeks	3-7 weeks
4 BR +	1-3 weeks	2-3 weeks	2-3 days	5-8 hours (4 movers)	2-3 weeks	5-9 weeks

Distance of Your Move

Distance plays another important factor and should be factored into these averages. Local moves are the least complex, and no surprise, cross-country moves have a greater deal of difficulty that typically adds time. Understanding each will help you work backward to find the proper timeline for your move.

Local Moves

Moves that are typically up to 50 miles in distance from one location to another and require less planning and coordination than longer distances. Depending upon traffic, drive time typically adds one to 2 hours to the move-day averages.

Intrastate Moves

Moves that are typically 100 miles or more and don't cross state lines but involve longer drive times and more planning. Calculate your distances between locations and add that to your estimate. States like Texas can take 10 to 11 hours to travel across, so plan ahead and have an idea of whether to do a DIY or hire movers.

Long-Distance or Interstate Moves

Moves that are over 100 miles and cross state lines involve extended drive times and, if performed by professional movers, require the moving company to company with Federal DOT regulations. These moves should be expected to take several days to two weeks to transport.

The Move Process

Besides distance, the moving process and the length of the timeline involve several planning factors such as selling and buying (or renting) a new home, DIY move versus hiring movers, size of home, and time of year. Understanding each factor determines how long it takes to move, and planning each is crucial for a smooth transition to your new home.

Planning Your Relocation

This key step to any move starts weeks and potentially months before the actual move occurs. Life events typically dictate the length of the timeline. Some, such as marriage and having children, provide more time to plan, while others, like job transfers, shorten the timeline. The steps are usually the same, but timing dictates effort. Planning and understanding your move date will help you work backward.

DIY Move Scheduling

Loading and transporting your belongings will require you to arrange for a moving truck and find assistance with the heavy lifting. Depending on your move date, it is essential to schedule your truck as soon as possible. During the summer months, there is a spike in demand for rental trucks (as well as prices), so getting out in front can not only ensure you have the needed truck but also save a few bucks.

Hiring movers and considerations

What's true for rental trucks is also true if you plan on hiring a moving company to do the job. Peak season months are high-demand times for professional packers and movers, so consider looking at lining up your moving truck during the week (Monday through Wednesday) as there is typically more availability mid-week and hourly rates can be cheaper.

Check out our tips on the costs of DIY versus professional movers and how to select the best move for you.

Decluttering and Packing Your House

Once you have your method of handling the heavy lifting and transportation, you'll spend a few days to weeks decluttering and packing your house. Each of these activities will have a domino effect on the time and cost of loading and moving your belongings.

Decluttering

Unused or rarely used items cost time and money. So plan on the following:

• Spending 3-7 days determining what will be moved and what gets sold, donated, or tossed. A little time spent here can save big on boxes, space on the truck, and time packing.

• Locating charitable organizations to donate unwanted stuff. Some will even come pick up unwanted furniture and other items.

The less stuff to pack, the better, so invest time in the purge. For tips on decluttering, check out this article.

Packing

One of the most time-consuming activities associated with moving is the dreaded task of packing up everything you own and playing Tetris in the back of a truck. Expect to spend one to three weeks doing the following:

• Estimating the supplies needs, gathering supplies, and staging them by room (one to three days).

• Packing non-essential items and staging them by room or in the garage (about a week).

• Finally, packing essential and last-minute items before move day (two to three days)

We have detailed tips on how to pack for a move, as well as related articles on our blog.

Other Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Move

Factors such as the amount of belongings you're moving, your level of organization, and whether you choose to pack and move yourself all impact the time required to complete a move from start to finish.

Size of House

The bigger the house, the longer the time. Size impacts everything from the amount of belongings in each room to the length of the walk and the number of stairs and space to navigate. A one-bedroom apartment is very different than a Four-bedroom house. You need to consider the garage, yard, and square footage of the house when budgeting for time.

Amount of and Types of Belongings

The amount of furniture and belongings, such as fine china and fragile items, also impacts the moving timeline. A lot of expensive artwork takes more time to either pack yourself or schedule help to crate and pack. How much stuff will determine how much time is needed to pack, load, and unload the moving truck?

Organization of Move Activities

Maintaining a punch list methodically creates efficiency and saves you time. If you procrastinate, it impacts timelines. If you're not completely packed on move day, the day will go slower, and if you're hiring professional movers, it will cost you more than if you were as ready as possible. Invest a little time to build out the checklist you need to ensure you're in a good spot.

Unforeseen circumstances

Peak moving season and unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, can also affect the moving time. Extreme weather can cause delays of hours or days, create the need for added measures in packing and protecting belongings, and take added time to execute loading and unloading.

The peak moving season impacts your ability to reserve rental trucks or schedule your professional packers or movers. During the summer, everyone is fighting for limited resources, so plan and book early to ensure your spot.

Hacks to Streamline Your Timeline

Now you have an idea of how long it takes to move, let's talk about some hacks to optimize or reduce the time spent on these move-related activities.

Planning Hacks

1. Use careful planning and develop a step-by-step moving checklist. Better yet, check our article and download the moving-out checklist.

2. Determine upfront packing supply needs like packing tape, boxes, and protective supplies. Home Depot offers a calculator to help with quantities and pricing supplies.

3. Schedule your utility shutoffs and equipment returns (cable/internet box) at both your current location and your new location.

4. Plan packing by use. Pack up everything you know you won't need early.

5. Schedule your rental truck or movers well in advance. Then confirm the move day at least one to two days in advance.

6. Tips for a successful move include starting to pack early, using heavy-duty boxes, and hiring professional movers.

7. It's essential to stay organized and have a clear, moving timeline to ensure a smooth transition.

8. Understanding the key factors that affect the moving time, such as the size of your home and distance, can help you plan ahead.

9. Hiring a reputable moving company can provide peace of mind, save time, and ensure your belongings arrive safely.

Packing Hacks

Packing and preparation are crucial for a smooth transition to your new home. It's essential to start packing early and use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your belongings. Some hacks to consider while packing:

1. Develop a clear packing timeline and plan to help you prepare for unexpected challenges.

2. Use Google, Home Depot, or ChatGPT to obtain more accurate estimates of your supply needs and reduce the number of trips to the store.

3. Use the correct size box for the type of item. Larger boxes for bulky items, smaller boxes for heavier items, and specialty boxes for wardrobes and TVs.

4. Start packing early and pack one room at a time, moving from least used items and rooms to most used.

5. Maximize space in boxes by utilizing the unused bottom of the box space in wardrobe boxes for shoes and accessories.

6. Label cords, wrap remotes, and place the accessory items in the TV box, keeping them away from the screen.

7. Label boxes not only with their contents but also with the room to which the box belongs. Doing so is part of a smart packing process and will aid in the loading, unloading, and unpacking at your new home.

The Ultimate Moving Hack-Hiring Professional Movers and Packers

The ultimate hack to streamlining your timeline is to hire out the move. Hiring experienced professionals can make a significant difference in minimizing stress, especially for long-distance moves.

Reputable moving companies offer transparent pricing and can help you plan the pack, move, and unpack. Do your homework, get multiple quotes, and weigh the moving costs versus your timeline needs.

Moving Company Services

• Moving company services include packing, loading, and transporting your belongings to your new home.

• Professional packing services can turn a days-long activity into just a few hours while ensuring your belongings arrive safely.

• A moving company can also provide storage solutions for your empty moving boxes and other items.

• Professional long-distance movers can typically provide more accurate estimate services and will walk through your home to produce a quote, giving you better peace of mind regarding budgeting.

Benefits of Hiring Movers

Professional movers do the moving process daily, so their speed and expertise are typically far greater than an average homeowner who moves 5-8 times in their life. They know precisely how to protect, stage, and load a truck to transport your belongings in a lot less time safely. The tradeoff is the cost, but it can save time (and perhaps hidden costs due to damage).

Professional packers can help reduce time by supplying packing materials, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Once again, a skilled packer can do in a few hours what would take a homeowner days to complete. If you're doing a local move, the same crew can also unpack and organize for you (typically even faster than packing), shortening your time spent.

Partial Moving Services can be a great option to help you with a DIY move or longer distance move. Many moving companies can do just the pack or a pack and provide the labor to load your rental truck. Check each moving company's services page on their website to find out more.

Moving Day Preparation Hacks

Moving day itself is a whirlwind and by nature stressful, so maximizing efficiency and avoiding time-sucking delays is crucial for a smooth move; so you'll want to consider the following:

1. Keep kids and pets out of the war zone. Have them stay with friends or family, if possible, for safety and to keep your focus on the move.

2. Pack up any last-minute belongings before your movers arrive. The more prepared you are, the faster they'll be.

3. Keep packing supplies at the ready and near for last-minute needs.

4. Keep an essential box of items you'll need during and immediately after the move. Guard it, label it well, and you'll be sure to have your meds and other needs readily available.

5. Contact your mover before moving day and confirm that you're on the schedule and everyone knows the start time.

6. Keep important documents, reservations, and payment methods with you or in the essential box

7. Breathe deep and take breaks when needed.

Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

How long it takes to move has several factors involved and can change based on whether your move is local or a cross-country move and whether it's a DIY move or you hire moving services. Plan on several weeks from start to finish the entire process and plan carefully to prevent unexpected delays.