How Long Does It Take to Move? An Inside Look at Moving Timelines for Homes and Apartments

Moving is an exciting yet complex process, and one of the most common questions people have is, “How long does it take to move?” The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the amount of furniture and belongings, the distance to your new place, and the time spent preparing for the move. In this guide, we’ll explore how long a typical move takes and provide insights into what you can expect during each step.

1. Factors That Influence Moving Time

Each move is unique, so let’s first look at some key factors that determine the overall timeline:

• Home Size: Moving a studio apartment will generally take far less time than moving a four-bedroom house.
• Volume of Belongings: The more items you have, the longer it will take to pack, load, and transport them.
• Distance of Move: Local moves within the city can often be completed in a day, while long-distance moves may require multiple days.
• Professional Movers vs. DIY: Using professional movers speeds up the process considerably, thanks to their expertise, equipment, and efficient work pace.
• Packing and Preparation: If your belongings are packed and organized in advance, the moving day will go more smoothly and quickly.

With these factors in mind, let’s examine typical moving times for different scenarios.

2. Moving a House: How Long Does It Take?

Moving a house requires considerable time due to its larger space and volume of items. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment: 2-5 hours
• Two-Bedroom Home: 4-7 hours
• Three-Bedroom Home: 6-10 hours
• Four-Bedroom Home or Larger: 8-12+ hours

These time estimates include packing, loading, transport, unloading, and setup, assuming that you’re working with professional movers such as iMOVE NYC who are well-prepared for the task. For larger homes, the process may require a multi-day timeline to handle delicate and large furniture pieces or unique items like pianos and fragile art.

3. Moving an Apartment: What to Expect?

Apartment moves are usually quicker than house moves due to their smaller size. However, certain factors can add time, like limited elevator access or narrow stairwells that make it challenging to move large furniture.

• Studio or Small One-Bedroom Apartment: 2-4 hours
• Larger One-Bedroom or Two-Bedroom Apartment: 4-6 hours
• Three-Bedroom Apartment: 6-8 hours

To speed up an apartment move, consider reserving elevators in advance and checking the building’s moving policies. Professional movers are skilled at handling confined spaces and know how to navigate complex building layouts efficiently.

4. How Long Do Movers Take on Moving Day?

Professional movers strive to complete the job efficiently while ensuring the safety of your belongings. Here’s a look at some of the common moving day tasks and estimated time frames for each:

• Packing and Wrapping: Movers may spend 1-3 hours on packing and wrapping items. For a more efficient process, consider packing smaller items in boxes beforehand.
• Loading: Loading the truck can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on the number and weight of items.
• Transportation: For local moves, transport time depends on traffic conditions and distance, typically 1-2 hours.
• Unloading and Setup: Unloading usually takes another 1-3 hours, depending on the ease of access at your new location.

Overall, a local move with professional movers generally takes 6-10 hours, while long-distance moves can vary significantly based on distance and other logistical factors.

5. How to Speed Up the Moving Process

If time is a concern, here are some tips to streamline your move:

1. Declutter Before Moving Day: Reducing the volume of items by donating or discarding things you no longer need can significantly cut down on time.
2. Pack in Advance: Try to pack as much as possible before moving day, labeling each box with its contents and intended room.
3. Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time: Taking apart large items like beds, tables, and desks beforehand saves valuable time.
4. Hire a Full-Service Moving Company: Full-service movers handle furniture disassembling, packing, loading, unpacking, and furniture assembly, allowing you to focus on settling in while they take care of the details.
5. Prepare for Move-In: Coordinate with the new building or HOA to ensure smooth access and reserved parking for the moving truck.

6. How Long Does it Take to Move Long-Distance?

Long-distance moves generally require more planning and time. Here’s an overview of how long these moves might take:

• Moving Cross-State: 1-3 days
• Moving Cross-Country: 3-10 days, depending on distance, weather, and traffic

For long-distance moves, some professional moving companies, especially large ones, consolidate multiple loads in one truck, which can sometimes add extra days due to the logistics involved. To ensure your items arrive on schedule, ask the moving company for an estimated timeline and stay updated on any potential delays. Or, even better, select a company that transports your belongings without combining them with others, so they arrive on time and are safer during transit.

7. Tips for a Stress-Free Moving Day

Even a well-planned move can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some strategies to ensure a smooth transition:

• Stay Organized: Create a checklist to keep track of your belongings, including essentials you’ll need immediately after moving.
• Pack a Moving Essentials Box: Have a box with items like toiletries, chargers, and important documents handy for your first night in your new home.
• Communicate with Movers: Keep a clear line of communication open with your moving team, and provide any specific instructions for handling fragile or valuable items.
• Take Breaks: Moving can be physically demanding, so be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and pace yourself throughout the day.

8. How iMOVE NYC Can Help Make Moving Day Easier

With years of experience handling local and long-distance moves, iMOVE NYC is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and reliable moving services. Our professional team takes the guesswork out of moving, providing an accurate time estimate based on your unique needs. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a larger home, our expertise ensures a streamlined moving process tailored just for you.

Moving can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and professional help, the experience can be smooth and even enjoyable. At iMOVE NYC, we’re here to answer the question, “How long does it take to move?” by delivering a fast and reliable service that gets you settled in your new home in no time. Contact us today for a personalized estimate, and take the first step towards a stress-free move