Written by Move and Care Team
Updated: November 29, 2024
Moving can feel overwhelming. Many wonder, “How long does it take to move out of a house?” or “How long does it take to move out of an apartment?” The answer depends on planning, preparation, and factors like home size and distance.
In this guide, we'll give you a moving timeline to help you understand how long your move will take. We'll break down what affects your move and give you tips to help you move and save time. Whether you're moving from a house or an apartment, we'll break it down step-by-step.
Key Takeaways
- Moving Timelines:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: 3-5 days to pack, 2-3 hours to move, 1-2 days to unpack.
- 2-bedroom apartment: 4-6 days to pack, 3-5 hours to move, 2-3 days to unpack.
- 3-bedroom house: 5-7 days to pack, 5-7 hours to move, 3-4 days to unpack.
- Key Factors Influencing Time:
- Real Estate Process: Finding a new home and selling your current one can take weeks or months.
- Preparation: Decluttering and packing early can save significant time.
- Distance and Complexity: Long-distance moves or specialized items like pianos add time to the process.
Moving Timeline Overview
Finding a New Home
Finding a new home can be a very short process or a long one. A lot depends on what you need: a simple small apartment rental, closer to work? Then in most cases, one week will be enough for you. But if you are looking for a home and are about to start a new chapter in your life, then the process of finding the perfect place can take several months.
To speed up the process, use online tools like Zillow or Realtor.com to narrow down options. Set clear priorities, such as proximity to work or school, to focus your search.
Selling Your Old Home
Selling a home usually takes about 1-2 months, depending on market conditions. The home should be prepared for sale. A few minor cosmetic repairs and throwing things out will get the house ready to sell (and, by the way, make it easier for you to move, since you'll have less stuff to move!). Work with a realtor to list the home for sale and discuss offers. Be prepared that the process may take longer.
Packing Timeline
Packing your belongings is usually the most costly part of the move. A lot depends on the amount of stuff:
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 3-5 days.
- 3-bedroom house: 5-7 days.
- 5-bedroom house: 7-10 days.
We include in the calculations that you will have to spend time buying packing materials and you will not be working all day, but packing for two to three hours a day. We also take into account the time to dismantle the furniture.
Also, a lot depends on how one approaches packing. If you simply place things in boxes, using at most towels and clothes for protection, packing a one-bedroom apartment shouldn't take more than two hours. A full-fledged approach to packing, using bubble wrap, packing tape, fillers, corners, etc. will take longer, but will keep your items safe.
📦 Guides: If you're considering packing, we recommend exploring our packing guide and moving resources. We have prepared articles on packing individual items such as dressers, TVs, etc.
Moving Day Estimates by Home Size
Moving day varies depending on the size of your home:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: 2-3 hours.
- 3-bedroom house: 5-7 hours.
- 5-bedroom house: 7-9 hours.
Even a studio move can take 2-3 hours because loading, securely placing things in the truck, and unloading require care and precision. Lifting furniture to the floor and putting it back together takes a lot of time. Hiring professional movers can save time, especially for larger homes or long distances.
Unpacking Timeline
Unpacking can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks and even... It's never over. Many people can keep unopened boxes from the last move for years! But, in most cases, a few days is enough time to unpack everything you need for regular life.
Begin with essentials like kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding. Set aside time each day to tackle one room at a time. A methodical approach helps you settle into your new space faster.
How Long Does It Take To Move Out
| Home Size | Packing Time | Moving Day Time | Unpacking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom | 3-5 days | 2-3 hours | 1-2 days |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 4-6 days | 3-5 hours | 2-3 days |
| 3-bedroom house | 5-7 days | 5-7 hours | 3-4 days |
| 4-bedroom house | 6-8 days | 6-8 hours | 4-5 days |
| 5-bedroom house or more | 7-10 days | 7-9 hours | 5-6 days |
Time estimates in this article are based on data sourced from Movers.com, Realtor.com, and industry and company records.
This table provides a clear overview of the estimated time needed for packing (including the purchasing of packing supplies), moving day activities, and unpacking based on the size of the home. Adjustments may vary depending on factors like organization, preparation, and distance.
Factors That Impact Your Moving Time
Moving takes time, and several factors can stretch your schedule. Real estate delays, like issues with inspections or closing dates, are common. Administrative tasks—transferring utilities or updating your address—add time too. Plan these 2–3 weeks ahead.
Logistics can speed up or slow down your move. The closer your truck is to your home, the quicker things go. Long hallways, stairs, or small elevators slow the process. If possible, reserve an elevator or parking near the entrance.
Preparation matters. Unpacked items or mixed-up boxes add hours to the move. Start decluttering and packing early to avoid this. Multiple stops, like storage units or extra pickups, also extend your timeline.
External factors play a role too. Weather and traffic can cause delays. Check forecasts and leave room in your schedule for surprises. Disassembling and reassembling furniture takes time as well, especially with larger items. Plan for this if you have a lot to move.
Real-World Examples and Testimonials
From consumer research conducted by Move and Care. Names have been changed.
Alex’s “The Move from Hell”
“We lived in the same house for 15 years, so when the landlord sold it, we had three months to pack and move. My parents decided to do everything themselves. My dad insisted he could handle all the furniture, but watching him try to wedge a couch through a doorframe made me want to scream. It took five hours just to load the truck. Then, we got to the new place, and the elevator was broken. By the time we were done, I swore I’d never move again. Not without careful preparation, that's for sure.”
Emily’s Studio Nightmare
“I had no idea how much stuff could fit in a studio until I had to move out. On the first day of packing, I found six tote bags of clothes I forgot I even owned. My mom came over to help, but all she could say was, ‘Emily, how did you fit all this in here?’ We ended up throwing a lot away, but the funniest part? I still packed like 20 garbage bags of random stuff instead of using boxes. Moving day came, and I was lugging garbage bags to the truck like a lunatic. The movers were nice, but I could tell they were thinking, ‘What is wrong with this girl?’ Never again.”
Jason’s Last-Minute Chaos
“When my landlord gave me a 30-day notice, I thought, ‘No problem, I’ve got time.’ Fast forward to the last week—I was sitting in a pile of junk, realizing I hadn’t packed a thing. My girlfriend came over and said, ‘Dude, what have you even been doing?’ We spent three straight nights tossing random stuff into boxes. By the time I tried loading everything into the truck, half the stuff didn’t fit because it was all packed so badly. Lesson learned: procrastination plus no plan equals the worst move ever.”
These stories show how poor preparation can make moving stressful. Planning ahead and packing systematically can save time and frustration. That said, moving doesn’t have to be a solo struggle. Professional movers can make the process significantly easier.
Move and Care Inside: Most moves are for one or two bedroom apartments, and we handle the entire process, including full packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, loading, transportation and unloading, in just one day. With experienced professionals taking care of all the hard work, you'll save time, avoid unnecessary stress and settle into your new home faster.
Challenge: Longer timelines due to customs clearance, shipping logistics, and paperwork.
Solution: Start planning at least 3-6 months ahead. Research customs regulations for your destination country, and hire movers experienced in international relocations. Use professional packing services to ensure items meet international shipping standards.
Challenge: Real estate closing delays or last-minute logistical issues can disrupt your schedule.
Solution: Build extra time into your moving plan. Have a backup plan, such as temporary housing or storage units, in case your move-in date changes. Always confirm arrangements with movers and real estate agents a week before the move.
Challenge: Sometimes, your new home isn’t ready, but you need to vacate your current one.
Solution: Arrange for short-term storage in advance. Many moving companies offer storage services that allow easy transfer of items when your new home is ready. Label boxes clearly to make retrieval simple.
Challenge: Moving delicate or oversized items like pianos, artwork, or antiques can be complicated.
Solution: Hire specialists or consult with your moving company to ensure proper packing and transportation. Use custom crates or protective materials to prevent damage during transit.
Challenge: Bad weather can delay moving schedules and increase risks during transport.
Solution: Monitor forecasts closely. Prepare waterproof covers for furniture and boxes. If roads become unsafe, work with movers to reschedule safely.
Challenge: Limited or no parking for moving trucks in urban areas.
Solution: Secure parking permits from your local city government ahead of time. If unavailable, coordinate with neighbors or use smaller vehicles to shuttle items.
Expert Tips for an Efficient Move
Packing well is key to saving time. Use sturdy boxes, strong tape, and bubble wrap to keep your things safe. Pack a box of essentials—like toiletries, snacks, and chargers—so you have what you need on moving day. Label every box, and use colors to make unpacking faster.
Plan ahead for delays. Check the weather. Have a backup plan for bad conditions. Add extra time for traffic or unexpected changes. If your new place isn’t ready, think about temporary storage.
Big or fragile items can be tricky. Professional movers have the tools to handle them safely. To stay organized, try moving apps (MoveAdvisor — this app offers a moving timeline, home inventory tool, and helps you find reputable movers nearby.) or checklists (for example, check our moving checklist). Also track tasks and your items. Photos of valuables can help keep track of them.
