How Long Does It Take To Move Houses?

The question, “How long does it take to move houses?” is one that confuses many who are currently moving homes. It’s a question that removalists and moving companies hear regularly, but one that remains challenging to answer definitively. Why? Because each move is as unique as the individual relocating.

While moving itself may only take a day, the entire process of planning, preparation and relocating can take up to 6 to 10 weeks in total.

There are no standard durations or fixed timelines that can be applied to every moving scenario.

If you have read our Moving House Checklist, you know that the moving process can generally be split into four stages:

• Planning
• Packing
• Relocation
• Settling into your new surroundings

Factors That Affect the Time Needed for a Move

Whether you’re planning a short, local move just a few blocks over or embarking on a more complicated, interstate transition, the factors influencing the duration of the move can differ widely. Also, it’s not just about the actual day of the move; the planning and preparation leading up to it are equally important in determining how much time the entire process will consume!

Many factors can impact a move to a new house, from the number of items you’re transporting to the logistics involved in the move, whether you are using removalists and even the unpredictable elements like weather or traffic conditions—multiple variables come into play.

1. Size Of The Move

The size of your move is undoubtedly one of the most significant factors affecting the time required. It’s a straightforward equation: the more items you need to move, the longer it will take.

Consider whether you are moving into a studio apartment, a four-bedroom house, or an entire office space. Larger moves demand more time for packing, loading, and unloading.

2. Distance Of The Move

The distance between your current address and your desired destination plays a pivotal role in the overall duration of the move.

Local moves in Sydney for example are typically quicker than long-distance moves such as interstate removals. Long-haul moves such as these typically require more planning and coordination, which can extend the time needed.

3. Accessibility

Another consideration is the accessibility of both your current and new property.

If, for example, you live in a high-rise apartment without an elevator, or your new home is located in a narrow building, then it will take more time to manoeuvre and transport your belongings through these obstacles. These types of challenges can result in delays in your move.

4.  Weather Conditions

This is where your planning plays a significant role.

While we can’t control the weather, it can certainly impact the time needed for a move. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or floods can slow down the moving process.

It is therefore essential to plan for potential weather-related delays, especially if you’re moving during a season known for turbulent weather.

5. The Use Of Professional Help

Hiring professional movers can speed up the moving process. Experienced movers have the expertise and resources to efficiently handle your move. They will have more experience in specialised moves such as hauling larger items including pianos, hot tubs, fridges and other large belongings.

They can pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings with precision, saving you time and effort. Hiring professional movers can also prevent injuries from happening.

You can hire movers today with ZOOM to help you with all the odd jobs around the house.

6. Specialty Items

If you have special items such as fragile antiques, valuable artwork, or bulky furniture, they may require time, care and attention during the move.

Handling these items will have to be done extra delicately to prevent damage – this can add time to the overall moving process.

Luckily for you, our fragile removalists can assist with items such as this as a speciality service. You may also want to consider removal insurance for additional peace of mind.

Average Time It Takes To Move Apartment / House

* Please be aware that these are only average estimations

One-Bedroom House

• One-bedroom houses are generally easier and quicker to move. With fewer rooms and belongings, professional removalists can often complete the move within half a day. However, if you have a lot of belongings or if the home is not easily accessible, the time may be extended.
• Estimated Time: 2-4 Hours

Two-Bedroom House

• A two-bedroom house will naturally take longer to move. More rooms mean more furniture and belongings to transfer. However, with efficient packing and organisation, most professional moving companies can complete the move within a workday.
• Estimated Time: 4-6 Hours

Three-Bedroom House

• The complexity and time required for the move increase as the size of the house increases. A three-bedroom house will generally take the better part of a day to move. If you have a garage, garden furniture, or special items like pianos, expect it to take even longer.
• Estimated Time: 6-8 Hours

Apartments / Units

• The time it takes to move an apartment can vary greatly based on its size, the floor it’s on, and the availability of elevators. A studio or one-bedroom apartment might take as little as 2 hours, while a larger two or three-bedroom apartment might take closer to 5 hours.
• Estimated Time: 2-5 Hours

How Long Does It Take To Pack A House?

* Please be aware that these are only average estimations

One-Bedroom House

• Estimated Packing Time: 2 – 3 hours

Two-Bedroom House

• Estimated Packing Time: 3 – 4 hours

Three-Bedroom House

• Estimated Packing Time: 4 – 5 hours

1 Bed Apartments / Units

• Estimated Packing Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

Tips to Speed Up Your Move

Relocating to a new place is exciting, but it can also be a daunting task. The process entails far more than just transferring your belongings from one point to another. So, whether you’re shifting due to a new job, finally stepping into your dream home, or simply changing scenery, detailed planning can make your move a breeze.

In the world of moving houses, timing is crucial. Understanding the timeline of your move and breaking it down into manageable phases can ease a lot of stress.

Remember Each Move is Unique! : Bear in mind that no two moves are the same. A short-haul relocation from a studio apartment will be much quicker than an interstate move from a large family home. Additionally, opting for full-service movers who handle everything, from packing to unpacking, can shorten the duration of your move. Keep the peculiarities of your move in mind while setting out your timeline, guided by the four phases outlined below.

Use planning tools to get the timing right: To help you remember things, you may want to use our packing calculator, our change of address checklist or even our moving checklist as reference above. All these tools can help you get organised and prevent any hiccups from happening during your relocation.

You’re Moving House Timeline By Phase

Phase 1: The Planning Stage

Allocating several weeks for planning can be a game-changer. During this period, ponder over the following:

• Budgeting for the move

• Informing all relevant parties about your change of address

• Deciding between hiring professional movers or going the DIY route

• Securing insurance for your new abode

• Scheduling cleaning services for your former home

• The list goes on, but these are some of the pivotal points

Phase 2: The Packing Process

 If you opt to handle the packing yourself, give yourself at least a couple of weeks for this step. Use this phase not just to pack but also to declutter. The fewer items you move, the quicker the subsequent phases will be.

It’s advisable to pack systematically—focusing on one room at a time—to avoid chaos. Don’t forget to clearly label each box with its contents and intended location in the new home to make unpacking easier.

Phase 3: The Actual Move

 This phase is relatively quick if you’re relocating nearby and have either a spacious truck or ample help from friends and family. For interstate moves, however, your belongings could take several days to arrive.

Phase 4: Settling In

 The last phase can be as swift or as prolonged as you want it to be.

If you were organised during the planning phase, all that should be left is unpacking and getting acquainted with your surroundings.

Some folks prefer to unpack immediately to feel settled, while others may take weeks to get everything just right. The choice is yours.

Final Thoughts On The Length Of Time It Takes To Move House

It cannot be overstated how crucial detailed planning and organisation are to ensuring a smooth, stress-free move. The first two phases—planning and packing—lay the foundation for the actual move and the settling-in process. Being thorough in these steps not only makes the latter phases more efficient but also significantly less daunting.

Taking the time to strategise your move allows you to allocate resources wisely, whether that’s deciding on a budget or selecting a moving date. Moreover, having a clearly laid-out plan helps you maintain peace of mind, making it easier to handle unforeseen challenges or delays. Instead of panicking over last-minute hitches, you’ll have a roadmap to fall back on.

Additionally, efficient packing serves multiple purposes: it makes the physical move easier, helps you declutter your life, and ensures that the unpacking process becomes a simpler task. When you’re not just throwing things into boxes, but thoughtfully labelling and organising them, you’re already halfway through the settling-in process before you even arrive at your new home.

The actual move and settling-in are not merely final steps but culminations of the meticulous planning and preparation you’ve done.

Moving can either be a chaotic and stressful experience or a satisfying milestone, depending on how much effort you’ve put into the preceding stages.

If you’ve laid solid groundwork, these phases become less about grappling with chaos and more about savouring the excitement of a new chapter in your life.

Remember, it can either take can take up to 6 to 10 weeks in total to move fully move. Whether you’re moving for career advancement, making room for a growing family, or embarking on a new adventure, relocating is a substantial change that holds emotional weight. Therefore, when you invest time and energy in planning, you’re not just organising a move—you’re setting the tone for your new life.

Helpful Links To Help You Move

• Change Of Address Checklist
• Packing Calculator
• Moving Checklist
• Free Moving Boxes
• Packing Materials
• Packers And Movers
• Last Minute Removals
• Fragile Removals
• Removals Insurance
• Interstate Removals
• Long Distance Removals
• Moving Hacks