How Long Does It Take to Move?

Delivery worker in a blue shirt and cap lifts a large taped cardboard box near an open van.

Planning a relocation without a concrete idea of how long it will take creates unnecessary stress by making it more challenging to coordinate days off from work, arrange childcare and decide when to start packing. Additionally, misjudging the time frame can lead to a range of avoidable problems, from rushed packing to disrupted schedules. These stressors add to the difficulty of what is already a notoriously demanding life change.

Use this guide to help you plan a realistic timeline, prepare your belongings and avoid last-minute hassles.

How Long Does a Local Move Take?

The size of your home determines the average time for moving day. Professional movers often start with the number of bedrooms and the volume of belongings, then factor in details such as access, distance, packing needs and crew size.

While every move is different, you can use these general estimates to pack and prepare before the pros arrive.

Two-bedroom apartment: A typical two-bedroom apartment takes three to five hours to complete with a crew of two to three movers who will load everything, transport it to your new location and expertly unload the truck for you.
Three-bedroom house: With a crew of three to four movers, a three-bedroom home usually takes five to eight hours. The additional space and furniture volume often require more time to carefully load and secure items in the truck.
Four-bedroom house: Larger homes mean more belongings, heavier furniture and often additional trips between locations. A four-bedroom house may take between seven and 10 hours, with a crew of four to five movers to handle the increased volume.
Five-bedroom house: When you’re moving a home with five bedrooms or more, you can expect 10 to 14 hours with a crew of five or more. In some cases, the sheer scale of the project may push the move into a second day.

What Affects How Long Your Move Takes?

While the number of bedrooms provides a useful baseline, these three variables can significantly affect how long your move takes.

1. Packing Readiness

Your first and most influential decision is whether to handle packing yourself or bring in professionals.

If you choose the DIY route, plan to have boxes sealed, appliances disconnected and fragile items wrapped before your movers arrive so they can focus on loading and transporting your precious possessions. Tight timelines and complex moves often make professional packing services the best way to keep everything on track. Hiring a full-service moving company to coordinate packing and transportation for you will prevent a last-minute scramble on moving day.

2. Crew Size

How long it takes movers to load a truck and complete your move depends heavily on crew size. A two-person team might breeze through a small apartment, but that same duo would likely struggle with the volume in a four-bedroom house. While a larger team may have a higher hourly rate, they can also complete the move more efficiently, offsetting added crew costs.

3. Stairs, Elevators and Site Access

Physical barriers can add time to every trip between the truck and your home.

Stairs: Moving heavy furniture and appliances up or down multiple flights is time-consuming.
Elevators: Waiting for elevator access in apartment buildings can extend the timeline, especially during busy moving seasons.
Parking distance: If your moving truck must park down the block instead of at your door, that extra distance can add up over multiple trips.
Narrow hallways: Movers may need extra time to maneuver furniture safely around corners and through doorways.
Building restrictions: Some buildings have designated moving hours or require advance elevator bookings, which can narrow your scheduling options.

How Long Does a Long-Distance Move Take?

Moving across the country takes considerably longer than a local move because shipments travel hundreds or thousands of miles, and carriers often consolidate routes. Peak season, between May and August, can extend some delivery windows due to high volume. Book early if you plan to relocate during these months.

Here’s what to expect based on distance.

Under 500 miles: Short-haul interstate moves may arrive within a few days, though timing depends on carrier schedules, route availability and move details.
500 to 1,000 miles: Because carriers often group shipments heading in the same direction, midrange moves operate within a two- to seven-day window rather than on exact dates.
1,000 to 2,000 miles: Coordinating routes across multiple states takes time, so cross-regional moves generally span five to 10 days.
2,000 miles and up: Federal regulations limit how long drivers can work each day, contributing to the seven- to 14-day average for coast-to-coast relocations.

How Long Should You Plan for Moving Day?

The time needed for moving preparations varies by home size and your packing approach. Packing a one-bedroom apartment yourself might only take a couple of days, while a three- or four-bedroom house can require a week or more of focused effort. Most families spread this work over several weeks around other commitments.

Professional packing is a faster route. Experienced moving companies can pack a full home in less time than it would take you to do it yourself, which is a boon for families balancing work and children or older adults planning a downsizing move.

Beyond packing, securing your movers early makes a significant difference. Book four to eight weeks in advance for most moves, earlier if you’re relocating during peak season between May and August. Early booking also gives you more time to prepare for your move without rushing through essential tasks. Remember to factor in additional time for cross-state coordination if you’re moving to another state.

Get a Free Quote From BMS Moving & Storage^®

A smooth, stress-free experience starts with choosing a knowledgeable partner who understands your timeline and handles your belongings with all the attention to detail they deserve. BMS Moving & Storage^® brings more than 80 years of experience to every residential move. For generations, we’ve been the professionals families have called for their local and long-distance relocations.

We offer free in-home or virtual surveys to assess your needs and provide up-front pricing based on your specifications, with full-service support designed to make your experience timely, organized and effective from packing to delivery. Let us take care of the technicalities, so you can focus on settling into your new home with peace of mind. Contact us today or call 833-876-0075 for a free quote.