How Long Does It Really Take to Move with Professional Movers?
Moving house is a big life event, and the one question that tends to come up again and again is: How long will it take? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the timeline can be more predictable when you hire professionals like Aus City Movers to handle the heavy lifting.
In this post, we’ll break down a typical moving timeline and share some tips that’ll make your move as smooth and speedy as possible.
What Affects the Time It Takes to Move?
Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to know that several factors will affect the total time of your move. Here’s a quick look at what can make the process faster or slower:
- Size of Your Home: The more rooms and belongings you have, the longer the packing, loading and unloading will take. A small apartment is generally quicker than moving a large family home with loads of furniture and boxes.
Distance: Moving locally is obviously quicker than long-distance moves. If you’re just moving across town, it’ll take less time than if you’re heading to a different state.
Accessibility: Is there parking right in front of your house? Are you in an apartment with an elevator? Narrow hallways, stairs and lack of nearby parking can all make the move a bit more time-consuming.
- Number of Movers: More hands-on deck usually means a faster move. A large team can pack and move items more quickly than a smaller crew.
- Packing Services: If you’re packing everything yourself, it’ll take a little longer for the movers to load and unload. But if you hire professionals to pack for you, the whole process tends to be faster.
Specialty Items: Pianos, fragile antiques and large or awkwardly-shaped furniture require extra attention and care, adding to the time it takes to move
How Long Will a Local Move Take?
Now, let’s break it down. Here's a general idea of how long a local move will take when you hire professional movers:
- 1-2 Bedroom Homes:3-5 hours
- 3-4 Bedroom Homes:6-8 hours
- 5+ Bedroom Homes:9-12 hours
These estimates include everything: the movers showing up, prepping your items, loading them onto the truck, driving to your new place, and unloading everything. Keep in mind that this is a rough guide, and times can vary depending on the factors listed above.
For instance, if you're moving a 2-bedroom apartment and have already packed everything up, the move could take around 4 hours with a 2-person team.
What About Long-Distance Moves?
If you're moving to a new city or state, there’s obviously going to be more time involved. Here's a general timeline for long-distance moves based on driving time:
- 200-400 km (4-7 hours of driving): 1-2 days
- 400-700 km (8-12 hours of driving): 2-3 days
- 700-1000 km (12-17 hours of driving): 3-4 days
Long-distance moves often take multiple days, with one day for loading and another for delivery, depending on how far you’re going. The actual moving day might be short, but the total process could take anywhere from 2-4 days, factoring in the driving time and logistics.
Additional Time Considerations
Besides the physical moving time, there are a few more factors to think about that might affect your overall timeline:
- Packing:Packing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The sooner you start, the less stressful it will be! Decluttering before packing can also save you time.
- Unpacking:Unpacking can take a few days to a few weeks depending on how quickly you settle in. It’s helpful to have an "Open Me First" box with essentials like toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes so you’re not scrambling.
- Preparation:In addition to packing, there’s some prep work to do before moving day. Change your address, set up utilities, clean your old place and do any minor repairs or maintenance.
Tips for Speeding Up Your Move
Want to make your move go as smoothly and quickly as possible? Here are some pro tips:
- Declutter before you pack.The fewer items you need to move, the faster the whole process will be. Don’t be afraid to donate or sell things you no longer need.
- Label your boxes.Clear labels or colour-coded systems for each room will save you time when unloading and unpacking at your new home.
- Disassemble furniture ahead of time.If possible, take apart large items before the movers arrive. It’ll save them time and make the process more efficient.
- Reserve parking.Make sure there’s a close parking spot for the moving truck, especially if you live in a busy area or an apartment complex.
- Stay organized.Keep track of important documents in one place (moving quotes, inventory lists, etc.). A moving binder will save you time and stress.
Why Choose Aus City Movers?
With Aus City Movers, you can rest assured that your move will be handled with efficiency and care. Our experienced team knows how to get your items from point A to point B quickly, safely and without unnecessary delays.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Professional and timely service. We show up on time and come fully equipped to handle your move.
- A dedicated, experienced team. Our movers are skilled in all aspects of moving, from packing to heavy lifting.
- Protective packing materials. We take care of your belongings with the utmost care, using the best packing materials available.
- Clear, upfront pricing. No hidden fees – just honest, transparent pricing.
Need a stress-free move? Get in touch with Aus City Movers today to request your free moving quote. Let us take the hassle out of moving so you can focus on settling into your new home.