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Have you ever looked at a big pile of cardboard boxes and wondered how you’d move them all to your new flat in another part of town? Yeah, me too. “How Long Does It Take to Move Apartments in the UK?” is a question I recently thought about as I searched for my own flat in busy London.
Between managing work tasks, going on late-night flat tours, and packing up everything, it can feel like a lot. But don’t worry, fellow movers! Here, I’m going to share my personal experience of how much time I needed to move to my new apartment from start to end.
Though, here’s a short glimpse for you: Moving apartments in the UK can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on factors like —
- finding the right place,
- paperwork,
- packing,
- and settling in.
For Your Convenience, Here’s a Timeline for Moving Apartments in the UK
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How I Found a New Apartment
My overall journey to move to a new apartment in the UK was quite an adventure! It took me about 8 to 12 weeks in total. But remember that your case can be different cause the timeframe depends on how much stuff you have and how picky you are about your new place.
Let me show you my journey step by step so that you can also get a clear picture of your question, “How long does it take to move apartments in the UK?”
Research and Viewings (1-8 Weeks)
Finding the perfect flat was like searching for a hidden treasure. I spent ages browsing websites like Rightmove, Zoopla and some other local estate agents’ websites, probably for about two weeks.
There were just so many cool options! Then came the fun part: visiting the flats themselves. This took another week because I wanted to make sure everything was just right.
Finally, I found my dream flat – just like I wanted!
Don’t think I suddenly got lucky and found my dream flat. I’d like you to take some time to consider your options.
This can take a few days to a week but do compare different properties, consider your budget, and negotiate the rent.
Time to Secure the Apartment (1-3 weeks)
Securing the flat felt a bit like applying for a secret agent mission. I had to fill out an application form and ask my parents to vouch for me (reference check).
The landlord also did some checks to make sure I would be a good tenant, which took about a week. Once everything was approved, I got to sign the official lease agreement – basically a promise between me and the landlord to follow the rules.
Don’t worry. I’m giving you a detailed picture at this stage.
Submitting Application
After deciding on an apartment, first, you’ll need to submit a rental application. This includes giving references, proof of income, and identification.
Credit and Background Checks
The landlord or letting agency will do credit and background checks. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
Signing the Lease
Once your application is approved, you’ll l need to review and sign the lease agreement. This can take a few days to a week, depending on how quickly you and the landlord can arrange to sign the papers.
Now, It’s Time to Prepare for the Move (2-4 weeks)
Getting ready for the move was a packing party! Well, kind of. It took about 3 weeks to sort through all my stuff and pack everything up.
The more I packed, the more I realised I had way too much! Next time, I’m definitely decluttering beforehand. I also had to let everyone know I was moving – my friends, family, even the internet company!
This only took a few days. Oh, and don’t forget to tell the mail people so you don’t miss any important letters!
Here are some suggestions for you:
Sorting and Packing
Start sorting through your belongings and packing non-essential items as soon as possible. This can take 2-4 weeks, depending on the size of your current apartment and how much stuff you have.
Notifying Relevant Parties
Tell your utility providers, bank, employer, and other important places about your new address. This can be done in a few days.
Plus, set up mail redirection with Royal Mail, which can start in a few days.
Arranging Movers
If you’re hiring professional movers, book them at least 2-4 weeks in advance to make sure they are available on your moving date.
Please, do hire. Trust me, it’ll be of much help to you.
The Moving Day (1-2 days)
The moving day itself was super busy. I hired movers to help because, well, I had a lot of stuff (2 bedrooms full of stuff). They loaded everything into a Luton Van – and drove it to my new place.
The whole thing took about a day, but it could take longer if you have a lot more stuff than me. Before I left my old flat, I also hired rubbish cleaners to make sure it looked spick and span – you know, to get my deposit back.
You’ve now learned about the rubbish clearance service. Definitely, you’ll want to know about “How much does rubbish clearance cost in the UK?” Read this blog now. Let me give you a clear picture of this stage.
Loading and Transport
On a moving day, movers will pack your belongings onto a truck, drive them to your new apartment, and then unload everything. This usually takes a full day, but it might take two days if you have a lot of stuff or if your new place is far away.
End of Tenancy Cleaning
If needed, hire a professional cleaning service to clean your old apartment so you can get your deposit back. This can be done either on the same day you move out or the next day.
Settling In (1-2 weeks)
Finally came the fun part of settling into my new flat! Unpacking all my boxes took a few days, and then came the decorating – fairy lights, comfy cushions, the works!
This is still a bit of a work in progress, but I’m getting there. Oh, and don’t forget to set up your internet and utilities in your new place – that took a few extra days, too. So, get an estimate of this settling stage.
Unpacking and Organising
After moving into your new apartment, unpacking and arranging your things can take a few days to two weeks, depending on how fast you work and your schedule.
Setting Up Utilities and Services
Set up or transfer utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet. This process can take a few days to a week.
I know the necessity of protecting your floors on a moving day, and this blog offers tips and tricks.
Here’s Some Additional Info for You
If you’re somehow interested in learning about the specific timeframe for moving based on your bedroom count, let me show you an average estimate. How long does it take to move a 1 bedroom apartment in the UK?
Moving a 1-bedroom apartment in the UK takes about 3-5 hours, depending on packing and distance. If you have many belongings or a longer distance, it might take 5-7 hours.
How long does it take movers to move a 2-bedroom apartment in the UK?
Moving a 2-bedroom apartment in the UK usually takes 6-8 hours, including packing and transportation.
How long does it take movers to move a 3-bedroom house in the UK?
Moving a 3-bedroom house in the UK typically takes 8-10 hours, especially with packing service, and it’ll be best if you start early in the morning for same-day completion.
Visit an insightful blog to learn, “How much do packers and movers charge in the UK?”
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ve got a pretty good idea of your concern, “How long does it take to move apartments in the UK?” In total, moving apartments in the UK can take between 6 weeks to 3 months. But remember that the time can vary based on your personal situation, the number of available flats, and how fast service providers work. If you plan ahead and stay organised, it’ll make your moving journey easy and smooth.
