How long does moving house take?

Moving houses can be quite stressful due the multitude of tasks involved such as sorting belongings, coordinating logistics, and setting up utilities in the new home. One common question that arises during this transition is, “How long does moving house take?” The timeframe varies depending on factors like current home size, distance between locations, belongings amount, and choice between professional movers or self-moving.

Size of Your Home

The size of your home will determine the amount of time needed for packing and moving. For example, a single-bedroom apartment could be packed in just a few hours, whereas a bigger family home might require days for sorting and packing. Typically, packing a single-bedroom apartment will take 4-8 hours, while a three-bedroom house could take 1-3 days.

Distance of the Move

The duration of the moving process is influenced by the distance. Local moves, usually within the same city, can be finished in a day, while long-distance moves can span days or even weeks. A local move might include a couple of hours loading the truck and a quick drive to your new place, whereas a cross-country move will demand thorough planning, travel time, and maybe overnight stays.

Volume of Belongings

The amount of belongings you have can affect the time needed for your move. Sorting through accumulated stuff can be time-consuming. Decluttering may be necessary before packing, which involves deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. For larger households with lots of furniture and personal items, this process could take several days.

Hiring Professionals vs. DIY

Deciding between hiring professional movers or doing the move yourself affects how long it takes. Professional movers are skilled and efficient, cutting down on packing, loading, and transporting time. They often have teams to work on different tasks simultaneously, speeding up the process. With pros, a local move can be done in a day, compared to a DIY move which may take longer. For instance, a three-bedroom house move with professionals can be completed in one day. On the other hand, doing it yourself could take two to three days due to breaks and organizing without a team.

Preparation and Planning

Effective preparation can impact the duration of the moving process. Developing a thorough plan with specific timelines for packing, organizing utility setups, and scheduling movers can simplify the process. Packing early, preferably weeks ahead of the move, can decrease stress and shorten the overall duration of the move.

Time of Year

Moving duration can be affected by the time of year. Peak moving season is usually in the summer when families prefer to move to avoid disrupting their children’s school year. During this busy time, it may take longer to secure professional movers and there may be delays due to high demand. On the other hand, moving during off-peak seasons like fall or winter could result in quicker arrangements and possibly lower costs. Fewer people moving during these times can lead to more availability from movers and a less congested schedule.

Special Considerations

Specific situations could potentially cause delays in your moving process. In case you have delicate items like pianos, artwork, or antiques, you might have to set aside more time for packing and transportation. Moreover, if your new or old residence has strict moving rules, expect to organize specific time slots that could lengthen the entire moving procedure.

Unexpected Delays

It’s important to consider unexpected delays that may occur during the moving process, such as weather, traffic, or last-minute issues. Adding extra time to your schedule can help prevent feeling stressed on moving day.

How long does it take to move house once the offer has been accepted?

After an offer is accepted for a house, the time it takes to move can vary depending on different factors. Generally speaking, here are the stages and estimated timelines:

• Closing Process: The closing period, typically lasting 30 to 60 days or more, involves completing inspections, appraisals, financing arrangements, and legal paperwork before the physical relocation process can begin.
• Preparation for Moving: Set a closing date for your move to start preparing. Packing your belongings and organizing logistics is essential. It is recommended to begin this process early, even weeks or months before moving day. The preparation stage timeline varies depending on the amount of belongings you have and your level of organization.
• Moving Day: On the day of the move, professional movers may take a few hours to a full day, depending on factors like home size, number of items, and distance. Doing it yourself could take longer as you’ll need to load and transport everything.
• Unpacking: Unpacking time can vary greatly after moving into a new house, ranging from hours to weeks, based on the amount to unpack and your pace of settling in. Different approaches exist, like unpacking essentials first or gradually organizing the whole house.

How long does it take to move a house with a chain?

Having a chain when moving can have a notable impact on the timing of your relocation. A “chain” refers to a scenario where multiple property transactions are linked, like when you’re moving into a new home that is vacated by someone else who is then moving to a different property. This affects the usual time it takes to move and is influenced by various factors. 

• Chain Complexity: The length of the chain directly impacts the time it takes to complete all transactions. If there are multiple parties involved, delays can occur at any point in the chain, leading to an extended overall process.
• Average Timeline: On average, completing a move within a chain can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks after an offer has been accepted.
• Factors Influencing Moving Duration: Several factors influence the duration of the moving process. The distance between your old and new residences is a key factor, with local moves typically taking less time than long-distance relocations. Moreover, the availability of professional movers or rental vehicles can impact the schedule, emphasizing the importance of booking ahead during busy moving periods.
• Unexpected Delays: It is important to plan for unexpected setbacks that may come up during your move, like weather issues, sudden repairs, or delays in closing dates. Being adaptable and having backup plans can help reduce stress in these scenarios.
• Finalizing Settling In: After unpacking, settling into your new home will take some time. This phase involves organizing furniture, decorating, and setting up utilities. The time it takes to settle in varies depending on personal preferences and schedules. Some may feel at home in a week, while others may take months to fully personalize their space.

Summary

The process of moving house typically takes 1 to 3 months. Factors like property chains, distance, belongings, and delays affect this timeline. Being organized and planning ahead can make the transition smoother. Coordination with agents, hiring movers, and packing schedules are important for an efficient move.