How Long Does the Moving Process Take?
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The duration of the moving process varies based on factors such as the distance of the move, the volume of items, and the efficiency of the movers. To get a precise estimate, consult with your moving company and factor in any specific circumstances affecting the timeline.
How long does it take to move a long distance?
The average time it takes to move long distance is between 10 to 14 days. The shipment of your belongings can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the final destination of your move.
It’s standard practice for cross-country movers to give a two week delivery window.
Moving truck drivers typically cover 400-500 miles a day, meaning a shipment traveling a distance of 1000 miles will take 2 days. Zip Moving & Storage’s expert movers and packers will make sure your belongings are properly packed, loaded, and unloaded at your destination.
The time that it takes to move long distance depends on:
- Size of the move – A full truckload begins the journey right away. For efficiency, a half-full truck will stop at one or more other homes until the truck reaches capacity. A smaller shipment, therefore, has a wider delivery window.
- Distance of the move – The mileage between the origin and the destination greatly affects the estimated delivery window. Zip Moving & Storage follows the posted speed limits and the DOT regulations, which mandate a driver cannot exceed 8 hours of driving per day. Therefore, a long-distance move delivery window greatly depends on the distance to the destination.
- How many workers are on the job – For long distance moves, we have designated crew members who are qualified to them. Therefore, depending on how many workers are scheduled for a move will play a part in the timeframe of completing the job.
For example, moving a 1 bedroom apartment will usually have a pick up window of 1-2 business days, with a finally delivery approximately 7 to 9 business days afterwards, depending on the distance of the move.
The below chart outlines approximate moving times for apartments and homes.
APARTMENT
Service | Small Apartment | 2-3 Bedroom Apartment |
Packing & Loading | 3 hours (2 movers) | 4-6 hours (4 movers) |
Only Loading | 1.5 hours (2 movers) | 3-5 hours (2 movers) |
Only Unloading | 1 hour (2 movers) | 2-4 hours (2 movers) |
HOUSE
Service | 2-3 Bedroom House | 3-4 Bedroom House | 4+ Bedroom House |
Packing & Loading | 4-6 hours (3 movers) | 7-10 hours (3 movers) | 7-11 hours (4 movers) |
Only Loading | 3-5 hours (3 movers) | 5-8 hours (3 movers) | 7-11 hours (3 movers) |
Only Unloading | 2-4 hours (3 movers) | 4-6 hours (3 movers) | 4-6 hours (4 movers) |
STORAGE
| Service | 5×10 – 10×10 Storage | 10×10 – 10×20 Storage | 10×25 – 10×25 Storage |
| Packing & Loading | 1-3 hours (2 movers) | 3-6 hours (2 movers) | 3-6 hours (3 movers) |
| Loading | 1 hour (2 movers) | 2-4 hours (2 movers) | 2-4 hours (3 movers) |
| Unloading | 1 hour (2 movers) | 2 hours (2 movers) | 2 hours (3 movers) |
Please note packing services are an additional cost.
In addition to taking the size of the home into consideration, the time it takes to complete a long-distance move depends on many other factors, such as the distance of the move, the weather during the drive, traffic etc.
The time needed to complete the packing, loading and unloading for long distance moves depends on the number of items being transported and how many movers are on the job. Our moving coordinators will work with you to provide a rough timeline for your long distance move based on the factors above.
What is the best day to move?
Generally, the best day to move is between Monday to Thursday.
That is because most people plan their moves between Friday and Sunday, which are very busy for moving companies, resulting in a higher costing move.
Booking your move in the first half of the week will save you money. There is also a high chance that your desired moving date and time will be available.
How long does it take to unpack a house?
According to a recent survey by Duck brand tape, it takes Americans an average of 182 days to unpack their last box after moving to their new home.
Depending on your moving process, it can take a shorter or longer amount of time to complete this task.
If you unpack your belongings every day, your unpacking time will be much shorter.
