Are you going to be among the 13% of Americans making a move in the next year? If so, there’s no time like the present to start mapping out a schedule. But knowing how much time to account for can be tricky if the moving process is new for you.
How long does it take to move? Read on for a simple guide!
Consider the Size of Your Space
Are you moving out of a studio apartment or a 3,000-square-foot home? The timeline for a residential move will vary depending on the size of your space.
For instance, it could take around 10 hours to box up a small apartment, and just an hour or two to load everything into a truck. But if you have a larger home with antiques, you’ll be doubling or tripling that time. That’s why it’s critical to start the moving process with a checklist of tasks that you can delegate to members of your household.
Plan Packing Time
To do any packing, you’ll need the right materials. To save money, look in dumpsters or ask grocery stores for old boxes. Yes, this adds time to the process, but it’s far cheaper than buying new boxes.
You can use newspaper to cushion your items. And remember not to overload boxes with too many items — especially if you’ll be carrying them. Once everything is boxes, be sure to label the box with the contents and desired location.
Where Are You Moving?
Moving a few blocks down the road into a bigger house might just require renting a truck for a few hours or shuttling items over in your minivan. But heading across the country extends the timeline for a household move.
If you’re using a commercial mover, they might be able to get the contents to your new address in a matter of days. If you’re using a shared moving pod system, however, you might have to be more flexible. It could be a week or longer before your items show up.
Before you leave your old home, clean it to avoid any complaints or issues from the new residents. Better yet, hire out the cleaning process since you’ll be busy. You can view more on this here!
Get Help with Loading and Unloading
When it comes to moving tips, one of the biggest ones is to get help! You can speed up the moving process when you hire a few movers to tackle the lifting. Alternatively, you can promise your friends free pizza if they give up a few hours to help.
If everything is packed, loading boxes can take anywhere from 2 to 10 hours. Wrapping furniture and configuring unique items in the truck can add to that timetable.
How Long Does It Take to Move?
Are you still wondering, “How long does it take to move?” The answer depends on your level of organization and the amount of help you get. It also will hinge on the size of your home and how much stuff you need to transport.
Find more suggestions for when you’re planning a move. Check back soon for new articles!
