If you’re getting ready to move to a one-bedroom apartment, chances are you’re asking the same question many others do: how long is this going to take?
We get it; whether you’re relocating a few blocks away or across the state, the process can feel overwhelming. Between packing up your belongings, deciding whether or not to hire local movers, and figuring out logistics, there’s a lot to manage. The good news? With some planning and practical tips, your move can go much more smoothly than you might think.
Let’s break it all down from pre-move prep to moving day and beyond.
Typical Timeframes for Moving a One-Bedroom Apartment
Knowing how long it typically takes to move and the cost to relocate a one-bedroom apartment can help you decide what’s worth your time and energy. A faster move might be worth the cost of hiring professional movers, while a flexible schedule could make DIY more manageable. Let’s break down what to expect, time-wise.
Local Moves vs. Long-Distance Moves
Wondering how long your move might take? Here’s a quick look at typical timeframes for moving a one-bedroom apartment, whether you’re staying close or heading far.
Local Moves
If you’re moving nearby, you can typically expect the whole process, such as packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking, to take 1 to 2 days total, especially if you’re well prepared.
Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moves may take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the route, scheduling, and whether your items are being consolidated with others.
Time Breakdown by Task
So, now that you know how long a move can take overall, let’s break it down further. Here’s how much time each step might actually take, from packing up to settling in.
1. Packing
DIY: 3 to 6 hours, depending on help and number of boxes
With Movers: Often done in 2 to 3 hours
2. Loading
DIY: 2 to 4 hours, depending on help and number of boxes
With Movers: Often done in 1 to 2 hours
3. Transportation
Local move: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Long-distance move: Varies based on distance, usually 1 to 7 days
4. Unloading and Unpacking
Unloading: 2 to 3 hours
Unpacking: 1 to 3 days or longer, depending on how quickly you settle in
Moving Timeline: How Long Does Each Step Take?
Moving doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process that stretches across several key stages. From the moment you start organizing to the final box you unpack, each phase takes time.
Here’s a closer look at how long each part usually takes, so you can plan accordingly and stay ahead of any delays.
1. Pre-Move Planning
Planning ahead is the key to a smoother move. Having a solid room-by-room checklist keeps you focused and organized. Consider the key tasks to complete, such as securing moving supplies, scheduling the movers or rental truck, notifying your utility providers, and updating your address.
Before you even start packing for a move, it’s smart to go through your belongings and lighten the load. If you haven’t used something in a while, it might be time to donate, sell, or toss it. A little decluttering upfront can save a lot of time later.
Creating a Moving Checklist
Your moving checklist is your best friend. It helps you to stay on track and ensures you don’t miss anything important. Include tasks like collecting packing supplies, notifying utility providers, updating your address, and scheduling trusted movers if you are hiring any.
Decluttering and Organizing Belongings
Before packing a single box, take time to declutter. Go through your stuff and donate, sell, or toss anything you no longer need to pack, move, and unpack later.
Packing
Packing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days for a one-bedroom apartment if you’re doing it yourself. First, start packing books and decor, then move to daily-use items as the moving day approaches.
2. On the Moving Day
Moving day is here, and yes, it can feel a little chaotic. But a good plan makes all the difference.
Start early. Whether you’re working with experienced movers or tackling it yourself, being up and ready before anyone arrives helps things flow smoothly. Have snacks and water handy. Don’t forget to keep essentials like chargers, important documents, and an overnight bag close.
Do one last walkthrough of your old place. Check rooms, closets, cabinets, and under the sink, just in case something got left behind.
If you’ve hired professional movers, make sure to point out any fragile boxes or items needing special care. If you’re going to take the DIY route, consider asking friends or family for help, assigning tasks, and keeping things light with a few snacks and breaks.
How Long Does Loading and Transporting Take?
Loading
For a one-bedroom apartment, loading the truck usually takes 1 to 2 hours, especially if everything is packed and ready by the door.
If you’ve hired a moving company, it may be even quicker. For DIY moves, it depends on how much help you have and how organized things are.
Transporting
Travel time depends entirely on your moving distance.
For local moves, expect 30 minutes to 2 hours, while long-distance moves may take anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on the distance and route.
3. Post-Move Unloading and Unpacking
You’ve made it to your new home. But now comes the second half of the journey: getting settled in.
Start with unloading the essentials. If you have labeled your boxes well, you’ll be able to place each one in its correct room. That alone will make unpacking easier and faster.
Take it one room at a time. There’s no need to unpack everything in one day unless you’re on a mission. Focus on making your space livable first, and organize as you go. Unpacking is a process, and making your new space feel like home doesn’t have to happen overnight.
How Long Does Unloading and Unpacking Take?
Unloading the truck takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on stairs, layout, and who’s helping.
When it comes to unpacking, expect this part to stretch out over a few days:
- Essentials (bathroom, bed, kitchen basics): within the first 4 to 8 hours post-move
- Main rooms fully unpacked: Usually 2 to 3 days, if you’re focused and have some help
- Completely settled and decorated: Give yourself 1 to 2 weeks, or longer.
Don’t stress. Unpacking doesn’t have to happen all at once. Everyone moves at their own pace. Some people knock it out in a weekend, while others take their time and unpack over a couple of weeks. The key is progress, not perfection.
Common Causes of Moving Delays When Moving One Bedroom Apartment
Moving is never a walk in the park. Even when it’s just a one-bedroom apartment, things can take longer than expected. From packing delays to traffic jams, plenty of sneaky time-wasters can pop up on moving day.
1. Planning and Preparation Delays
A solid plan is the backbone of any smooth move. Without one, it’s easy to get sidetracked.
Inadequate Planning and Organization
Without a clear game plan, your move can quickly become chaotic and time-consuming, especially if you forget key tasks like creating a schedule, labeling boxes, measuring doorways, or reserving the building elevator.
For this, start planning at least 4 to 6 weeks before the move. Use a moving checklist and break it into small weekly tasks to stay on track.
Last-Minute Changes or Decisions
Changing your move date, switching moving companies, or deciding to pack everything last minute can throw off your timeline.
These changes often create scheduling conflicts, limited availability, and logistical headaches that slow the entire process down. Making big decisions just days before the move can push everything behind schedule.
Finalize the moving date, hire trusted movers, and decide on your packing approach as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
Failure to Secure Supplies and Equipment
Not having the right supplies or tools can bring your move to a grinding halt. Running out of boxes, tape, or labels mid-pack means an extra trip to the store. Forgetting moving straps or a dolly makes it harder and slower to lift heavy items. Every delay adds up and steals valuable time from your moving window.
Gather all your packing materials, tools, and equipment ahead of time. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run short when the clock is ticking.
2. Transportation Issues
You’ve packed everything up and are ready to hit the road. This stage is often where things start to slow down. Getting your belongings from Point A to Point B isn’t always as simple as driving off into the sunset.
Vehicle Availability and Reliability
One of the biggest causes of delay on a moving day is not having the right vehicle or not having one at all. Rental trucks tend to get fully booked on weekends and at the end of the month, which are the most popular times to move. If you wait too long to reserve, you might end up with a vehicle that’s too small, unreliable, or missing essential equipment like a ramp or tie-downs.
Relying on your car or a last-minute borrowed vehicle can lead to unexpected delays, whether due to mechanical issues or the need for multiple trips. Without a reliable vehicle suited to your move, even the most organized plan can quickly fall behind schedule.
Reserve your truck or a professional moving company early and confirm all the details a day or two before your move. If you’re taking the DIY route, double-check your vehicle’s size and condition.
Traffic Conditions and Road Closures
Traffic is one of those things you just can’t control. It can quickly throw off your entire moving schedule.
Whether it’s a highway accident, road construction, or a surprise street closure for a local event, these unexpected slowdowns can delay your arrival by hours.
Even short moves across town can take much longer than planned if you’re stuck behind detours or bumper-to-bumper traffic.
You can use real-time GPS apps like Waze or Google Maps to check for detours and slowdowns. If your movers are navigating the route, communicate about possible delays and share any local shortcuts.
Weather-related Challenges
Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, and conditions like heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat can quickly delay your move.
Wet conditions make it harder to carry boxes and furniture, while icy roads can delay transport or even shut down the route altogether.
On hot days, fatigue and heat can kick in quickly, forcing more breaks and less lifting. Simply put, bad weather can bring everything to a standstill, no matter how prepared you are.
It is best to keep an eye on the forecast before moving day. It’s always better to delay a little than to rush through dangerous weather.
3. Loading and Unloading Complications
This is where moving day can really test your patience. After planning and packing, the time to actually move is a stage where delays try to sneak in. From tight spaces to heavy furniture, small hiccups can add up and slow things down more than you’d expect.
Access Issues at the New Location
One of the biggest time-wasters on a moving day is poor access. If the moving truck has to park far from your front door, or if you’re dealing with tight hallways, narrow staircases, or no elevator access, expect things to slow down. Every extra step adds up, especially when you’re carrying heavy boxes or furniture.
Check both your old and new spaces in advance. Reserve elevators or loading zones if possible, and clear a path so you or the movers don’t have to work around obstacles.
Heavy or Bulky Items Needing Special Handling
Big, awkward furniture can seriously eat up time, especially if it won’t fit through doorways or needs to be disassembled. Items like dressers, sectionals, or even awkwardly shaped lamps might require extra hands, tools, or creative maneuvering to get in or out.
Disassemble furniture ahead of time if possible, and use sliders or lifting straps to move bulky items safely and more efficiently.
Time Taken for Packing and Unpacking
Even if you’ve packed everything, loading the truck can still take a lot of time—especially if your boxes aren’t labeled or sorted. If things are thrown in without order, unpacking at your new place will take even longer and be more stressful.
Label every box by room and contents. Group similar items together to make both unloading and unpacking smoother and way less frustrating.
Even with a well-crafted plan, small issues can arise. Common delays include traffic, limited parking, elevator waits, or last-minute packing. To stay on track, build in a bit of buffer time and keep essentials handy. Communicating clearly with movers or anyone helping you out can also help avoid surprises.
What Are The Moving Day Tips to Save Time
Moving a one-bedroom apartment doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. With a little preparation and some smart strategies, you can streamline the process and make your move much more manageable. Here are a few essential moving day tips to keep everything running smoothly, whether you’re doing it yourself or getting help from professional movers.
Efficient Packing Techniques
Start packing early, beginning with the things you don’t use often. Use strong, good-quality boxes, and don’t overfill them.
Pack heavy items like books in smaller boxes, and use larger boxes for lighter things like pillows and linens. Wrap valuables in packing paper, and be sure to fill any space in each box to keep items from shifting during the move.
If you’re hiring movers, having everything boxed and ready can save you time and money on moving day.
Labeling Boxes for Easy Packing
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking so much easier and helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms without needing to ask. A simple system can cut your unpacking time in half and help you feel more settled faster.
Managing Logistics on Moving Day
Create a moving day checklist to keep things on track. Confirm your elevator reservation when moving to a condo. Keep important documents handy, arrange pet care if you’re moving with pets, and ensure your essentials bag, chargers, toiletries, and a change of clothes are packed and accessible.
If you’re working with a professional moving company, touch base with them beforehand to confirm timing, parking, and access to your building.
Ensuring Safety During the Move
Safety is key for both you and your belongings. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, lift with your legs and not your back, and keep walkways clear of clutter.
If you have large or heavy furniture, consider letting the professionals handle it. Professional movers are trained to transport bulky items efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of injury or damage.
With little planning and the right approach, moving a one-bedroom apartment can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring movers, staying organized and focused on safety will help you settle into your new place with ease.
Which is Better? Hiring Professional Movers or DIY Moving?
Hiring professionals can save time and effort, especially if you’re tight on time or not up for heavy lifting. Experienced movers know how to pack, load, and transport quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, a DIY move offers greater flexibility and can be more cost-effective, especially for short distances. Before choosing between hiring professional movers or doing it yourself, consider your budget, the distance, and the complexity of your move.
If you’re considering hiring professional movers, be sure to research and choose reputable moving companies to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Pros of Hiring Professional Movers
Are you considering hiring movers? It might seem like an extra expense, but the time, energy, and stress you save can make it totally worth it.
Hiring local movers can feel like a splurge, but many people say it’s money well spent. Here’s why:
They are Fast and Efficient
Professional movers do this every day. They know how to pack quickly, load the truck with precision, and move your belongings safely. What might take you an entire weekend could take them just a few hours.
They Handle the Heavy Lifting
Sofas, bed frames, boxes of books? No problem. Movers are trained to move bulky items safely and without smashing your walls in the process.
Less Physical Stress for You
Hiring experienced movers saves you from waking up sore, exhausted, and maybe even questioning your life choices.
Let the pros handle the heavy lifting while you focus on other important details, like making sure your pet isn’t accidentally packed in a box.
When DIY Moving Might Be the Way to Go
Going the DIY route isn’t a bad idea either, especially in these situations:
- You’re on a budget: DIY moving is typically cheaper. You’ll still need to rent a truck or van, but you’ll avoid paying labor fees.
- You don’t have a lot of stuff: If your one-bedroom apartment is more minimal than maximal, a DIY move might be quick and simple enough to do on your own, or with a couple of helping hands.
- You’ve got friends or family willing to help: Moving is way easier and more fun when people you trust are helping. Just be sure to offer snacks, drinks, and maybe pizza as payment. It’s the unofficial currency of moving day.
Final Thoughts
Moving a one-bedroom apartment can feel overwhelming at first, but with a solid plan, smart packing, and a bit of support when needed, it’s often more manageable than you’d expect. Whether you’re handling the move yourself or working with professional movers, staying organized and flexible makes a big difference.
On average, a one-bedroom move takes anywhere from 1 to 10 days, depending on the amount of stuff you have, how prepared you are, and the distance between locations. Hiring experienced movers can speed up the process, especially if they take care of packing and furniture disassembly.
Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new place, ready to relax and enjoy your fresh start.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to pack up a one-bedroom apartment?
Typically, it takes about 4 to 6 hours to pack up a one-bedroom apartment. But this still depends on how much stuff you have to pack up.
2. Is it better to hire professional movers for a one-bedroom move?
Yes, hiring professional movers can significantly speed up the moving process and reduce the time it takes to move a one-bedroom apartment.
3. Will hiring a moving truck make the process faster?
Yes, hiring a moving truck can streamline the process and make it faster, especially for larger items.
4. Can I move my one-bedroom apartment in one trip?
Yes, in most cases, you can move a one-bedroom apartment in a single trip, especially if you’re using a properly sized truck (typically 10-16 feet long).
5. How much does it cost to hire professional movers for a one-bedroom apartment move?
Local moves typically cost between $300 and $700, whereas long-distance moves can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the distance and services required.
