Published: January 15, 2024

Moving to a New Home: How Long Does It Take?

Moving to a new house is an exciting and significant life event, but it can also be time-consuming and challenging. One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is, “How long will it take?” The answer to this question can vary widely depending on several factors. Let’s explore the key elements that influence the timeline for moving to a new house and provide you with an idea of what to expect.

Planning and Preparation

The most crucial step in determining how long it will take to move to a new house is the planning and preparation phase. This phase can vary in duration depending on your individual circumstances. If you’re well-organized and have a clear plan in place, this phase may only take a few weeks. If you’re dealing with a complex move, such as relocating across the country, you may need several months to prepare adequately.

During this phase, you’ll need to:

Create a Moving Timeline: Establish a detailed timeline that includes all the tasks you need to complete before the move, such as packing, scheduling moving services, and notifying utilities. This timeline will serve as your roadmap throughout the process.

Declutter and Downsize: Sorting through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard can take time. The more items you have, the longer this process will likely take. It’s essential to start this process well in advance to avoid feeling rushed.

Schedule Moving Services: Scheduling moving services should be done well in advance to ensure availability on your desired moving date. UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Kansas makes it easy to schedule their services online.

Gather Packing Supplies: Collecting boxes, packing materials, and labeling tools is an essential part of the preparation process. You can either purchase packing supplies or try to find free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces.

Notify Utilities and Change Your Address: Don’t forget to inform your utility providers, the post office, and relevant institutions about your upcoming move. This step ensures that your utilities are connected to your new home and your mail is forwarded.

Packing

Packing can significantly impact the overall timeline of your move. The time it takes to pack up your belongings depends on the size of your home, the number of possessions you have, and your packing efficiency. Here are some general estimates for different-sized homes:

Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment: Packing up a smaller living space like a studio or one-bedroom apartment may take around 2-3 days.

Two-Bedroom Apartment or Small House: For a slightly larger space, like a two-bedroom apartment or small house, packing takes 3-5 days.

Three-Bedroom House: A three-bedroom house with more items to pack may require 5-7 days of packing.

Four-Bedroom House or Larger: Larger homes with four bedrooms or more can take 7-10 days or more to pack thoroughly.

Keep in mind that these estimates can vary widely, and some people may choose to spread the packing process over a more extended period to reduce stress. Additionally, you may want to start with less frequently used items and work your way toward everyday essentials.

Moving Day

Moving day is a crucial factor in determining the total time it takes to move to a new house. Here are some considerations for moving day:

Loading and Unloading: The time it takes to load your belongings, transport them to your new home, and unload everything can vary. Using movers might be more efficient and may complete this process in a single day. DIY moves may take longer, depending on the help you have.

Travel Time: If you’re moving a long distance, travel time between your old and new homes will impact the overall duration of your move. Cross-country moves can take several days, including rest stops and overnight stays.

Unpacking: Unpacking your belongings can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your availability and the complexity of the task. Starting with essentials and gradually working through the rest of your items can help streamline this process.

Settling in

After you’ve moved into your new house, there’s still work to be done. Setting up utilities, unpacking, and arranging your furniture and belongings can take time. Here are some tasks to consider:

Utilities Setup: It may take a few days to get all your utilities up and running in your new home. This can include electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. Plan ahead by scheduling the activation of these services to ensure a smooth transition.

Unpacking and Organizing: Unpacking can be a gradual process, and you may need a few weeks to fully settle in. Prioritize unpacking based on your daily needs and gradually tackle less essential items. Consider creating a designated space for essentials.

Home Improvement Projects: If you have any home improvement or renovation projects planned, these can extend the timeline for settling into your new house. Depending on the scope of the projects, they may take weeks or even months to complete.

The time it takes to move to a new house can vary widely depending on your individual circumstances and the size and complexity of your move. Planning and preparation are crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient move, and it’s essential to be flexible and patient throughout the process. By taking these factors into account and allowing ample time for each phase, you can reduce stress and make your transition to your new home as seamless as possible. Remember that every move is unique, and unexpected challenges may arise. Being well-prepared and organized will help you navigate these challenges and ensure a successful move to your new home.

For more information or assistance with the move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Kansas or call us at (785) 465-4727.