How Long Does a House Move Take?

The volume of furniture and boxes

The single biggest factor is simply how much is moving. The number of rooms is only a rough guide, because a two-bedroom house with a full loft and garage can hold more than a sparse three-bedroom one. Large pieces like wardrobes, American fridge freezers and corner sofas take longer than their size suggests, because they need wrapping, careful carrying and sometimes a second person on every step.

Whether you are packed

A crew arriving to a house where everything is boxed, labelled and stacked by the door can start loading straight away. A crew arriving to half-packed rooms either waits or packs, and packing is slower than loading. If you want the day to be predictable, finish packing the evening before, or book our packing service so it is done properly in advance.

Access at both addresses

Tell us about access at both ends when you ask for a quote. It changes the plan more than almost anything else.

• Parking right outside is quickest; a long carry to the van adds time on every trip.
• Stairs and flats without lifts slow the job, especially with heavy items.
• Narrow back lanes or terraced streets may need a smaller vehicle or careful timing.
• Tight doorways and turns sometimes mean furniture has to be taken apart.

Distance and driving time

Local moves around the North East are mostly loading and unloading time, with the drive in between a small part of the day. Long-distance moves are different: the driving can take longer than the loading, and an early start is often the difference between finishing in one day and needing two. Our guide to long-distance moves covers this in more detail.

Dismantling and reassembly

Beds, wardrobes, desks and some tables need taking apart and putting back together. It is quick for an experienced crew, but it is still time, so mention it at the quote. Keeping screws and fixings bagged and taped to each piece saves a lot of searching at the other end.

Keys and completion

On a sale or purchase, you cannot unload until the keys are released, and completion times are outside anyone's control on the day. Many moves spend part of the afternoon with a loaded van waiting. If completion slips badly, your belongings can go into storage at our Birtley yard and come back out when the keys arrive. Our guide on completion day delays explains the options.

How to make your move quicker

• Declutter before you pack, so less goes on the van.
• Pack and label everything by room the night before.
• Reserve parking outside both addresses if you can.
• Empty and defrost the fridge freezer the day before.
• Keep essentials, documents and valuables with you so the crew can load without interruptions.

Common questions