How long it takes to pack house for the move

Q: How long does it take to pack a house for moving?

Packing time depends on house size and help. A studio takes 1 day, a 4-bedroom house may take up to 6 days DIY. Professionals can do it much faster.

Q: How many hours should I set aside for packing each room?

Each room takes 1–5 hours. Kitchens and storage areas require the most time due to fragile or numerous items.

Q: What factors affect the time it takes to pack for a move?

Factors include home size, volume of items, organisation level, family size, and whether professionals are hired.

Q: How much faster is it to use professional packing services?

Professional packers can pack a home 3–4x faster than DIY. Two packers can complete a 3-bedroom home in 5–8 hours.

Q: When should I start packing before moving day?

Begin packing 4–6 weeks before moving. Start with seasonal and unused items, and finish with essentials.

Q: How long does it take to unpack after moving?

Unpacking typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on the number of items and how well boxes are labelled.

Q: Can last-minute packing be done in a day?

It’s possible for minimal items or with professional help, but risky and stressful for a full household.

Learn how long it takes to pack a house for moving. See packing times by room size, DIY vs professional, and expert tips to make moving easier.

Published by London Man Van on 2021/09/24 | Category: House Removals | Updated 2025/06/04 | Views: 40

How long it takes to pack house for the move

Packing a home for a move takes time—often more than people expect. Whether you're packing yourself or hiring professionals, understanding how long it takes helps you plan better. This blog breaks down packing times by home size, compares DIY vs. professional packing, and answers key moving questions to help you stay organised.

Table of Contents

How Long Does It Take to Pack a House for Moving?

It depends on the size of your home and who’s doing the packing. A studio can be packed in 1 day, while a 4-bedroom house may take up to 6 days if you're packing yourself. Professionals can do it much faster.

Studio/1-bed: 1–2 days (DIY), 2–4 hours (pros)
2-bed: 2–4 days (DIY), 3–5 hours (pros)
3-bed: 4–6 days (DIY), 5–8 hours (pros)
4-bed: 5–7+ days (DIY), 8–12 hours (pros)

How Many Hours Should I Set Aside for Packing Each Room?

Packing each room can take 1–5 hours depending on contents and complexity. Kitchens and home offices often take longer due to fragile or valuable items.

Kitchen: 4–5 hours
Living Room: 2–4 hours
Bedroom: 2–3 hours
Bathroom: 1–2 hours
Garage/Storage: 3–5 hours

What Factors Affect the Time It Takes to Pack for a Move?

Key factors include home size, number of belongings, your pace, and whether you get help.More clutter and sentimental items usually mean more time needed.

Property size and number of rooms
Number of items and level of organisation
Work schedule or family responsibilities
Availability of professional help

How Much Faster Is It to Use Professional Packing Services?

Professionals can pack a home in one-quarter of the time it takes most people. Two trained packers can pack a 3-bedroom home in 5–8 hours.

Professional Packing Service – Average Packing Times

Studio/1-Bedroom: 2–4 hours
2-Bedroom: 3–5 hours
3-Bedroom: 5–8 hours
4-Bedroom: 8–12 hours
5-Bedroom: 10–12+ hours

When Should I Start Packing Before Moving Day?

Start packing 4–6 weeks before moving day if packing yourself. Begin with less-used items and leave daily essentials for last.

DIY Packing Timeline

Weeks 6–5: Declutter and sort items
Weeks 4–3: Pack storage, décor, books
Weeks 2–1: Pack clothes, kitchenware
Moving Week: pack essentials, label everything

How Long Does It Take to Unpack After Moving?

Unpacking can take 1–3 weeks depending on how much you moved and how well you packed.Start with essentials and take time to settle in.

Quick Unpacking Tips

Unpack room-by-room
Label boxes clearly to speed up process
Dispose of packing materials as you go

Can Last-Minute Packing Be Done in a Day?

Yes, but it's stressful. Last-minute packing in one day is possible with minimal belongings or professional help. For full homes, it's risky without support.

Use pre-assembled boxes
Skip sorting—just pack quickly and label
Hire packers for urgent services

Need Help? Let the Pros Pack for You

If you’re short on time or overwhelmed, our Professional Packing Service is the fast, efficient, and stress-free solution. We offer full packing and unpacking support, with quality materials and trained staff ready to handle everything for you.

Visit our shop to buy moving boxes with FREE delivery.

Conclusion

Packing your home for a move takes time, planning, and patience. Whether you go the DIY route or hire professionals, knowing how long the process takes can make your move smoother. For fast, efficient, and stress-free service, our experienced team is ready to help you every step of the way.