How Long Does a House Move Take?

15 March 2026

A typical house move takes between 3 and 10 hours, depending on the size of your property. A 1-bed flat usually takes 3–4 hours from start to finish, a 3-bed house takes 6–8 hours, and a large 4–5 bed house can take 8–10 hours or more. These times include loading, driving, and unloading.

Moving Time by Property Size

Property	Loading	Unloading	Total (local move)
1 Bed Flat	1–2 hrs	1–1.5 hrs	3–4 hrs
2 Bed House	2–3 hrs	1.5–2 hrs	4–6 hrs
3 Bed House	3–4 hrs	2–3 hrs	6–8 hrs
4 Bed House	4–5 hrs	3–4 hrs	8–10 hrs
5+ Bed House	5–7 hrs	3–5 hrs	10–14 hrs

These estimates assume a local move (under 30 miles). Add drive time for longer distances — a Bournemouth to London move adds roughly 2.5 hours of driving each way.

What Affects How Long Your Move Takes?

Access at Both Properties

A ground-floor flat with a driveway loads quickly. A third-floor flat with no lift and street parking takes significantly longer. If there's a long carry distance from the property to where the van is parked, factor in extra time.

Volume of Belongings

A fully furnished 2-bed house takes longer than a lightly furnished 3-bed. The number of items matters more than the number of rooms. Heavy items like pianos, safes, and gym equipment also slow things down — see our piano removal service for specialist moves.

Packing Status

If everything is boxed and ready to go, loading is fast and efficient. If items still need wrapping or boxes need finishing, the crew has to wait. Being fully packed before the team arrives can shave 1–2 hours off your total move time. Consider our professional packing service for a stress-free option.

Furniture Disassembly

Beds, wardrobes, and large tables need disassembling and reassembling. Each item adds 15–30 minutes. A house with 4 beds and 2 wardrobes to disassemble could add an hour to loading time.

How to Speed Up Your Move

Pack everything in advance — have all boxes sealed, labelled, and stacked ready
Disassemble what you can — or leave it for the crew, but mention it in advance
Clear pathways — ensure doors are open, gates unlocked, and hallways clear
Label boxes by room — this speeds up unloading at the other end
Arrange parking — reserve a space close to both properties so the crew isn't carrying items 50 metres

Plan Your Move with Astra Removals

We'll give you a realistic time estimate based on a proper assessment of your move. Get a free quote or call 01202 113 255. Our experienced crew is efficient without cutting corners — your belongings are handled with care, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do removal companies usually start?

Most removal companies start between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. An early start is important for larger moves to ensure everything is completed in one day. At Astra Removals, we can accommodate earlier or later starts depending on your needs — just let us know when booking.

Can a house move be done in one day?

Most local moves are completed in one day, even for larger 4-5 bed properties. Long-distance moves for large houses may occasionally require two days, particularly if multiple van loads are needed. Your removal company will advise on this during the quoting stage.

Do movers take a lunch break during a move?

Yes, removal crews typically take a short break during longer moves. This is usually 20-30 minutes and is often taken during the drive between properties. Offering tea or coffee to the crew is always appreciated but never expected.