How long will my local move take?
Most local moves take 3 to 9 hours. A studio is about 3-4 hours, a 4-bedroom house 7-9. Volume, packing, access and drive time decide it.
Get a free quote01Real ranges, and what moves them
A small apartment usually takes 3 to 5 hours and a large house can take a full day. Where yours lands depends on four things: how much you own, how ready it is when we arrive, how easy each home is to get in and out of, and how far apart the two addresses are.
02Typical times by home size
These are the ranges David quotes most often for local moves with our standard crew sizes:
| Home | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Studio | 3-4 hours |
| One bedroom | 3-5 hours |
| About 1,200 sq ft | 5-6 hours, including double drive time |
| 4 bedrooms, about 2,200 sq ft | 7-9 hours |
Treat them as starting points, not promises. Your own move can land above or below.
03What stretches or shrinks the clock
- Volume. A sparse one-bedroom and a packed one-bedroom are different jobs.
- Packing. Taped, labeled boxes load fast. Loose items on shelves and half-filled bins slow everything.
- Access. Long walks from the curb, several flights of stairs and shared elevators all add minutes.
- Drive. When the homes are more than 10 minutes apart, California's tariff counts that drive twice.
- Big pieces. Beds, sectionals and dining tables are taken apart and rebuilt, which is included but takes time.
04Getting a tighter number
If you have moved with us before, the best predictor is the actual time on your last move. Otherwise, a phone or email estimate gives you a non-binding range, and a free on-site visit gives you a not-to-exceed price. Our moving cost guide turns hours into dollars, and the moving checklist covers the prep that keeps a move near the low end.
05Time and cost by home size
FAQQuestions and answers
Does the clock start when the crew leaves your yard?
No. Travel to your pickup and back from your drop-off is not charged. Time runs from arrival at your first address to the end of the job, plus the drive between homes.
Why did my friend's two-bedroom take longer than mine?
Same bedroom count, different contents and access. Furniture volume, boxes, stairs and parking vary far more than room count suggests.
Can I get a guaranteed time?
Not for hourly local moves. An on-site estimate gives you a maximum price instead, so the cost is capped even if the time runs long.
Ready to move?
Tell us your date and zip codes. A real person calls you back, or call us now.