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

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

Moving to a new home is often described as one of life’s most stressful events. It’s not just about changing your address—it’s about uprooting your entire life and carefully transporting it to a new space. Among the many tasks on the moving checklist, packing stands out as the most time-consuming and overwhelming.

A question many people ask when planning their move is: How long does it actually take to pack a house for moving? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on factors such as the size of your home, how many belongings you have, how organised you are, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professional packers.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Average time estimates for packing different home sizes
• Room-by-room packing times
• Factors that influence the timeline
• The difference between DIY packing and professional packing services
• A step-by-step timeline for efficient packing
• Tips for unpacking after the move
• What to do if you’re packing last-minute

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to plan your packing process and avoid unnecessary stress.

How Long Does It Take to Pack a House?

The time needed to pack varies widely. On average:

• 1-bedroom flat/apartment – 2 to 3 days (around 15–20 hours total)
• 2-bedroom home – 3 to 5 days (25–35 hours)
• 3-bedroom home – 5 to 7 days (40–60 hours)
• 4-bedroom home or larger – 1 to 2 weeks (70+ hours)

These estimates assume you’re packing for a few hours each day. If you dedicate full days to packing, the timeline can be shorter. However, if you’re juggling work, kids, and other responsibilities, expect it to take longer.

Pro tip: Always start earlier than you think you need. Packing usually takes more time than expected, especially if you get sidetracked by decluttering or reminiscing while going through belongings.

How Many Hours Should You Allocate Per Room?

Breaking down the house by room can help create a realistic packing schedule.

• Bedrooms: 2–4 hours each (more if wardrobes are full or if you have children’s toys/clothes)
• Living room: 4–6 hours (lots of décor, electronics, books)
• Kitchen: 6–8 hours (fragile dishes, appliances, pantry items)
• Bathrooms: 1–2 hours (fewer items but lots of sorting toiletries/medicines)
• Storage areas (garage, loft, basement): 4–8 hours (these take the longest due to clutter)

Factors That Affect The Packing Time

Size of the Property – A larger home with more rooms naturally takes more time.

Number of Belongings – Minimalists can pack quickly, but collectors or families with lots of items may take days longer.

Level of Organisation – An already decluttered, well-organised home packs faster.

Type of Items – Fragile or valuable items (glassware, antiques, electronics) need extra care.

Packing Supplies Availability – Running out of boxes or tape mid-way slows you down. Brilliant Removals also provides packing supplies to make the packing easier for you.

Help Available – Family, friends, or hired movers can drastically reduce the time required.

DIY Packing VS Professional Packing

If you’re short on time, professional packing services can be a lifesaver.

Average packing times by professionals:

• Studio/1 – bedroom: 1 – 2 days (DIY), 2 – 4 Hours (Brilliant-Removals)
• 2-bedroom: 2 – 4 days (DIY), 3 – 5 hours (Brilliant-Removals)
• 3-bedroom: 4 – 6 days (DIY), 5 – 8 hours (Brilliant-Removals)
• 4+ bedroom: 5 – 7+ days (DIY), 8 – 12 hours (Brilliant-Removals)

Professional packers bring experience and the right materials, meaning fragile items are safer and boxes are more efficiently filled. While it does add cost, it can save you days of stress and give you peace of mind.
Get a quote for packing services with Brilliant – Removals

Final Thoughts

Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

• DIY packing can take a week or more depending on the size of your home.
• Professional packing services can cut this down to just a day or two.
• The best strategy is to start at least 2–4 weeks before moving day, working through your home systematically.

If you’re short on time or feeling stressed, don’t hesitate to let the professionals step in. They’ll not only save you time but also ensure that your belongings are transported safely.

With careful planning and a realistic timeline, your move can be smoother and less stressful.