Average time to pack 1 bedroom apartment?

Once you’ve made the decision to move, a lot of other important decisions follow, including the arduous task that is packing.

When you’re considering timeframes for packing, you’ll need to first survey your belongings to figure out how large (or small) your haul will be. Then, based on this information and your moving budget, you will need to decide if you will be packing yourself or hiring professionals.

If you do it yourself

Plan ahead: It will take you much longer to pack up your apartment, no matter what size, than it would professional movers or packers. Ultimately, you will want to begin the process a six weeks to a month in advance, and pack up each room little by little.

Buy the right materials: Free and used boxes are great, and definitely help with your budget, but you also don’t want to cut corners when it comes to hauling your stuff. Be sure all the boxes you get (free or not) are reinforced and sturdy.

Get help: You may not be able to hire full-service movers, but you can enlist the help of friends, families, or even local community or religious groups to help tackle all of your boxes.

If you hire professionals:

Naturally, hiring professional movers will cut your packing time drastically. You won’t have to maneuver around half-packed boxes weeks before your move. Below is a general timeframe many moving companies give to customers:

• Studios/one-bedroom apartments: approximately 2-3 hours (with 2+ movers)
• Two-bedroom apartments/houses: approximately 3-6 hours (with 2+ movers)
• Three to four-bedroom apartments/houses: approximately 7-8 hours (with 2-3+ movers)
• Five-bedroom houses (or more): approximately 8-10 hours (usually 4 movers)

Keep in mind that these estimates are for local moves; long distance moves have delivery windows that can take weeks, even with advanced booking, so be sure to ask plenty of questions when shopping for professional moving companies. Get at least three estimates before you make your final decision.

You can start comparing prices right now by filling out a free quote form here at Movers.com, which will connect you with up to seven moving companies that can assist you with your specific moving needs.