How long does it take to pack a house: A comprehensive guide

When preparing for a move, one of the most common questions people ask is, "How long does it take to pack a house?" Whether you're planning a local move or hiring an interstate removalist, understanding the time required to pack your belongings is crucial for a smooth transition. In this guide, we'll break down packing timelines for various home sizes and family situations to help you plan effectively.

Factors affecting packing time

Before we dive into specific timelines, it's important to understand that several factors can influence how long it takes to pack a house:

1. Home size and number of rooms
2. Amount of belongings
3. Family size and composition
4. Packing experience and organisational efficiency
5. Level of assistance from helpers
6. Whether you're decluttering or downsizing
7. Availability of packing materials
8. Additional garage and shed items

Estimated packing times for different home sizes

Studio or 1-bedroom apartment

• Timeline: 1-2 days
• Considerations: Ideal for singles or couples with minimal belongings
• Tip: Can often be packed in a single weekend with focused effort
• Tip: Where possible bring all possessions and most furniture to one accessible location

2-Bedroom home or apartment 

• Timeline: 2-3 days
• Considerations: Suitable for small families or couples with more possessions
• Tip: Start with less-used rooms to build momentum
• Tip: Where possible bring all possessions and most furniture to one centralised location

3-Bedroom home

• Timeline: 3-5 days
• Considerations: Common for families with children or those who have accumulated more items over time
• Tip: Tackle one room per day for a manageable approach
• Where possible centralise your boxes and possessions in a garage or large accessible room for faster loading

4-5 Bedroom home

• Timeline: 5-7 days
• Considerations: Larger families or homes with multiple living areas require more time
• Tip: Consider enlisting help or hiring professional packers, especially if using an interstate removalist

How family composition affects packing time

Families with small children

• Additional time: Add 1-2 days
• Why: Young children require more attention and may disrupt packing
• Tip: Plan activities to keep kids occupied or arrange childcare during peak packing times
• Tip: Respectfully engage grandparents to help out with childcare if available

Families with teens

• Time Saved: Potentially 1-2 days
• Why: Teens can assist with packing their own rooms and common areas
• Tip: Assign very specific tasks to make the most of their help

Empty nesters or retirees

• Timeline: Varies based on accumulated belongings
• Consideration: May take longer if downsizing is involved
• Tip: Start the decluttering process well in advance of your move
• Tip: Engage help from family if available to assist decluttering process

Special considerations

Downsizing

If you're downsizing, it's crucial to factor in additional time for sorting, decluttering, and potentially selling or donating items. This process can add several days or even weeks to your packing timeline. Online selling sites such as Marketplace and Gumtree are very useful tools for selling good-condition used goods.

Tip: Consult with your tech-savvy children or even grandchildren about putting your goods online for sale. If unsure about selling online ensure that transactions are cash and pick-up only where possible

Professional packing services

A quality and trusted interstate removalist company can offer professional packing services. These experts can significantly reduce packing time, often completing the job in 1-2 days for most homes. At the same time, they can also unpack along with ensuring that your precious possessions arrive at your new residence in tip-top order. 

A two-person packing crew can pack the following residences as detailed depending of course on the factors listed above

• 1 bedroom unit/apartment                10 boxes                         1-1.5 hrs
• 2 bedroom unit/apartment                20 boxes                         2-2.5 hrs
• 3 bedroom unit/apartment                30 boxes                         3-3.5 hrs
• 3 bedroom house                             40 boxes                         4-4.5 hrs
• 4 bedroom house                             50 boxes                         5-5.5 hrs
• 5 bedroom house                             60 boxes                         6-6.5 hours

Gradual packing approach

For those with more flexible timelines, a gradual approach can be less overwhelming:

• Start 4-6 weeks before the move
• Pack for 2-3 hours each day
• Begin with less-used items and rooms
• Contact professional removalists as early as possible after making the decision to move

Remember to keep an overnight bag handy for the essentials you will need on arrival at your new residence. Things like toiletries, linen, medications, snacks for travelling, water, valuables and documents, pet bedding, accessories and food, and other necessities that you deem vital in the first 24 hours of arriving. 

How long does it take to pack a house: A quick reference guide

• Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: 1-2 days
• 2-Bedroom Home: 2-3 days
• 3-Bedroom Home: 3-5 days
• 4-5 Bedroom Home: 5-7 days
• Add 1-2 days for families with young children
• Subtract 1-2 days if teens can help
• Add several days to weeks for significant downsizing

Remember, these timelines are estimates. Your actual packing time may vary based on your specific circumstances, efficiency and level of assistance.

Maximising efficiency when packing

1. Create a packing schedule: Break the task into manageable chunks
2. Contact your removalist as early as possible
3. Gather supplies in advance: Ensure you have boxes, tape, markers, and packing materials ready
4. Start with least-used rooms: Build momentum by tackling storage areas and guest rooms first
5. Declutter as you go: Reduce your load by sorting items into keep, donate, sell and  discard piles
6. Label boxes clearly: This helps with unpacking and is especially useful for interstate removalist services

Final walk-through, check and reflect

As a final check go throughout your home or unit and check that all of your possessions are packed up and all switches, electricity, gas and water are turned off. Do a final clean of the place leaving it in a condition that you would be happy with if you were moving into it.

Concluding thoughts

Understanding how long it takes to pack a house is crucial for a stress-free move. Whether you're relocating locally or using an interstate removalist, proper planning can make all the difference. Start early, stay organised, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. With the right approach, you'll have your home packed up and ready for your new adventure in no time!

Happy Moving!