How long does it take to move house? A guide to removalist times
Updated 17 September 2026
How long does a house move take? For a well-packed, moderately furnished home with two removalists and a 28 m³ truck: studio about 3 hours, 2 bedroom 3–5 hours, 3–4 bedroom 6–8 hours, 5+ bedroom 8–12 hours. Packing, stairs, lifts and parking change the clock more than the bedroom count.
How long do removalists take for a 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom home?
| Home | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | about 3 hours | Well packed, easy access |
| 2 bedroom | 3–5 hours | Typical unit or small house |
| 3–4 bedroom | 6–8 hours | Most family homes |
| 5+ bedroom | 8–12 hours | Extra crew on request |
Clock starts when we start work. Three-hour minimum, then 30-minute increments. See removalist cost in Sydney for what those hours come to at $170/hr incl. GST.
What makes a move take longer
- You are still packing when we arrive.
- No lift, or a lift booked for a short window.
- Parking a long way from the door — we plan the 28 m³ truck first.
- Steep driveways and beach streets (Terrigal, Avoca, Umina).
- Disassembly you wanted to do the night before but didn’t.
- Unpacking at the other end, if you asked for it.
How to keep removalist hours down
Pack the night before, or book packing. Leave a park for the truck. Book the elevator. Take beds apart if you can — we still bring the tools. Tell us about pianos and marble so we quote extra hands. How to prepare for a house move has the night-before list.
Get an estimate with both addresses and access notes. We talk you through the hours before the day.
Common questions
How long does a house move take?
A packed studio is about 3 hours. A 2 bedroom is usually 3–5 hours. A 3–4 bedroom family home is 6–8 hours. A 5+ bedroom is 8–12 hours.
How long do removalists take for a 3 bedroom house?
A well-packed 3–4 bedroom home is usually 6–8 hours for two removalists and a 28 m³ truck. Stairs and long carries add time.
Is there a minimum number of removalist hours?
Glide Move has a three-hour minimum, then 30-minute increments. Travel between the two properties is included in the quote.
What makes a house move take longer?
Unpacking as you go, no lift booking, parking far from the door, steep drives, and still packing when the truck arrives.