How long does a house move take?
Most of the time on moving day is carrying, not driving. These are typical times for a local move under 10 km, with no stairs and the packing already done:
| Home | Crew | Typical time | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom unit | 2 movers + truck | 2.25–3.5 h | $380–$560 |
| 2-bedroom unit or house | 2 movers + truck | 3.25–4.5 h | $520–$700 |
| 3-bedroom house | 3 movers + truck | 3.75–5.5 h | $850–$1,200 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 3 movers + truck | 5.25–7.5 h | $1,150–$1,600 |
Your own move will be different, so use the 60-second estimator: it adds stairs, distance and packing for you.
What changes the time, and the price
- Stairs and lifts. Carrying down two flights takes a lot longer than walking out of a ground-floor unit. In apartment buildings, book the lift.
- Distance between the homes. The drive is part of the job, so Glenelg to Brighton costs less than Glenelg to Gawler.
- Parking and access. The closer the truck can park, the faster we go. Battle-axe blocks and long shared driveways, common in Adelaide, add carrying time.
- How ready you are. Boxes packed, taped and labelled before we arrive, beds stripped and drawers cleared of heavy things.
- Heavy items. Pianos, pool tables, safes and big double-door fridges need extra time and sometimes an extra mover.
What happens on the day
- Walk-through. We check with you what goes, what stays and what needs extra care.
- Protect. Furniture is wrapped in blankets and stretch wrap where it needs it.
- Load. Heavy, square pieces first so the load travels without shifting.
- Drive. Straight to your new place.
- Place. Furniture goes into the rooms you choose, and beds and tables that were taken apart are put back together.
What the hourly rate includes:
- Truck, fuel and tolls
- Furniture blankets and stretch wrap
- Trolleys, straps and tools
- Basic disassembly and reassembly of beds and tables
Moving checklist
Two weeks before
- Book your date. End-of-month dates and Fridays fill first.
- Living in an apartment? Book the lift and loading area with building management or the strata manager.
- Arrange electricity, gas and internet at the new address.
- Start packing the rooms you don't use every day.
The week before
- Use up frozen food and arrange mail redirection with Australia Post.
- Label every box with the room name on the side, not only the top.
- Measure big furniture and the narrowest doorway or stair at the new place.
The day before
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
- Disconnect the washing machine and drain the hoses.
- Pack an essentials box: chargers, medication, kettle, toilet paper and bedding.
- Keep cash, jewellery, passports and important documents with you, not in the truck.
On the day
- Keep the driveway or kerb clear so the truck can park close.
- Do a last walk-through: cupboards, garage, shed and the meter box keys.