Moving Short Distances: Why Your Move Will Still Take Time

Understanding the Factors that Affect Moving Time

Packing and Preparation

It’s easy to underestimate how long it takes to get your belongings ready for a move—even if you’re only relocating a few streets away. Fragile pieces need careful wrapping, furniture may require disassembly, and each box must be properly labeled. Whether you have a studio apartment or a multi-bedroom home, the packing process can span several days (or longer) depending on the amount of stuff you own and how systematically you tackle the task.

Loading and Unloading

Once your items are securely packed, loading them onto a truck or van is another time-consuming step. Each box and piece of furniture has to be moved out of your current home, carefully stacked in the vehicle, and then unloaded at your new address. Even a short trip down the road involves multiple steps: maneuvering through doors, hallways, and potentially using stairwells or elevators. The more possessions you have—or the bulkier they are—the more trips or effort this will require.

Organization and Set-Up

After everything arrives at your new place, you still need to unpack and arrange it. This involves reassembling furniture, hooking up appliances, and deciding where each item should go. Even if your new home is just upstairs or around the corner, the organization phase can easily consume a day or more. Proper planning and labeling during the packing stage can help, but it’s wise to budget extra time for settling in.

The Myth of the Quick Local Move

Common Misconceptions

Many people assume that a short distance move is “easy” simply because the travel time is minimal. In reality, the bulk of the work—packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking—doesn’t change based on how close your new home is. Those steps are just as involved whether you’re crossing a state line or relocating to a unit two floors up.

Realistic Time Expectations

A small in-building move can still take a few hours, particularly if you have a sizable amount of furniture or if you’re managing the move by yourself. For multi-room homes, expect to dedicate most of a day (or longer) to the process. Having realistic expectations about how time-consuming a local move can be is crucial. This mindset can help you avoid stress and plan your day (or weekend) more effectively.

Special Considerations for In-Building Moves

Elevator Usage and Restrictions

Moving within the same building comes with its own unique set of challenges. If you have to use an elevator, you might need to reserve it ahead of time or abide by the building’s specific moving hours. Shared elevators can also cause delays since you’ll be juggling space with neighbors. Knowing and following these guidelines will help prevent unexpected holdups on moving day.

Navigating Tight Spaces

Apart from elevator scheduling, narrow hallways and doorways can make maneuvering large pieces of furniture difficult. Even if you’re moving just one floor up, you may need to tilt, pivot, or partially disassemble furniture to get it through tight spots. It’s a good idea to measure bulky items beforehand so you know in advance if they’ll fit in the elevator or around corners without a problem.

Tips to Make Your Short Distance Move More Efficient

Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to streamline your move is to start planning early. Create a detailed checklist of tasks such as packing, scheduling your elevator (if applicable), transferring utilities, and gathering supplies. Spread out these tasks over several days or weeks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Label boxes by room to speed up the unpacking process, and consider packing an “essentials” box for things you’ll need immediately, like toiletries or a change of clothes.

Hire Professional Movers

Although it might seem unnecessary for a short-distance relocation, hiring professionals can save you a considerable amount of time and effort. Experienced movers know how to load items efficiently, navigate tight spaces, and handle fragile possessions safely. Six Moving also offer packing services, which can be especially helpful if you’re short on time. While there’s an added cost, the peace of mind and reduced physical labor often make it worthwhile—especially when you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities.