Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Your Detailed Moving Timeline, Insights from Experts & How to Save Time
If you’re planning a move within Chicago or one of its nearby suburbs, you’re probably wondering: “How long will my local move actually take?” Whether you’re relocating from a high-rise apartment in River North to a single-family home in the suburbs, or just moving across town, time is always a top concern.
At Mid-West Moving & Storage, we’ve completed thousands of local moves across the Chicago area over the past four decades. From the heart of downtown to the far reaches of Naperville, Arlington Heights, and beyond, we know the logistics of Chicagoland moving better than anyone. In this blog post, we’ll break down the estimated time it takes to complete different types of local moves, the key factors that affect your move time, a real-life timeline example, and practical tips to help make your moving day faster and more efficient.
What Is a Local Move in Chicago?
A “local move” typically refers to any relocation within a 50-mile radius of your current home. In Chicago, this might mean:
- Moving from a Loop apartment to a condo in Lakeview
- Relocating from Rogers Park to Skokie or Evanston
- Shifting from Naperville to a neighboring suburb like Lisle or Wheaton
While the distance might seem short, moving locally in a city like Chicago can be complex. Factors like one-way streets, parking permits, elevator reservations, and traffic congestion all come into play. Just because you’re staying within the metro area doesn’t mean it’s a quick or easy task.
Quick Visual Guide: Estimated move times, key timing factors, and how to save hours on your move.
Average Move Times by Home Size
Here’s a general guide to how long a local move might take, based on the size of your home:
| Home Size | Estimated Time | Recommended Crew Size |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 – 4 hours | 2 movers |
| 1-Bedroom | 3 – 5 hours | 2 movers |
| 2-Bedroom | 4 – 6 hours | 3 movers |
| 3-Bedroom | 6 – 8 hours | 3 – 4 movers |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 8 – 12+ hours | 4 – 5 movers |
These estimates assume you are fully packed and ready to go. If your movers need to pack your belongings or disassemble large furniture, it can add time. Likewise, if you’re moving during peak traffic hours or in inclement weather, that can impact the timeline too.
Note: Moves that exceed 8 hours are often split over two days, especially for large homes or complex logistics.
Key Factors That Affect Your Moving Time
Every move is different. Even if two families have the same size home, their moving timelines can vary dramatically based on several variables:
- Packing Preparedness: Are your boxes labeled, sealed, and stacked by the door? Or are you still filling them on the morning of your move? Fully packed homes move significantly faster.
- Furniture Volume and Weight: Moving a minimalist apartment is quicker than relocating a home filled with oversized furniture, antiques, and artwork. Specialty items like pianos or pool tables require extra time and care.
- Building Access: Do you live on the third floor of a walk-up with narrow stairs? Does your condo require elevator reservations or loading dock permits? These elements can extend your move by an hour or more.
- Distance Between Properties: Even local moves within Chicago can be delayed by traffic patterns, red light timing, or events. A 5-mile drive could take 15 minutes—or 45, depending on the time of day.
- Weather Conditions: Chicago winters are no joke. Snow, ice, or even heavy rain can slow loading and unloading times significantly.
- Day of the Week and Time of Month: Most people move on weekends or at the end of the month, which means buildings are busier, and professional movers are in high demand. Scheduling a mid-week, mid-month move can often help you save time and money.
Sample Timeline: 2-Bedroom Apartment in Chicago
Let’s take a realistic look at how a typical move plays out. Imagine you’re moving from a 2-bedroom apartment in Logan Square to a new unit in Lincoln Park.
Realistic Timeline for a Local Move:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Movers arrive, initial walk-through |
| 8:15 AM | Begin loading boxes and furniture |
| 10:15 AM | Truck is fully loaded |
| 10:30 AM | Depart for new location |
| 11:00 AM | Arrive and begin unloading |
| 1:00 PM | Furniture and boxes placed as directed |
| 1:30 PM | Final walk-through and sign-off |
Total Time: Approximately 5.5 hours
This assumes good weather, decent parking access, and that you’re fully packed and ready. If you’re still taping up boxes or waiting on elevator access, things could easily stretch another hour or two.
How to Make Your Move Go Faster
There are several practical steps you can take before moving day that will help keep your relocation on schedule:
Declutter Before Packing
The fewer items you bring with you, the faster and more affordable your move will be. Sort through closets, drawers, and storage areas. Donate items you no longer use, recycle what you can, and throw away anything broken or outdated.
Pack Early and Label Clearly
Start packing well in advance and use sturdy boxes. Label each box with both its contents and the room it belongs in. This helps the movers work more efficiently when unloading and makes unpacking much easier for you.
Arrange Elevator and Parking Access in Advance
If you’re moving in or out of an apartment building, contact your property manager ahead of time to reserve any necessary freight elevators or loading zones. Doing this in advance prevents delays and ensures your movers can stay on track.
Consider Full-Service Moving Options
If you’re short on time or overwhelmed by logistics, full-service moving may be worth it. At Mid-West Moving & Storage, we offer professional packing, furniture disassembly, and setup services. Our experienced team handles every detail with care, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space.
We Know Chicago, and We Know Moving
From busy streets in the Loop to quiet cul-de-sacs in the suburbs, we’ve seen every moving scenario imaginable. Our local crews understand the timing quirks of different neighborhoods, know how to navigate city permits, and can advise you on how to get the job done efficiently.
When you hire Mid-West Moving & Storage, you’re getting more than just manpower. You’re getting local expertise, personalized service, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your timeline matters to us.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
If you want to know exactly how long your move will take, give us a call. We’ll provide a personalized quote based on your home size, location, and schedule preferences. You can also use our convenient online Moving Cost Calculator to get a quick estimate in minutes.
Contact Mid-West Moving & Storage today to get started. Our experienced team is here to help you plan, pack, and move with confidence—right on time.
