Short answer: a typical studio takes two movers 3–3.75 hours, a 1-bedroom 3.75–5 hours, a 2-bedroom 4.5–6.5 hours with three movers, a 3-bedroom 6.5–8.5 hours with three or four, and a house with 4+ bedrooms 8.5–11 hours with four movers.
Typical time by home size
| Move size | Recommended crew | Typical hours |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / small 1BR | 2 movers + truck | 3–3.75 hours |
| 1 bedroom | 2 movers + truck | 3.75–5 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 movers + truck | 4.5–6.5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | 3–4 movers + truck | 6.5–8.5 hours |
| 4+ bedrooms / house | 4 movers + 1–2 trucks | 8.5–11 hours |
These are typical hours for a local move within Los Angeles. A move within one building can be much shorter: a studio from the 3rd to the 6th floor took two hours. With only two movers, 2- and 3-bedroom moves often run past 8 hours.
What makes a move take longer
- Amount of stuff. Boxes and loose items take longer than furniture of the same volume.
- Floor and elevator. Stairs, a shared elevator, or a booked elevator window at either end.
- Distance from truck to door. A long walk through a courtyard or garage adds up on every trip.
- Packing on the day. Packing a kitchen is often the single longest task.
- Disassembly. Beds, desks and wardrobes that are still assembled.
- Parking. No permit or loading space can mean extra carrying.
Why a bigger crew saves time and money
Two people can only carry one heavy item at a time, and they tire over a long day. On a 2- or 3-bedroom, a third or fourth mover keeps the truck loading steadily, so the job finishes in daylight and avoids the 1.5× overtime many movers charge after 8 hours. See two movers or three.
How to get a reliable time estimate
Send a room-by-room list, photos of larger furniture, and the access at both ends: floor, elevator, and where the truck can park. The more the crew knows in advance, the closer the estimate will be; elevator speed, building rules and traffic are the usual unknowns.
What these times cost · Calculate your move
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take movers to move a 1-bedroom apartment?
Typically 3.75–5 hours with two movers, depending on the amount of belongings, the floor, the elevator and the distance to the truck.
How long does it take to move a 2-bedroom apartment?
Typically 4.5–6.5 hours with three movers. With only two movers a 2-bedroom often takes 8 hours or more and costs more overall.
How many movers do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
Three or four movers; a typical 3-bedroom takes 6.5–8.5 hours. Fewer people turn it into a very long day, and many movers charge overtime after 8 hours.
How long does it take movers to pack a kitchen?
Kitchen packing is often the longest single task in a move. If you need it packed, plan a third mover or pack it yourself before moving day.