# How Long Does It Take To Pack? [![Profile picture for user blee@arcb.com](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2020-03/Brittney2.png.webp?itok=bTCtAccV)](/author/brittney-lee) By: [Brittney Lee](/author/brittney-lee "View user profile.") May 27, 2025 In: [Packing and Loading](/articles/category/packing-and-loading) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-pack) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-pack&title=How%20Long%20Does%20It%20Take%20To%20Pack%3F) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20Long%20Does%20It%20Take%20To%20Pack%3F&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-pack) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-pack&media=&description=How%20Long%20Does%20It%20Take%20To%20Pack%3F) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=How%20Long%20Does%20It%20Take%20To%20Pack%3F&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-pack) ## Packing takes time. Here’s how to plan for it. Packing is one of those tasks that always takes longer than you think it should. Before starting, it’s easy to believe you can knock it out in a weekend. But then you remember the kitchen full of pans and dishes you still need to use. And the kid’s room full of toys they’ll want to play with until moving day. Suddenly, this straightforward task gets a little more complex. So, when should you start on each room? And how much time should you block off to get it all done? ![Having moving supplies ready makes it take less time to pack.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) encoding="utf-8" ? ## Build a personalized packing timeline Get a custom packing plan in three simple steps: ### 1. Calculate the time needed to pack Start with the total hours needed based on the size of your home: Home Size Time needed to pack Studio/1 bedroom apartment 10-20 hours 2-bedroom home/apartment 20-40 hours 3-bedroom home/apartment 40-60 hours 4-bedroom home 60-80 hours 5+ bedroom home 80-100+ hours Adjust the time by considering the amount of stuff in each room (more stuff = more time) and add 3-5 hours for storage buildings, basements or attics. If family or [friends are helping with the move](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/should-you-ask-friends-to-help-you-move), divide the total hours by the number of people. For example, two people can do 40 hours of packing in 20 hours. If you’ll only have help part of the time, subtract the time they can help from the total packing hours. ### 2. Know when you’re available Going to dinner with friends before the move? Have an event you committed to months ago? Write it down so you know how many days are free for packing. Then, think through your normal routine (plus all the other tasks on your [moving checklist](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/documents-and-tools/moving-checklist)) and block off any time those things will require. ### 3. Create a realistic schedule With your total packing hours calculated and everyone’s availability in mind, it’s time to build the schedule. Start with the end date (we recommend finishing the day before the moving equipment is dropped off), then divide the total packing hours by the number of days or weeks you have available. For example, if you need 40 hours to pack and have four weeks, you’ll need to pack about 10 hours per week. Distribute those hours across the available days, adjusting for your schedule. To help stay on track, assign specific tasks to each week based on priority: - **Early Weeks:** Pack non-essentials like seasonal items, décor and rarely used rooms. - **Middle Weeks:** Focus on larger areas like bedrooms, closets and the kitchen. - **Final Week:** Pack daily essentials and last-minute items. Having a clear, personalized timeline will help you go from planning to fully packed before you know it! ## Want more packing tips? Check out the U-Pack® [complete guide to packing](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/packing-tips) to learn how to handle all parts of the process. 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Use this guide from the moving experts at U-Pack to keep your favorite gadgets safe. ](/articles/how-to-pack-small-appliances) [![A white couch in a living room, ready to be wrapped for a move.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### How to Wrap and Move a Couch Learn how to properly wrap and protect your couch, recliner or sectional to keep it safe during a long-distance move. ](/articles/how-to-wrap-and-move-a-couch) [![Placing shoes and other clothes in a suitcase.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### The Secret to Packing Clothing for a Move: A Step-by-Step Guide Keep your clothing clean, organized and looking great when moving long distance with these professional packing tips from the moving experts at U-Pack. ](/articles/whats-the-secret-to-packing-clothing) ## Looking for more articles? 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