Your guide to realistic timelines and moving day planning
When you’re planning a residential or office move in Fort Collins, one of the most important questions to answer is: “How long will it take?” Whether you’re relocating a studio apartment, a family home, or an entire business, time matters—especially if you’re trying to minimize disruption and stick to a budget.
At The Move Caddies, we believe in setting clear expectations. Here’s a breakdown of typical moving timelines by home size or business type, including factors that can affect your schedule and a helpful checklist to prepare for the big day.
How Long Does It Take to Move in Fort Collins?
By Home Size
Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment:
2–4 hours
Perfect for light to moderate furniture loads. Two professional movers and one truck usually get the job done quickly.
2–3 Bedroom Home:
4–6 hours
Most common for families in Fort Collins. Expect 2–3 movers, depending on access and volume.
4+ Bedroom Home:
🕘 6–10+ hours
Larger homes with more furniture and belongings take longer. A bigger crew (3–5 movers) helps speed up the process, but tight hallways, stairs, or packing needs can stretch the day.
By Business Type
Small Office Moves:
3–4 hours
Includes desks, chairs, and office equipment for teams under 10. Weekend or after-hours moves help reduce downtime.
Large Office Relocations:
5–8+ hours
Multi-department offices or those with specialized equipment can take most of the day. Professional coordination and labeling make a huge difference.
Factors That Can Affect Your Moving Timeline
- Volume of Items: The more stuff you have, the longer it takes—especially large furniture, delicate items, or bulky storage.
- Accessibility: Stairs, elevators, long driveways, and tight entryways add time to both loading and unloading.
- Packing Status: Are boxes ready to go? Full-service packing speeds things up, but DIY packing delays the process.
- Travel Distance: Even within Fort Collins, traffic and mileage between properties can impact the day’s schedule.
- Crew Size: More movers = faster work. Fewer movers = lower cost, but longer time. It’s all about finding the right balance for your budget and timeline.
Moving Day Checklist: Be Ready, Stay Efficient
- Label All Boxes by Room
Use color-coded labels and mark “fragile” clearly.
- Pack an Essentials Box
Include medications, chargers, toiletries, and documents you’ll need on day one.
- Disassemble Furniture in Advance
Beds, shelves, and desks can slow things down if not prepped.
- Clear Walkways & Entry Points
Make sure the movers have easy access to your home or office.
- Communicate with Your Movers
Be available for questions and walkthroughs throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Save Time with Full-Service Moving
If time is tight or you’d rather skip the heavy lifting, consider professional packing services or full-service moving options. It may cost more upfront but can save hours—or even days—of stress and effort.
Ready for a Smoother, Faster Move?
At The Move Caddies, we specialize in local and long-distance moves across Fort Collins, whether you’re shifting to a new apartment, upgrading your family home, or relocating your business. Our experienced movers know how to maximize efficiency while protecting your valuables—and your time.
Let’s make your next move seamless. Request a free quote today or contact us for expert guidance on planning your move.
FAQ: How Long Does a Move Take in Fort Collins?
Q. What’s the fastest type of move?
A. Studio and 1-bedroom apartments can often be completed in 2–4 hours with a professional crew.
Q. Can movers pack and move on the same day?
A. Yes—but it depends on the home size and crew availability. Full-service moving is great for tight schedules.
Q. How can I speed up my moving day?
A. Pack in advance, label boxes clearly, disassemble furniture ahead of time, and provide easy access for the moving team.
Q. Do business moves take longer than residential ones?
A. It depends on size. Small offices can move faster than large homes, but big commercial moves require detailed coordination.
Q. Should I book extra movers to reduce time?
A. Yes, adding more crew members can shorten the day—but keep in mind this may slightly increase your hourly rate.