How Long Does It Take to Shift a House? Realistic Timelines for Local & Intercity Moves

One of the most common questions homeowners ask before moving is: how long does it actually take to shift a house?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone.

From our on-ground experience handling local and intercity household moves across Delhi NCR and other major cities, we’ve seen that shifting timelines depend less on luck and more on planning, distance, access, and execution.

This guide breaks down realistic house shifting timelines—not ideal scenarios—so you can plan your move with clarity and fewer surprises.

How Long Does Local House Shifting Take?

Local house shifting typically refers to moves within the same city or nearby areas. With professional packers and movers and proper access, most local moves are completed in a single day.

Typical Timeline for Local House Shifting

1. Packing (3– 6 hours)
Packing time depends on the size of the house and volume of belongings.

• 1 BHK: ~3–4 hours
  
• 2 BHK: ~4–5 hours
  
• 3 BHK: ~5–6 hours
  

In apartment moves across Delhi NCR, homes that are pre-organized and decluttered usually get packed faster and more systematically.

2. Loading (1–2 hours)
Loading time increases if:

• There is no service lift
  
• Parking is far from the building
  
• Heavy furniture needs dismantling
  

High-rise buildings without lifts can add 30–40% more loading time.

3. Transit Within City (1–3 hours)
Local transit time depends on:

• Traffic conditions
  
• Distance between locations
  
• Time of day (weekday vs weekend)
  

4. Unloading & Basic Setup (2–4 hours)
This includes unloading, placing cartons room-wise, and reassembling essential furniture.

Total Time for Local House Shifting:

8 to 14 hours (same-day completion in most cases)

How Long Does Intercity House Shifting Take?

Intercity house shifting involves long-distance transportation and requires more careful planning.

Typical Intercity House Shifting Timeline

1. Packing & Loading (1 full day)
For intercity moves, packing is more detailed. Fragile items, appliances, and furniture are packed using multi-layer protection to withstand long road transit.

2. Transit Time (2–7 days)
Transit time depends on:

• Distance between cities
  
• Road conditions and permits
  
• Whether the vehicle is dedicated or shared

Approximate Transit Timelines (Dedicated Vehicle):

• 300–500 km: 2–3 days
  
• 500–1,000 km: 3–5 days
  
• 1,000+ km: 5–7 days

Shared vehicles may take 1–2 additional days due to consolidation and route planning.

3. Delivery & Unloading (Half to 1 day)
Once goods reach the destination city, unloading and basic setup are completed.

 Total Time for Intercity House Shifting:

3 to 8 days under normal road and weather conditions

Timelines may vary due to weather disruptions, highway restrictions, local regulations, or seasonal rush periods.

Real Factors That Affect House Shifting Time

Based on real move executions, these are the most common factors that influence shifting timelines:

 House Size & Volume

More rooms and storage mean longer packing and handling time.

 Lift & Access Conditions

Lack of lift access or restricted truck parking increases loading and unloading duration.

 Distance & Route

Longer distances and congested city routes add to transit time.

 Type of Vehicle Used

Dedicated trucks ensure faster delivery compared to shared vehicles.

 Moving Season

Month-end, weekends, and festive seasons experience higher demand, which can impact scheduling.

Level of Preparation

Homes that are sorted, labeled, and decluttered are always faster to shift.

Professional Packers & Movers vs DIY House Shifting

Many homeowners underestimate how time-consuming a DIY move can be.

Type of Move	Average Time
DIY Local Move	2–3 days
Professional Local Move	Same day
DIY Intercity Move	7–10 days
Professional Intercity Move	3–8 days

Professional packers and movers follow a structured process, use trained manpower, and minimize delays caused by poor planning.

How to Reduce Your House Shifting Time

If you want your move to stay on schedule, these steps make a noticeable difference:

• Declutter unnecessary items before packing day
  
• Inform society management about lift and parking access
  
• Keep important documents and essentials separately
  
• Avoid peak moving dates when possible
  
• Choose experienced packers and movers for house shifting
  

Small preparations can save several hours on moving day.

How ShiftKarado Plans Realistic Shifting Timelines

At ShiftKarado, shifting timelines are planned based on actual on-ground conditions, not assumptions.
Having managed thousands of household moves across Delhi NCR and intercity routes, our teams factor in access, distance, manpower, and vehicle type before committing to a timeline.

The focus is always on safe handling, realistic delivery schedules, and clear communication—whether it’s a local shift or a long-distance relocation.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long it takes to shift a house helps you plan better and avoid unnecessary stress. While timelines vary, choosing experienced packers and movers and preparing in advance significantly improves efficiency.

A well-planned move isn’t just faster—it’s safer, smoother, and far less stressful.