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.
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.
1. Packing (3– 6 hours)
Packing time depends on the size of the house and volume of belongings.
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:
High-rise buildings without lifts can add 30–40% more loading time.
3. Transit Within City (1–3 hours)
Local transit time depends on:
4. Unloading & Basic Setup (2–4 hours)
This includes unloading, placing cartons room-wise, and reassembling essential furniture.
8 to 14 hours (same-day completion in most cases)
Intercity house shifting involves long-distance transportation and requires more careful planning.
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:
Approximate Transit Timelines (Dedicated Vehicle):
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.
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.
Based on real move executions, these are the most common factors that influence shifting timelines:
More rooms and storage mean longer packing and handling time.
Lack of lift access or restricted truck parking increases loading and unloading duration.
Longer distances and congested city routes add to transit time.
Dedicated trucks ensure faster delivery compared to shared vehicles.
Month-end, weekends, and festive seasons experience higher demand, which can impact scheduling.
Homes that are sorted, labeled, and decluttered are always faster to shift.
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.
If you want your move to stay on schedule, these steps make a noticeable difference:
Small preparations can save several hours on moving day.
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.
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