When it comes to relocating, the most anticipated—and often the most nerve-racking—phase is moving day itself. All the packing, coordination, and planning boil down to this one critical day. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, having a clearly defined moving day timeline is essential to ensure everything runs efficiently and stress is kept to a minimum.
So, what can you realistically expect from sunrise to sunset on moving day? In this comprehensive guide, we break down the entire process into a detailed timeline, provide professional insights, and offer actionable tips. From the first cup of coffee to the final box in your new home, this article walks you through every hour of your moving day journey.
Table of Content
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Rise Early and Double-Check Everything
The early morning hours are all about preparation, calm focus, and last-minute confirmations. Even if you’ve spent weeks organizing and packing, moving day can still bring surprises. Starting the day early allows for a smoother pace and helps avoid the stress of running out of time before the movers arrive.
Here’s what to do first:
- Wake up early and prepare for a long, physical day. Eat a hearty breakfast, dress in comfortable clothes, and make sure your phone is fully charged. These small actions set the tone for a productive day.
- Double-check your essentials bag. This should include medications, chargers, water bottles, snacks, important documents, cleaning supplies, and any valuables. Keep it somewhere safe and separate from your packed boxes.
Additional early morning tasks include:
- Walk through every room to ensure nothing has been left behind.
- Defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge if you haven’t already.
- Take out trash and recycling to avoid last-minute clutter.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Movers Arrive and Inventory Process Begins
During this window, your professional movers—like the trained team from Apex Moving Systems—should arrive promptly and begin their initial assessments. Their first priority is conducting a walkthrough to understand what needs to be moved, the layout of your home, and any obstacles like stairs or narrow hallways.
What typically happens during this period:
- Walkthrough with the moving crew. You’ll walk through your home with the moving supervisor to highlight fragile items, pre-packed boxes, furniture that requires disassembly, and anything that will not be moved.
- Inventory and documentation. Movers may document your items or ask you to sign paperwork verifying the condition and number of belongings. This step ensures protection and clarity for both parties in case of claims.
Don’t forget:
- Point out any boxes marked “open first” or labeled as fragile.
- Clearly indicate the location of your essentials box, which should travel with you.
- Make sure pets and small children are in a safe, enclosed space to avoid any disruptions.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Loading the Truck and Final Home Check
Once the inventory is complete and everyone is on the same page, the actual loading process begins. This can take several hours depending on the size of your home, number of items, and complexity of the move. Experienced movers follow a strategic plan when loading to ensure safety and maximize space.
Key aspects during this timeframe:
- Professional loading techniques. Large furniture and heavy boxes are loaded first, followed by medium-sized boxes and fragile items. Movers use padding, straps, and dollies to minimize risk.
- Final room-by-room check. As each room is cleared, perform a final sweep. Open closets, drawers, and cabinets one last time. This is also your last chance to clean or patch up any damage.
Here’s a loading order checklist:
- Start with furniture like sofas, beds, dressers.
- Load heavier boxes first and stack lighter ones on top.
- Use moving blankets and straps to secure everything.
Sample Moving Labor Pricing Table
| Home Size | Estimated Loading Time | Movers Needed | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2–3 hours | 2 movers | $300 – $500 |
| 2–3 Bedroom House | 4–6 hours | 3–4 movers | $600 – $1,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom House | 6–8+ hours | 4–5 movers | $1,000 – $1,800+ |
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Departure and Transit to the New Home
Once everything is loaded, it’s time for one of the most exciting parts—departing for your new home. Whether it’s a short or long drive, you should have a plan in place for both your family and the movers.
Things to keep in mind:
- Confirm the destination address and arrival time. Ensure the moving team knows exactly where they’re going and how to contact you if needed.
- Travel separately and keep essentials with you. Don’t put your essentials bag in the moving truck—carry it with you. If you’re driving a long distance, have a travel route planned with fuel stops, food options, and any necessary overnight stays.
If moving long-distance:
- Provide movers with a contact timeline and verify how they will update you on their progress.
- Confirm delivery date and cross-check it with your lease or property access schedule.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Unloading and New Home Setup
Upon arrival, it’s time to reverse the process. The unloading phase requires just as much attention as the loading phase. Be available to direct movers where to place boxes and furniture. This helps avoid backtracking and speeds up the process.
What to expect:
- Room-by-room unloading. Movers will place boxes according to labels. Make sure the pathway inside your new home is clear and safe.
- Reassembly of furniture. If disassembled during loading, movers will now reassemble items like bed frames and tables.
Tips for a smoother setup:
- Start by arranging large furniture so you can visualize the layout.
- Check every room to confirm no boxes are missing.
- Begin unpacking only the essentials on Day 1 (kitchen items, toiletries, bed linens).
Moving Day Wrap-Up: Post-Move Essentials
Even though the heavy lifting is done, there are a few final things to take care of. Post-move organization ensures a smoother transition and helps you feel settled faster. Take some time to appreciate your new space, but also stay on top of important follow-ups.
Final tasks for the day:
- Inspect for damages. Take pictures of any scuffs or broken items and notify the moving company promptly. Apex Moving Systems offers clear damage claim policies.
- Tip the movers (optional but appreciated). Tipping varies but is generally $20–$50 per mover depending on the scope of the move and quality of service.
Also:
- Begin unpacking your essentials bag and prepare for your first night.
- Celebrate! Order takeout, toast with your family, and rest after a long but successful day.
FAQs About Moving Day Timeline
Most movers arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on your scheduled time slot. Confirm the time with your moving company a few days in advance.
A typical moving day can last 6–10 hours depending on the size of your home, distance to your new place, and complexity of the move.
Be available to answer questions, guide placement of items, and supervise fragile or special items. Avoid micromanaging, but stay engaged to ensure things go smoothly.
Yes, most professional movers—like Apex Moving Systems—offer furniture reassembly services. Be sure to clarify this in your service agreement ahead of time.
