How Long Does Moving Take? Realistic Timelines for Your Colorado Springs Move

Quick Answer: Local Colorado Springs moves typically take 4-8 hours for average homes, including loading, transport, and unloading. Studio apartments take 3-4 hours, 2-bedroom homes take 5-6 hours, and 3-bedroom homes take 6-8 hours. Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) take 8-12+ hours. Time varies based on distance, stairs, item quantity, packing status, and Colorado Springs-specific factors like altitude, hills, and weather.

You've scheduled your move and taken the day off work—but how much time should you actually block off? Understanding realistic moving timelines helps you plan your day, coordinate with movers, arrange childcare or pet care, and avoid the stress of an unexpectedly long moving day.

This guide breaks down moving times by home size, explains factors that speed up or slow down moves, and provides Colorado Springs-specific considerations affecting your timeline.

Average Moving Times by Home Size

Professional movers estimate time based on home size, number of items, and distance. Here are realistic averages for local Colorado Springs moves:

Important Note: These times assume professionally packed boxes ready to load, reasonable access at both locations, and no unusual circumstances. Actual times vary based on factors detailed below.

What Affects Moving Time

Multiple factors influence how long your move takes. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly.

Packing Status

Fully Packed and Ready (Fastest): All items boxed, labeled, furniture prepared, appliances disconnected. Movers load immediately without delay. This is the timeline basis for estimates above.

Partially Packed (Add 30-50% time): Some items still need boxing on moving day. Movers wait while you finish or charge for packing services. A 6-hour move becomes 8-9 hours.

Unpacked (Add 100-200% time): Nothing packed when movers arrive. Either hire full packing services (scheduled separate day) or movers pack during your move (doubles time and cost). A 6-hour move becomes 12-18 hours.

For detailed room-by-room packing strategies and timelines ensuring you're ready before movers arrive, see our comprehensive guide on How to Pack for Moving.

Stairs and Elevators

Vertical distance significantly impacts moving time:

Ground Floor to Ground Floor: Baseline time with no stair adjustments.

One Flight of Stairs: Add 30-45 minutes total (stairs at origin or destination).

Two Flights of Stairs: Add 60-90 minutes total.

Three+ Flights Without Elevator: Add 90-120+ minutes. Many Colorado Springs older apartments and walk-ups fall in this category.



Elevator Access: Faster than stairs but requires scheduling and can cause delays if shared with other building residents. Add 15-30 minutes for elevator coordination.

Distance Between Locations

Colorado Springs geography affects transport time:

• Same neighborhood (0-3 miles): 15-30 minutes transport time
• Across town (4-8 miles): 30-60 minutes transport time
• Opposite sides of city (9-15 miles): 45-90 minutes transport time
• Including suburbs (Fountain, Manitou, Monument): 60-120 minutes transport time

Factor in rush hour traffic on I-25 and Academy Boulevard (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays) which can add 20-40 minutes. Check CDOT Traffic Conditions for current traffic patterns when scheduling your move.

Carrying Distance

Distance from truck to entrance affects time significantly:

• Truck at front door: Baseline time
• 50-100 feet from door: Add 30-45 minutes
• 100+ feet from door: Add 60-90 minutes
• Separate building parking (apartment complexes): Add 45-90 minutes

Many Colorado Springs neighborhoods have limited street parking, narrow driveways, or HOA restrictions requiring trucks to park away from entrances. Arrange parking permits in advance—contact City of Colorado Springs for temporary street parking if needed.

Heavy or Specialty Items

Large, heavy, or delicate items require extra time and care:

• Piano: Add 60-90 minutes for moving and protection
• Gun safe (500+ lbs): Add 45-75 minutes depending on stairs
• Pool table: Add 90-120 minutes for disassembly and reassembly
• Hot tub: Add 2-4 hours (requires draining, specialized equipment)
• Large furniture pieces: Add 15-30 minutes each for sectionals, armoires, or entertainment centers

Number of Movers

Crew size dramatically affects completion time:

More movers cost more hourly but complete moves faster, potentially saving money overall. A 2-person crew taking 10 hours costs the same as a 4-person crew taking 5 hours, but the 4-person crew finishes in half the time.

Colorado Springs-Specific Timing Factors

Altitude and Physical Demands

Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet elevation with neighborhoods ranging to 7,000+ feet. Altitude affects moving crew performance:

• Movers tire faster at altitude, especially crews from lower elevations
• More frequent breaks needed (add 10-15% time for high-altitude moves)
• Heavy lifting becomes more challenging with thinner air
• Foothill neighborhoods (Broadmoor, Skyway, Mountain Shadows) combine altitude with steep terrain

Factor in extra time for moves above 7,000 feet or with significant elevation changes between origin and destination.

Hills and Steep Driveways

Many Colorado Springs neighborhoods feature steep terrain:

• Broadmoor, Skyway, Flying Horse: Steep driveways require careful truck positioning and extra carrying time
• Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs: Hillside properties with multiple outdoor stairs
• Rockrimmon, Mountain Shadows: Sloped lots with challenging access

Steep driveways and hills add 20-40% time compared to flat terrain. Winter ice and snow compound difficulty further.

Weather Conditions

Colorado Springs weather impacts moving time significantly:

Summer Thunderstorms (June-August): Afternoon storms can halt moving for 30-60 minutes. Schedule morning moves when possible. Check National Weather Service Pueblo forecast before moving day.

Winter Snow and Ice (November-March): Snow removal, ice melt application, and careful footing add 30-50% time. Protect floors from salt and moisture damage, which requires extra care slowing moves.

High Winds (Year-round): Colorado Springs wind gusts can reach 60+ mph, making it dangerous to carry large items. Strong wind days may require rescheduling.

Extreme Heat (July-August): Temperatures above 90°F require more hydration breaks and slower pacing. Add 15-20% time for hot-weather moves.

Military Base Access

Moves to or from Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, or Schriever Space Force Base require additional time:

• Base access clearance (15-30 minutes at gate)
• Security checks and ID verification
• Base speed limits and traffic
• Specific base moving regulations and scheduling windows

Contact base housing offices for moving requirements and add 45-90 minutes to standard move times. Visit Fort Carson MWR or Peterson Space Force Base websites for specific requirements.

HOA and Apartment Restrictions

Many Colorado Springs communities have moving restrictions affecting timing:

• Briargate, Wolf Ranch, Cordera: HOA rules may restrict moving to specific hours or require advance notification
• Downtown apartments: Elevator reservations and loading zone scheduling required
• Luxury complexes: Move-in/move-out fees, deposits, and mandatory times

These restrictions can limit your moving window, sometimes requiring early morning starts or preventing weekend moves. Confirm requirements when booking.

Typical Moving Day Timeline

Understanding what happens hour-by-hour helps you plan your day:

Hour 1: Arrival and Walkthrough (30-45 minutes)

• Movers arrive and introduce crew
• Walkthrough of both locations (if possible)
• Review contract, estimate, and special instructions
• Identify challenging items (pianos, safes, fragile items)
• Discuss furniture placement at destination
• Set up floor protection and door guards

Hours 2-4: Loading Phase (Variable by Home Size)

• Systematic room-by-room loading
• Furniture wrapping and protection
• Box stacking and organization in truck
• Inventory tracking of items loaded
• Disassembly of furniture as needed

Loading takes longest and requires most physical effort. This phase determines overall move efficiency.

Hour 5: Transit Time (30-120 minutes)

• Travel from origin to destination
• Colorado Springs traffic navigation
• Brief break for crew (often during transit)

Hours 6-8: Unloading Phase (Similar to Loading Time)

• Systematic unloading room by room
• Furniture placement per your directions
• Reassembly of furniture
• Box placement in designated rooms
• Inventory verification
• Debris removal (blankets, padding, shrink wrap)

Final 30 Minutes: Walkthrough and Completion

• Final inventory check against loading list
• Inspection for damage at both locations
• Sign-off on completion documents
• Payment and tipping
• Address any concerns or questions

For detailed guidance on what to do during each phase and how to help the process run smoothly, see our comprehensive Moving Day Tips guide.

How to Speed Up Your Move

These preparations significantly reduce moving time:

Before Movers Arrive

Be 100% Packed: The single biggest time-saver. Everything boxed, labeled, and ready to load. Even partially unpacked moves take significantly longer.

Disassemble Furniture: If movers charge by the hour, pre-disassembling beds, tables, and shelving saves billable time. Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to furniture.

Clear Pathways: Remove obstacles, rugs, decorations, and anything obstructing hallways, stairs, and doorways. Movers shouldn't navigate around clutter.

Protect Floors: Lay down protective materials yourself rather than having movers do it, saving 15-20 minutes.

Reserve Parking: Have truck parking spot cleared and ready. Place cones or chairs to hold space if street parking is tight.

Arrange Elevator Access: Reserve elevators in advance and confirm reservation morning of move. Have keys or access codes ready.

Our detailed guide on How to Prepare for Movers covers every preparation step ensuring maximum efficiency when movers arrive.

During the Move

Be Present and Available: Answer questions promptly about furniture placement and special items. Don't make movers wait while you decide.

Keep Children and Pets Away: Moving crews work faster without navigating around kids or pets. Arrange childcare or pet sitting for moving day.

Have Clear Plan for Furniture Placement: Know where each piece goes before unloading starts. Indecision slows the process.

Provide Refreshments: Cold water and snacks keep crew hydrated and energized, especially during Colorado Springs summer heat. Hydrated movers work more efficiently.

Stay Out of the Way: While being available, don't hover or interrupt workflow. Trust movers to do their job.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that slow moves:

• Trying to pack during moving time
• Frequent interruptions for non-urgent questions
• Indecision about furniture placement requiring multiple moves
• Blocking movers' path with personal activities
• Leaving prohibited items movers can't transport (see What Do Movers Not Move)
• Inadequate parking arrangements causing long carries
• Unclear instructions requiring constant clarification

Long-Distance Moves vs. Local Moves

Timing differs significantly between local and long-distance moves:

Local Moves (Within Colorado Springs)

• Loading, transport, and unloading happen same day
• Total time: 3-12 hours depending on size
• One crew handles entire move
• Charged hourly in most cases

Long-Distance Moves (Out of State)

• Loading day: 3-8 hours depending on home size
• Transit time: 1-14+ days depending on distance
• Delivery window rather than specific day
• Often different crew for loading vs. unloading
• Charged by weight and distance, not hours

For comprehensive guidance on all aspects of local moving including planning timelines, see our complete Local Moving Guide covering everything from booking movers through settling into your new home.

Planning Your Moving Day Schedule

Use this framework to plan your day:

Morning Start (7-9 AM)

Best For: Larger homes, summer moves (beat afternoon heat/storms), maximum time before rental truck return deadlines.

Schedule:

• 7:00 AM: Final preparations, coffee
• 8:00 AM: Movers arrive
• 8:00-8:30 AM: Walkthrough and setup
• 8:30 AM-12:00 PM: Loading phase
• 12:00-1:00 PM: Transit and lunch break
• 1:00-5:00 PM: Unloading phase
• 5:00-5:30 PM: Final walkthrough, completion

Afternoon Start (12-2 PM)

Best For: Smaller moves, customers who can't take full day off, moves avoiding morning traffic.

Considerations: May extend into evening, less time buffer for unexpected delays, possible overtime if move runs long.

Time to Block Off Work

Plan for entire day even if move should take only 4-6 hours:

• Unexpected delays happen frequently
• Post-move settling requires time (unpacking essentials, checking utilities)
• Stress and fatigue make returning to work impractical
• Both moving day and day after off is ideal for larger moves

When Moves Take Longer Than Expected

Sometimes moves exceed estimates. Common reasons include:

Customer-Related Delays:

• Not fully packed when movers arrive
• More items than discussed during estimate
• Last-minute packing or sorting during move
• Unclear furniture placement decisions
• Restricted items requiring removal (see What Do Movers Not Move)

Property-Related Delays:

• Access issues (locked gates, unavailable building managers)
• Parking difficulties requiring longer carries
• Elevator malfunctions or conflicts with other residents
• Furniture not fitting through doorways requiring disassembly
• Undisclosed stairs or difficult terrain

External Delays:

• Traffic accidents on I-25 or major routes
• Weather deterioration (Colorado Springs afternoon storms)
• Mechanical issues with moving truck
• Previous job running over (affecting your start time)

Most professional movers communicate proactively about delays and work to minimize impact. Build buffer time into your schedule anticipating potential issues.

Estimating Your Specific Move Time

Use this formula for personalized estimate:

Step 1: Base Time - Start with average time for your home size (see table at top)

Step 2: Add for Complications

• Each flight of stairs: +30-45 minutes
• Distance over 10 miles: +30 minutes per additional 5 miles
• Long carrying distance: +30-60 minutes
• Each specialty item: +30-90 minutes
• Not fully packed: +30-50% of base time
• Altitude above 7,000 ft: +15% of base time
• Winter weather: +20-30% of base time

Step 3: Adjust for Crew Size

• Larger crew: Reduce time by 30-60%
• Smaller crew: Increase time by 30-50%

Example Calculation:

3-bedroom Colorado Springs home, fully packed, one flight of stairs at origin, moving from central city to Briargate (12 miles), piano included, 3-person crew:

• Base time: 7 hours (average for 3-bedroom)
• Add for stairs: +45 minutes
• Add for piano: +75 minutes
• Distance adjustment: minimal (within typical local range)
• Crew adjustment: 3-person crew is standard (no adjustment)
• Total estimated time: 9 hours

What to Do If Move Runs Long

If your move extends beyond estimated time:

Stay Calm: Extended moves are common. Stress doesn't speed things up and may slow careful work.

Communicate with Crew: Ask for realistic updated completion time. Professional movers can gauge remaining work accurately.

Adjust Plans: Call childcare, pet sitters, or anyone expecting you at specific times. Update them with realistic timeline.

Consider Priorities: If running very late, prioritize essential furniture and boxes. Non-essential items can be moved separately.

Understand Charges: If paying hourly, longer moves cost more. However, rushing movers to save money risks damage. Balance speed with safety.

Maintain Hydration: Keep crew supplied with water, especially during long Colorado Springs summer moves. Dehydrated movers slow down and risk injury.

For complete guidance on handling unexpected situations and keeping moves on track, our Moving Day Tips covers troubleshooting and problem-solving strategies.

Budgeting Time for Moving Week

Beyond moving day itself, budget time for related activities:

For a complete task-by-task timeline covering everything from 8 weeks before moving day through your first week in the new home, download our comprehensive Local Moving Checklist.



Questions to Ask Movers About Timing

When booking your move, ask these questions to set accurate expectations:

• "What is your estimated time for a move of my home size?"
• "What factors could extend the estimated time?"
• "How do stairs/elevators affect the timeline?"
• "Do you charge for drive time between locations?"
• "What happens if the move takes longer than estimated?"
• "What time will the crew arrive?"
• "Is there a minimum number of hours charged?"
• "How do you handle weather delays?"
• "What can I do to help the move go faster?"

Professional moving companies provide realistic estimates based on experience. Trust their expertise while preparing appropriately on your end.

Making the Most of Your Moving Day

Realistic time expectations prevent stress and disappointment. Most customers underestimate moving time, leading to rushed feelings and anxiety about delays. Understanding that moves take as long as they take—and that careful, safe work matters more than speed—helps you approach moving day with appropriate mindset.

Block off the entire day, prepare thoroughly, trust professional movers to work efficiently, and remember that a few extra hours spent moving carefully prevents damage worth thousands of dollars. The goal isn't the fastest possible move—it's a successful move where everything arrives safely at your new Colorado Springs home.

At Peace Of Mind Moving And Hauling Services, we provide realistic time estimates based on years of Colorado Springs moving experience. We understand local factors affecting timing—from Broadmoor's steep driveways to Briargate's HOA requirements to summer afternoon storms. We work efficiently without rushing, prioritizing the safety of your belongings and our crew. When you're ready for a move with accurate timing expectations and professional execution, we're here to make it happen.