In general, loading takes about 1.5 – 2 times longer than unloading, or about 60% to 75% of the total hours. This is because when loading, you need to take the time to distribute weight carefully, secure items, and make the most of the space. When you're unloading, all you need to do is take everything out of the truck.
This is an important consideration when you're planning a move — you'll need an accurate estimate when booking movers, allocating time, and budgeting for moving costs.
Melanie Morris is an editor, writer, and one of the sharpest moving experts at HireAHelper. Seven years spent answering readers' toughest questions and demystifying a process most people dread has made her an authority on what movers actually need to know — and how to explain it without the jargon. Her own relocations around the Southwest and up and down the West Coast give her the firsthand experience to back it up. Whether you're crossing the country or just moving down the block, Melanie makes sure the advice you get is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to act on.
It takes longer to load a moving truck because you or your movers need to take the time to organize, secure, and fit everything in the truck. You and your moving team have to distribute weight properly, make sure all items are in place so they don’t shift, and maximize the space you have.
Unloading doesn't require as much coordination and planning — you or the movers just need to carry everything from the truck and right into your new home. No need to think about where heavy appliances go or how to keep items safe on the road. There's one big caveat: if your new home has lots of stairs or a long elevator ride, unloading can take just as long as loading.
One way to reduce both unloading and loading time — and save some cash in the process — is to work with experienced movers. With HireAHelper, you can find local labor-only movers to help with loading and unloading.
Wondering how much time it'll take to load and unload your moving truck? The table below shows you estimated times for different home sizes, assuming you have a two-person moving crew and standard household furniture. Adding more movers can reduce these times significantly — a three-person or four-person crew can work 25% to 50% faster, which is helpful if you're working with a tight schedule.
On average, you can expect professional movers to load a 26-foot moving truck in 4–8 hours.
Estimated Loading and Unloading Times for Different Home Sizes| Home Size | Est. Loading Time | Est. Unloading Time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | 2–3 hours | 1–2 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | 3–4 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| 3-Bedroom | 4–6 hours | 2.5–4 hours |
| 4+ Bedroom | 6–8 hours | 3–5 hours |
*Note: Times based on a 2-person professional crew. Adding a third crew member can reduce times by 25–35%.*
Because not every move is just carrying boxes in a straight line to the truck, there are some factors that can make your loading and unloading times longer (or shorter) than you think. Your specific times may depend on:
Whether you're moving out of a downtown studio apartment or a 5-bedroom suburban home, calculating loading and unloading time can help you estimate costs accurately. To ensure that the process runs safely and efficiently, use HireAHelper to find vetted and experienced movers in your area.
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