How Long Does It Take to Move into an Apartment? Factors to Consider When You’re Relocating
Relocating to a new place brings up a lot of questions: How long will it take to move into a new apartment? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
For families or individuals in transition, understanding the moving timeline can reduce stress and help you plan better.
In this article, we’ll look at what data tells us about average move-in times, the key factors that impact how long it takes, practical tips to speed things up and when an extended stay hotel might provide a smarter, temporary solution while you’re in between homes.
Key Takeaways
- Moving into an apartment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on approvals, setup needs and personal circumstances.
- Application processing, scheduling movers and coordinating utilities are some of the biggest factors that affect move-in timelines.
- Pre-applying, booking movers early and preparing essential items helps speed up the move-in process.
- Living in an extended stay hotel can serve as a practical short-term solution when apartment timelines are delayed or uncertain.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Move Into a New Apartment?
From start to finish, the process of finding and moving into a new apartment can take anywhere from two to six weeks for many renters.
The search and touring phase can take one to three weeks, depending on how quickly you find options that fit your needs and how soon tours are available.
Application processing can take days or even weeks, though some properties may move faster.
Once you’re approved, the physical move-in, which includes coordinating movers, picking up keys, setting up utilities and getting settled, can take two to 14 days, depending on how much you’re bringing and how much setup your new place requires.
Factors Affecting How Long Your Move Takes
Several factors play a role in how long it takes to move into an apartment.
Finding the Right Apartment
The time it takes to find the right apartment can add several days or even weeks to your overall move-in timeline. This phase can include researching neighborhoods, comparing prices, scheduling tours and waiting for openings in buildings you prefer.
If you’re flexible with location, budget or move-in dates, the search can move quicker. If you have specific needs, such as certain school districts, pet friendly units or particular amenities, you may spend more time searching for a place that feels right.
Application Process
Once you find a place you like, you’ll need to submit a rental application.
Applying for and being approved for an apartment can take several days to a few weeks, depending on background checks, credit checks, landlord or property manager responsiveness and demand in the area.
If you submit your application late in the leasing cycle or in a high-demand area, you may wait awhile to find a vacant rental that fits your needs. When turnover is high and vacancies low, even picking up keys may be delayed.
The faster you complete your application, payments and move-in paperwork, the quicker you can start the physical move.
Move-in Logistics
Once keys are in hand, you’ll need to schedule the actual move. This could include booking a truck or movers, reserving elevators or coordinating friends and family to help.
If you’re moving at peak times (weekends, end of month, turnover days) you may face higher demand for trucks or elevators, which can push your move-in day back. Local moves are generally faster than long-distance. Local moves can still take a few days to execute once vehicles, helpers and routes are lined up.
Furnishings and Utilities Setup
An apartment move becomes lengthier when you must furnish the space, set up utilities, coordinate internet and TV service installation, and furnish the house with essentials like cookware, cleaning items and linens.
If you already own furnishings or the apartment is furnished, you shorten this phase significantly. But if you’re buying or borrowing a lot of items or waiting for furniture delivery, you may still be “living out of boxes” for a week or more after you move.
Lease Start Date
The date when your lease begins impacts your timeline. Some leases begin at the end of the month or align with standard turnover days, which may cause delays or overlap.
Life Transitions
Your personal situation can affect how quickly you unpack and settle in. For example, if you need to coordinate school transfers for your kids or are locating to a new office for work, you may need to adjust your moving timeline to accommodate the transitions.
On the other hand, someone relocating alone with minimal changes to their personal and professional life can often move into their new apartment when it’s convenient for their schedule.
Tips for a Speedier Move
Here are some practical tips to help you get settled into your new apartment sooner:
- Pre-apply and gather documents ahead of time: Credit report, references and proof of income—have everything ready so you can apply and get approved quickly.
- Choose your move-in day wisely: Avoid end-of-month or weekend peaks when elevators and trucks are booked. Mid-week often offers easier scheduling.
- Choose a furnished or partially furnished apartment if possible: That removes much of the setup burden and lets you start living immediately.
- Coordinate utilities and internet before your move: Call ahead so your services are activated the day you arrive.
- Pack an “essentials box” and unpack that first: Make sure you have bedding, basic kitchenware, toiletries and cleaning supplies so you can function while unpacking the rest.
- Schedule movers and as soon as your lease is signed: Delays here can often impede the timeline.
- Stay flexible and allow buffer time: If you have uncertainties around timing, it may make sense to overlap with a short-term solution.
If your moving timeline is especially tight, your lease isn’t ready or you need a place while the apartment is being set up, an extended stay hotel can help bridge the gap in your timeline.
Could an Extended Stay Hotel Be the Better Move?
Even if your long-term goal is to settle into an apartment, there are times when choosing an extended stay hotel makes more sense.
For example, if you find yourself in between apartments or waiting for a lease to start, an extended stay hotel can serve as a comfortable, temporary home. It removes the pressure of rushing into a decision and gives you a stable place to stay without taking on another lease.
Extended stay hotels are also helpful during periods of temporary displacement, whether due to home repairs, renovations or a sudden relocation. In these moments, having a flexible place to stay lets you focus on getting life back in order instead of worrying about meeting a fixed move-in deadline. Extended stay hotels also give you the option to stay as long as you need, whether that’s days, weeks or months.
The same benefits apply if you’re taking on a short-term job assignment or traveling before you can commit to a permanent home. A hotel provides a ready-to-live-in space, allowing you to settle into a routine while keeping your long-term options open.
For those moving with minimal furniture or relocating without the time or resources to fully set up an apartment right away, an extended stay hotel offers everything you need from day one. With a kitchen, laundry access and built-in amenities, you can comfortably live your daily life while deciding when or where a longer lease makes sense.
In any of these scenarios, staying at an extended stay hotel vs. an apartment can reduce stress, give you valuable breathing room and allow you to transition into your new place when you’re truly ready.
Need a New Place Quickly? Make Your Move Easier
When timing, simplicity and flexibility matter most, an extended stay hotel offers a practical alternative, especially when you’re relocating on short notice or dealing with an unexpected change. With furnished suites, fully equipped kitchens, utilities included and flexible weekly or monthly rates, you can move in immediately and focus on what matters most: settling in and adapting to your new life.
If the amenities and features mentioned above sound like the right fit for your situation, Extended Stay America is here for you. Whatever you’re going through in life, we’re here to provide a space that’s designed to bring comfort and consistency. When you’re ready, we’re ready to welcome you to your home away from home.
Book your stay with Extended Stay America today.
