# How Long Does Moving Take? Planning Guide | Decorato Plan the time needed for your Milan move, from packing and preparation to transport and settling in. Explore the stages and factors that affect timing. Source: https://www.traslochidecorato.it/en/guides/moving-time-planning/ # How long does a move take? A move involves preparation, packing, transport and final positioning. Here is how to schedule the work and which factors to consider in Milan. ## Two to four months ahead: define the plan For a move that can be planned, starting a few months ahead leaves time for an inventory, surveys and comparing proposals. This is an organisational guide, not a minimum period that applies to everyone. - Decide which items to transport, donate or have collected separately. - Gather the addresses and the dates when the properties will be available. - Request a survey and clarify services, costs and terms. ## Check access and permits in good time In Milan, permit timescales depend on how public space will be used and the conditions of the job. Agree with the company when to apply, without assuming one deadline applies to every address. - Contact the building manager about lifts, times and communal areas. - Have parking, vehicle access and any furniture lift requirements checked. - Consider holidays, building works and when the keys will be available. ## One to four weeks before: preparing boxes If packing yourself, start with the least-used items and work through one room at a time. Professional packing may take several days: indicative planning also allows for one to three days, depending on volume. - Use labels stating the contents and destination room. - Protect fragile items separately and do not overload boxes. - Pack a bag with documents, medicines and immediate essentials. ## Moving day: sequence and coordination Dismantling, loading, travel, unloading and reassembly can take one or more days. A one-to-two-day period is only an example for certain home moves; volume, distance and access can change it. - Confirm who will open the door and receive the goods at both homes. - Specify where furniture and boxes should go before unloading. - Keep routes clear and identify surfaces that need protection. ## Stairs and courtyards: the time you do not see In buildings in Brera, Navigli or Corso Magenta, entrances and courtyards may complicate the furniture route. Measuring passages helps assess compact vehicles or external lifting. - Choose a furniture lift based on whether it can be positioned safely, not just the floor number. - Furniture dimensions, balconies and windows affect handling. ## After delivery: settling in methodically Unpacking yourself may continue for one or two weeks, depending on the time available. If you choose professional unpacking too, agree beforehand which rooms and tasks are included. - Open boxes containing everyday essentials first. - Check the furniture layout with the team. - Arrange collection of packing materials and report any problems in accordance with the service terms. ## Before you move, let’s make things clear. ### Is a move always completed in one day? No. Transport alone can take several days. The schedule depends on volume, distance, access, packing and assembly. ### How far in advance should I request a quote? As soon as you know the period and addresses. For planned moves, you can start a few months ahead, especially when permits or additional services are needed. ### How long does professional packing take? It depends on the belongings and the planned team. One to three days is an indicative planning range, to be checked after the survey. ### Do municipal permit applications always take the same number of days? No. Timing and requirements depend on the request and the applicable rules. These must be checked before the arrangements are confirmed. ## Related information and services. ## Your new beginning starts here. Tell us what you need to move. Together, we can arrange a survey and prepare your quote. ## Related pages - [Home](https://www.traslochidecorato.it/en/) - [Request a quote](https://www.traslochidecorato.it/en/moving-quote/)