Moving In The Same Building
Moving in the same building is a common occurrence especially in a big city like Chicago. Whether you are downsizing or just want a different view but like the amenities in your building, this is a frequent move. If you’re moving within the same building, even during bad weather, the process is simpler but still benefits from some planning—especially if there’s snow or ice outside. Since you’re not transporting items far, you won’t need a moving truck, but you should still consider a few key services and steps.
Here are some tips on what you can do yourself when moving within the same building:
clothes that are on hangers use a garbage bag and bag them up keeping them on the hanger, kinda like dry cleaning if that make sense.
use luggage to throw in misc stuff to make it easier to haul to your next unit.
kitchen/fridge stuff can go last, then you can spend time putting everything away and maybe reorganizing of what you need don’t need. Great time to also check for expiration dates on foods/sauces/etc
Same Building Move Advantages
Moving within the same building comes with several practical advantages that can save you time, money, and stress compared to a traditional move across town or farther.
One of the biggest advantages is cost. Since you don’t need a moving truck or long-distance transportation, your expenses are usually limited to labor only—either from movers or a few helpful friends. This also means a shorter moving timeline; what might take a full day for a regular move can often be completed in just a few hours when staying in the same building.
Security is also better—your belongings are never left in a truck or exposed outside. Plus, you’re already familiar with the building’s layout, policies, and staff, so there are fewer surprises. If you’re moving to a different floor or unit type, you still get a fresh space while keeping the same address and neighborhood amenities.
Another benefit is convenience. You avoid the logistics of driving through traffic or bad weather, and you don’t have to pack everything as tightly or securely for transit. You can also move in stages, taking a few items at a time if there’s some overlap between leases. This gradual approach can reduce the pressure to have everything perfect on one specific day.
How long does moving in the same building take versus a regular move?
Moving within the same building typically takes a few hours, while a regular move—especially across town or to another city—can take an entire day or more, depending on distance, volume, and logistics.
For a same-building move, the time is mostly spent packing, organizing, and physically transferring items between units. If you’re using an elevator and have minimal furniture, the whole move might take 2 to 4 hours. If you’re moving heavy items like beds, sofas, or appliances, and especially if stairs are involved, it could take 4 to 6 hours, but rarely a full day.
In contrast, a standard move that requires a truck, loading, travel, and unloading usually takes 6 to 10 hours for a local move and 1 to several days for longer distances.
The main time savings in a same-building move come from:
No travel time between locations
No truck loading/unloading
Shorter distances for carrying items
Less intensive packing (you can move some items as-is)
Ready to move? Contact Sweet Home Moving Chicago, your local professionals!
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