recently from 20 minutes to the next day.

Many people already have their things in storage and start moving in the within a day or 2. Moving in 1-30 days after closing in this area.

The same day when escrow closes is the norm.

Most have to sell their home to afford the next one, so it's usually the same day.  In some cases they may get short term housing or move in with inlaws while work is done, if that is possible.  In rare cases, some people may be able to carry two mortgage payments and can spend the time fixing up their home before moving in or selling their old one.

There are also various levels of fixing up, depending on the budget.  Kitchen, floors and any layout changes should be done prior to move-in, painting, lighting and other smaller changes or minor inconvenience changes can be done after move-in.

It is all based on how they plan and prepare for their move ... and what they want to do with the home before they move in. In most cases no more than 30 days. 

A high percentage of first time buyers move in immediately.

Upscale purchasers are more likely to do some work on the home before moving.

I'd write your book so that buyers know how much time they need to pad to get those projects done.  Assume you are getting them before they buy.

In my experience about 50% of buyers have the moving van idling in the driveway, as we're at the closing table.

30-40% will move in the next day or two

and the balance wait while some work is completed.. (ie: repairs, painting, sanding floors, upgrading kitchen/baths)... and will move in within a week or so... but less than 30 days.

in my market it's about 30 minutes after closing. Most houses don't get immediate upgrades around here and people are ready to have a weekend at the lake and lots sell furnished and people bring a toothbrush and suitcase and have a great time at the lake right after closing.

Debbie,

You have gotten a variety of great answers, and it depends on the situation at hand!

Most people start moving in the same day as closing.....

It can be all over the board, Debbie. But in my experience most buyers are moving in withing 24-48 hours of closing unless they are (a) waiting for their goods to arrive or (b) have planned for some time to do renovations.

Depends.  First timers want in yesterday.  Higher end buyers typically want time before moving in to do any remodeling etc before they move in.

I buy abused homes so sometimes it takes weeks or months to fix them.

However people that I sell homes to generally move in on closing day.

Hello Debbie Gartner generally, buyers move into home within a few days after close of escrow.

They will move from the title office to their new home faster than a leaf falling to the ground.
About 15% of the population today is paying cash and have a second home. These folks will rip out the 1 YO flooring, and the 3 yo white kitchen cabinets and of course they will want brand new toilets also.  For these 14 to 30 days is not uncommon. They will also have visited their new home about 10 times bringing in all their contractors to get estimates and proposals.

Most 1st timers move in the first day or two. 

Most 2nd-timers+ make time to do the renovations - typically within a couple of weeks. Most of mine have flooring done too! And, most of them schedule the flooring to be started the day of Closing.

Most want in the same day as closing in our area.

Rarely is it not the day of closing and when it's not it is usually because it is owner occupied and they are holding over a few days because of "closing here before they can close on a new home and move" but generally the day after sellers move out the buyers are moving in.

What a good and useful question...Contracts allow for a fill in the blank answer on how many days the place will be surrendered after closing.  Every buyer wants not only to store their goods in the onsite garage asap but allow painters, cleaners etc early access including themselves. All negotiable by the parties...

usually 30 to 45 days but 60 is not uncommon. Depends if they want to close at the end of the month.

About 4 hours....! 

It really depends on the buyers. In Florida keys and money change hands on closing day so after that buyers can do whatever they need to do. 

While painting can be done quickly in Manhattan- and might only postpone move in a week or two after closing (assumes only paint- not major plaster work), flooring or other changes might take significantly longer- depending on what's being done. It takes most of my reno clients 6-9 months to plan, get approvals, and renovate before moving in.