Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 01 2025
Understanding the cost of movers for your apartment is crucial for effective budgeting during your relocation. Accurately estimating these costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a smoother moving experience.
Several factors play a significant role in determining the overall cost, including the distance of your move, the volume and weight of your belongings, and any additional services you may require, such as packing, unpacking, or storage options. For instance, local moves typically have different pricing structures compared to long-distance relocations, which can add complexity to your budget.
Additionally, peak moving seasons can lead to higher rates due to increased demand. This guide will help you navigate these various costs and provide insights into finding affordable moving solutions tailored to your specific needs.
By understanding how these factors interact, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial plan and ensure a successful transition to your new apartment.
Apartment Relocation Costs Explained
To move a one-bedroom apartment locally (less than 100 miles), your movers will charge you by the hour and the total cost ranges from $400 to $1,600. With long-distance moves (over 100 miles), your relocating company will charge you based on the weight and distance. So, to move a one-bedroom long-distance you’re looking at between $2,000 and $6,000 on average.
Of course, getting an in-home estimate done by a professional apartment hauling company is the best way to know exactly how much it’ll cost you to move your one-bedroom apartment. However, the following guide will give you a general overview of what to expect.
Average Cost For Shifting One-Bedroom Apartment
With local moves, or moves less than 100 miles, movers usually charge by the hour. The average rate for two movers and a truck is roughly $100 an hour, which should be enough haulers to assist with a one-bedroom apartment shift. This type of move generally takes between three and five hours in total, bringing the cost of labor alone to $300 to $500.
How much does it cost?
Though, it’s important to keep in mind that every one-bedroom apartment is unique. The actual cost of your move, and whether or not it is higher or lower than the aforementioned averages, will depend on the following factors:
- The amount of stuff you have in your one-bedroom apartment.
- How easy the access is between the moving truck and front door at both the origin and destination location.
- Long carry charges (long hallways and inaccessible parking situations).
- The distance of your move.
- Whether or not you choose packing and unpacking services.
- The company you hire.
- Moving goods up and down flights of stairs.
- The specific date that you move.
When you request a quote from your hauling company, make sure that you are as detailed as possible about your relocation. This, along with requesting an on-site estimate, will ensure that you receive the most accurate quote possible.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Shifting
The average cost also depends on the accessibility of the apartment. The change in cost because of the accessibility of the move can seem significant compared to the normal cost of moving a 1 bedroom apartment. The change may not seem significant when moving much larger apartments because the cost of relocating from larger apartments is already huge.
It will cost less to move from an apartment located on the ground floor when compared to an apartment located on the top floor. The accessibility of an apartment can also be affected by the size of the lobby, no. of doors in the building, the elevator system of the building, e.t.c.
As mentioned earlier, the weight of your belongings also makes big difference in the cost of moving. The weight of a 1 bedroom mostly depends on how sparse or jam packed the apartment is.
To better understand the effects of the factors mentioned above on hauling costs, we’ve created a table showing some cost examples for moving a 1 bedroom apartment.
| Accessibility | Average Cost Of Moving A Sparse Apartment | Average Cost Of Moving A Moderate Apartment | Average Cost Of Moving A Jam Packed Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Apartment Access | $400 to $450 | $500 to $700 | $800 to $1,000 |
| Moderate Apartment Access | $450 to $500 | $600 to $800 | $900 to $1,100 |
| Difficult Apartment Access | $500 to $550 | $700 to $900 | $1,100 to $1,300 |
Average Long-Distance Relocating Cost
Instead of charging by the hour, long-distance movers calculate costs based on the total weight of your shipment, the distance the movers must travel, and the price of additional insurance and extra services requested. While prices will vary from relocating company to moving company, the following table should give you a rough idea of the average range for moving a one-bedroom apartment long distance:
| One bedroom apartment (approx. 3,500 pounds) | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 3,000 miles |
| Standard move w/ no extra services | $1,500 | $2,000 | $3,700 |
| w/ packing services | $1,800 | $2,200 | $4,000 |
| w/ additional insurance | $1,800 | $2,200 | $4,000 |
| w/ packing and insurance | $2,000 | $2,500 | $4,200 |
Again, these are only estimates and the actual cost of your move will vary considerably. Depending on the amount of stuff you have in your apartment, the total weight of your one-bedroom apartment may be more or less than 3,500 pounds.
Cost Examples For Moving 1 Bedroom Apartment Long Distance
| To / From | Distance | Cost Of Moving A 1 Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim, CA to Washington D.C | 2262 Miles | $3053.7 – $3845.4 |
| Anaheim, CA to Seattle, WA | 1161 Miles | $1567.35 – $1973.7 |
| Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA | 2091 Miles | $2822.85 – $3554.7 |
| Atlanta, GA to Bakersfield CA | 2190 Miles | $2956.5 – $3723 |
| Bakersfield CA to Detroit, MI | 2296 Miles | $3099.6 – $3903.2 |
| Chula Vista, CA to Oklahoma City, OK | 1312 Miles | $1771.2 – $2230.4 |
| Jacksonville, FL to Chula Vista, CA | 2339 Miles | $3157.65 – $3976.3 |
| Fremont, CA to Tulsa, OK | 1706 Miles | $2303.1 – $2900.2 |
| Atlanta, GA to Long Beach, CA | 2186 Miles | $2951.1 – $3716.2 |
| Austin, TX to Huntington Beach, CA | 1374 Miles | $1854.9 – $2335.8 |
| Cincinnati, OH to Sacramento, CA | 2273 Miles | $3068.55 – $3864.1 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Durham, NC | 2518 Miles | $3399.3 – $4280.6 |
| Little Rock, AR to Oakland, CA | 1954 Miles | $2637.9 – $3321.8 |
| Tulsa, OK to Oxnard, CA | 1488 Miles | $2008.8 – $2529.6 |
Affordable Moving Services for Your Apartment
When it comes to relocating your apartment, finding affordable moving services can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Many companies offer budget-friendly options that cater specifically to apartment moves, ensuring you receive quality service without breaking the bank. Look for movers who provide transparent pricing, flexible packages, and additional services like packing and storage to fit your needs. By comparing quotes and reading customer reviews, you can identify reliable movers that align with your budget, making your transition as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
Dying Your One-Bedroom Apartment Move
One-bedroom apartments are small and manageable enough that DIYing the move may be a feasible option. Oftentimes, handling the shifting process on your own is the more affordable way to move. Though, if you choose to opt for renting a truck and enlisting the help of some of your friends, there are still costs to consider:
- Moving truck rental. Prices will vary based on the company you rent the truck from, the size of the truck, and the distance of your move. Fuel may be an added expense, as some rental companies require that you return the vehicle with at least a half tank of gas. To put things in perspective, a 10-foot U-Haul moving truck – that is meant to accommodate the contents of a one-bedroom apartment – starts at $19.95 for local moves plus an extra $0.89 per mile.
- Moving materials. When you choose to DIY your move, you’re going to need all of the necessary materials and supplies to pull off your relocation. You can purchase packing kits from moving supply websites for between $40 and $100, but these only come with cardboard boxes and packing paper. Other supplies you’ll need to budget for include furniture pads, mattress bags, bubble wrap, securing straps, and more.
Pro Tip: For smaller moves – like a one-bedroom apartment – you can seek out free boxes from local establishments. You may also be able to get away with using towels, linens, and blankets in place of moving blankets or furniture pads.
Companies Offering Affordable Moving Services
Numerous companies specialize in providing cost-effective moving services tailored for apartment relocations. Notable options include:
Two Men and a Truck
Renowned for their reliable service and transparent pricing, Two Men and a Truck offers a wide range of moving solutions. They cater to both local and long-distance moves, ensuring that your belongings are handled with care. Their services include:
- Local Moves: Efficiently handle residential relocations within the same city.
- Long-Distance Moves: Provide interstate moving options with various transport speeds.
- Packing Services: Professional packing assistance to ensure your items are secure during transit.
- Junk Removal: Help you declutter before or after your move by removing unwanted items.
- Storage Solutions: Flexible storage options to accommodate your needs during the transition.
U-Haul
- Offers flexible rental options for DIY movers at competitive rates, making it a popular choice for those looking to manage their own moves. U-Haul provides a variety of truck sizes and moving supplies, allowing you to customize your move based on your specific requirements.
Three Movers
- A reliable option for affordable moving services, Three Movers focuses on providing efficient and budget-friendly solutions. They offer:
- Transparent Pricing: Clear quotes with no hidden fees.
- Comprehensive Services: From packing to transportation, they handle every aspect of your move.
- Experienced Staff: Trained professionals ensure your belongings are safe and secure.
- Flexible Scheduling: Options to accommodate your timeline and needs.
These companies focus on affordability while ensuring quality service, making them ideal choices for those looking to manage moving expenses effectively.
Ready to get your move started? Look no further than us to help you shift your one-bedroom apartment. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our moving experts to request your free, no-obligation estimate, and find out how you could save up to 20% on your next move!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most one bedroom apartment moves fall between $450 and $1,200 for local service and $1,300 to $3,800 for interstate moves. Costs shift based on move distance, 2–3 mover crews, packing needs, elevator restrictions, long-carry requirements inside large complexes, and traffic patterns that extend labor hours. Apartment moves with fragile items, bulky furniture, or limited loading access may increase total labor. For long-distance moves, weight, mileage, and delivery windows drive the final price. For typical metro relocations, see the local moving service page at local movers.
Most local one bedroom moves take 3–6 hours, including loading, transport, and unloading. Time increases with tight corridors, multiple flights of stairs, freight elevator schedules, or long-carry distances often found in larger complexes. Weather and city congestion can extend transit time even for short distances. Interstate moves typically require 2–10 days depending on mileage and route scheduling. Freight elevators with fixed reservation windows can also dictate crew timing.
The strongest cost drivers are distance, move size, labor hours, packing, and building access rules. Apartments with stairs, narrow hallways, reserved elevator windows, or long walks from truck to unit can add 30–90 minutes of labor. Additional charges may apply for oversized items such as sectionals, treadmills, and safes. Local moves are billed hourly, while interstate moves are weight-and-mileage based under FMCSA regulations. Packing is optional but adds predictable cost; see our packing and unpacking service for details.
Packing for a one bedroom apartment usually ranges from $150 to $450 for labor plus materials. Costs rise when movers handle fragile kitchenware, electronics, wall art, or specialty items that need added protection. Using professional packing shortens move-day loading times and reduces the risk of damage, particularly in buildings with tight access.
Yes. Local moves generally use hourly rates with 2–3 movers completing a one bedroom in 3–5 hours depending on access. Long distance moves use shipment weight, mileage, and route conditions to calculate the total. Weather, cross-state traffic, and required delivery windows also affect pricing. Because one bedroom shipments average 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, small variations in inventory can meaningfully change interstate totals. For long-distance details, see our interstate moving service.
Additional charges may apply for long carries, stairs beyond one flight, parking limitations, or elevator delays, which are common in urban apartment buildings. Some properties require move-in permits, proof of insurance, or restricted loading hours that affect scheduling and labor time. Bulky items or disassembly work may also add modest labor fees. These building-related factors are often the biggest variables in the total cost of a one bedroom apartment move.
