How Much do Movers Cost for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Moving apartments is a tiresome journey that one wouldn’t embark on alone.

With the support of affordable movers, you can smoothly relocate without worrying about the hassles. 

However, all renters and homeowners dwell on one question: “How much do movers cost to move a one-bedroom apartment?”

Let us reveal that for you.

The cost to hire movers for a one-bedroom apartment move ranges between $399 and $1,600 for moves under 50 miles (locally).

For long-distance moves above 50 miles, the costs range between $550 and $14,000.

Some movers provide the average moving cost based on an hourly rate, while some give you an upfront flat rate.

Remember, your final bill will depend on many factors, such as accessibility through narrow stairways, elevators, or parking spaces.

Other variables include weight, specialty items, packing service, storage service, seasonal moving costs, etc. 

In this blog, we will break down the average moving cost for a 1-bedroom apartment move, the factors impacting the cost, and the tips for moving on a budget.

The Average Cost of Moving a One-Bedroom Apartment Locally

Condo moving has become increasingly popular and expensive, particularly in densely populated areas such as Houston, NYC, and Miami.

In the thick of other moving challenges, determining the cost of hiring local movers dreads you for the longest. 

But moving to a 1-bedroom apartment should not make you circumspect. It can be a breeze with the right moving company by your side. 

All the local moves, whether within the same city or in the neighboring areas, are affordable and less complex than those of long-distance or out-of-state moves. 

Hence, the local moving costs for a 1-bedroom apartment are somewhere between $399 and $1,600.

This includes two experienced movers and a truck, where the cost to hire movers for a one-bedroom apartment move is $119-$155 per hour. 

Please note that the prices vary when another mover, truck, or service is added or simply when you have oversized furniture items to move.

Any appliance above 100 lbs will have an extra charge. 

The Average Cost of Moving One-Bedroom Apartments for Long Distances

The cost of moving a single-bedroom apartment above 50 miles ranges between $550 and $14,000 or more. 

Adopting a few tips for making long-distance moves successful is necessary to cut down on moving costs.

They are as simple as decluttering or donating your old furniture before the move, following a moving checklist from day one, and disassembling furniture items to minimize damages. 

Remember, the long-distance moving cost for a one-bedroom condo might increase when the distances are larger than 500 miles, resulting in more fuel charges, meals, and lodging expenses. 

But with the right strategy, you can save money on long-distance moves and help you stay within your budget. 

The Moving Cost Breakdown of a One-Room Bedroom Apartment Move

Your calculations can be clear. Here’s a breakdown of the number of hours that professional movers take to move one-bedroom apartments or condos, how heavy item fees are added to the cost, and what the final bill looks like. 

Here’s What a Moving Company’s Invoice Looks Like

The invoice further explained:

5 Important Factors That Will Impact Your Moving Costs

While calculating the cost of moving labor and determining packing and moving charges is necessary, there are other factors that come into play, too.  

In a nutshell, consider seasonal aspects, moving quotes comparison, apartment size, etc, before creating a moving budget. 

Listed below are a few factors that impact your moving expenditure and make you aware of the additional moving fees that you might have to pay. 

1. Apartment’s Access Points 

Your apartment’s entry and exit points also affect your moving costs.

For instance, you may incur additional charges if your 1-bedroom apartment is situated in a high-rise building with limited elevator space, narrow hallways, or doorways. 

The complexity of your move further amplifies when you have designated loading zones for which you may require a parking permit.

Moving in NYC Vs. Other cities may differ for many reasons, as moves in NYC may need special documentation and licenses to complete the move. 

2. Packing Services 

Local Movers do more than just move and lift your heavy furniture.

If you are running short on time and need help with packing and unpacking services for a one-bedroom condo move, professional moving companies can assist you with that.

Instead of scouting for packing supplies, you can trust your movers to do that for you.

But that adds to your moving costs.

They come prepared with:

• Bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and foam peanuts to pack delicate kitchen items, such as glassware, pots, pans, and plates. 
• Static-free packing paper for home offices and other electronic items. 
• Mattress covers and adhesive tape to protect the mattress from dirt, wear, and tear. 
• Wardrobe boxes for packing clothing. 
• TV, art, and mirror-protecting boxes to avoid breakage.
• Floor protectors to prevent scuff and drag marks during the move-out cleaning.  

3. Weight of Your Items (Including Specialty Items)

The weight of your items increases the labor costs.

For heavier items, you need an extra crew member or moving truck to accommodate all your belongings, spiking your moving budget. 

Your bill can also significantly increase if you include other specialty items, including the cost of moving heavy items such as pianos, artwork, or gym equipment.  

4. Storage Needs

Not all homes accommodate every furniture item.

Some furniture needs to be disposed of, while the other items need temporary storage.

Renting a climate-controlled and spacious storage unit helps you store extra furniture items such as mattresses, tables, or a large painting or sculpture. 

5. Peak Months 

Summer is the peak season when you can expect higher moving costs.

During these months, apartment moving companies typically have tight schedules and higher demand, leading to expensive rates.

Therefore, knowing the best and worst months of moving is essential before you pack for a move. 

6 Tips to Save Money on Moving 1-Bedroom Apartments

Moving into or out of an apartment does not necessarily have to be stressful.

There are several ways you can adopt to reduce your moving costs. 

1. Start Packing Early

This is the time to revisit your moving checklist.

Planning early helps you arrange for packing supplies and materials on time, avoiding last-minute overspending. 

2. Declutter 

Have old, broken furniture in your apartment? Dispose of old items at landfills, curbside, or recycling centers.

You can also donate your unused items to charity homes or earn some profit by selling them on online marketplaces.

Here’s an example of how people leveraged online marketplaces and emphasized sale postings that made them earn up to $161. 

3. Compare Moving Quotes

Before arriving at a cost, try browsing through all the condo & apartment movers in your area for better prices.

The ideal way to finalize a local moving company is to get a quote from at least three movers.

Ask the following questions before choosing the right moving company:

• Are packing services included in the quote?
• Do movers assemble or disassemble furniture for you?
• Do movers offer a storage service?
• Can moving companies haul junk items?
• Are there any hidden costs?
• What is the cost of packing materials?
• What are the hourly or flat-fee charges?

4. Avoid Weekends, Start and End of the Month

Why pay more when you can easily cut costs by moving on weekdays? The start and end of every month are peak moving times when professional movers have full bookings.

One of the tips to reduce moving costs in peak season is to plan ahead and try booking your move on weekdays in the middle of the month.  

5. Check for Discounts 

Certain local apartment and condo moving companies offer special discounts for AAA members.

Apart from that, student & senior discounts, promotions, and deals can help you reduce hefty moving rates. 

6. Do-It-Yourself (DIY Packing)

Leave the heavy lifting onto the movers while you keep everything ready. Handling the packing and unpacking yourself helps you save on the mover’s cost.

Cost to Move a One-Bedroom Apartment: DIY Moving Vs. Hiring Movers

Before vetting for the best moving companies, you need to weigh what works best for your moving goals.

Hence, comparing DIY moving Vs. hiring a moving company is essential for your next one-bedroom apartment move. 

When you decide to move your one-bedroom apartment by yourself, you will take care of every aspect of the move.

Arranging packing supplies and moving equipment, renting a truck, furniture assembly & disassembly, junk removal, loading and unloading. 

If you hire experienced movers, you will have trained professionals by your side.

From getting the right supplies, wrapping, and furniture lifting to handling building restrictions and reserving elevators, they do it for you. 

Let’s compare the costs. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of costs associated with moving. One major component of your budget is the cost of hiring movers.

While hiring pro movers seems expensive, it saves you time, completes your move safely, and reduces your stress. 

Remember, not every move is a one-size-fits-all.

A one-bedroom apartment move, in particular, poses unique challenges, such as accessibility issues, tight spaces, and building restrictions.  

During all of this, avoiding common mistakes when choosing the right mover is paramount.

Equally important is to analyze the costs and take other factors into consideration.

This way, there will be no surprises in the end, helping you stay within the budget. 

FAQs

1. Is moving insurance required?

Moving insurance covers the damages in case of accidents or breakage.

Hence, opting for moving insurance is important, whether you take the released value protection or the full-value protection.

The moving insurance cost adds up when you go for a DIY option, as you need to buy it separately.

Moving companies typically include coverage for your items in the moving quote. 

2. Is $40 a good tip for movers?

Yes, somewhere between $30 and $40 is considered good for local moves.

Ensure you get adequate services such as wrapping, furniture assembly & disassembly, loading, and unloading.

Some local movers are friendly and courteous and help you rearrange the furniture, too.

In such cases, you can tip your movers more, somewhere between $50-$60. 

3. What is the average cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment?

The average cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment ranges between $650-$1,300.

You might need an additional mover for a two-bedroom apartment because of the size and volume of items.

Hence, expect three movers and one truck to complete your move. 

4. What is the best way to pack art when moving apartments?

Your paintings, framed art, and sculptures are fragile and oddly shaped.

Packing art for a move is challenging but achievable.

A residential moving company brings shrink wraps and moving blankets for extra cushioning.

They also have customized art boxes and foam peanuts to fill the gaps.

A good tip to avoid damage is to use vertical and upright placing of frames onto the moving trucks, wrap them in acid-free packing paper, and seal them with robust tape. 

5. How much do movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Virginia?

The average cost of moving in Virginia ranges between $556 and $695, with two movers and one truck for a one-bedroom apartment move.

Additional costs may apply if a storage, junk removal, or packing service is added. 

6. How much do movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston?

The cost of hiring movers in Houston for a one-bedroom apartment is between $675 and $1,000 for a local move.

This includes two movers and one truck. The price depends on various other factors, such as specialty items, complexity of the move, or peak moving season.   

7. How much do movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami?

The average moving cost in Miami for a one-bedroom apartment is $670-$834. This includes two movers and a truck that might complete your move in 4-6 hours. 

8. How much do movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in NYC?

The cost of hiring movers in NYC for a one-bedroom apartment is $695-$835, with two movers and one truck.

Remember, NYC has five boroughs with separate rules and restrictions.

Based on the complexity of the move, parking logistics, and tight spaces, the prices may go up, or another mover may be added.