Apartment Moving Cost: How Much Do Apartment Movers Charge? (2025)

Apartment moves come with unique costs that house moves don't — elevator fees, stair fees, COI requirements, freight elevator reservations, and long-carry fees. A 1-bedroom apartment move costs $650–$1,600 locally, while a 2-bedroom apartment runs $900–$2,400. Urban markets like NYC and San Francisco run 40–60% higher. Here's a complete breakdown of what to expect.

Studio Move

$450+

local average

1-Bed Move

$650+

local average

2-Bed Move

$900+

local average

Min. Hours

3 hrs

standard minimum

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Apartment Moving Cost by Size

Estimates for local moves (under 25 miles) with a standard crew including truck. Stair fees, elevator fees, packing, and specialty items are additional.

Apartment Size	Crew	Time	Cost Range
Studio / Efficiency	2 movers	2–3 hrs	$450–$1,100
1 Bedroom Apartment	2 movers	3–5 hrs	$650–$1,600
2 Bedroom Apartment	2–3 movers	4–7 hrs	$900–$2,400
3 Bedroom Apartment	3 movers	6–9 hrs	$1,400–$3,500
4 Bedroom Apartment	3–4 movers	8–12 hrs	$2,000–$4,800

* National averages for local moves (under 25 miles). Urban markets (NYC, SF, Boston) run 40–60% higher. Includes labor and truck; excludes packing, stair fees, elevator fees, COI, and specialty items.

Apartment Moving Surcharges

Apartment moves have extra fees that house moves typically don't. Always ask about these upfront and get them included in your written estimate.

Always get a written, binding estimate that itemizes all surcharges. Urban apartment moves in particular can accumulate $300–$800 in add-on fees beyond the base hourly rate.

Stair Carry Fee

$50–$100 per flight

Each flight of stairs above ground level at origin OR destination

Elevator Fee

$75–$150

Waiting time for elevator reservations in apartment buildings

Long Carry Fee

$50–$150

Walking more than 75 feet from your door to the truck

COI (Certificate of Insurance)

$50–$150

Many buildings require movers to provide COI — confirm before booking

Building Move-In Fee

$100–$500

Some buildings charge a separate fee — this is paid to the building, not the movers

Parking Permit

$50–$250/day

Required in many urban areas to park a large moving truck

Packing Service

$25–$50/hr per packer

Plus cost of boxes and materials ($80–$350 depending on home size)

Shuttle Fee

$200–$600

If the large truck cannot access your building — small shuttle required

6 Tips for a Smooth Apartment Move

Reserve freight elevator in advance: Most apartment buildings require advance scheduling of the freight elevator (sometimes days ahead). Book both ends of your move as early as possible.

Confirm COI requirements early: Ask your building manager if movers need a Certificate of Insurance before moving day — not all movers provide COI automatically.

Measure furniture vs. doorways: Check that sofas, bed frames, and large items can fit through stairwells and doorways. Last-minute disassembly adds time and cost.

Use a moving calculator first: Get a market-rate estimate before calling any mover. Apartment moves have many surcharges — knowing the expected total prevents sticker shock.

Book weekday morning moves: Freight elevators are in highest demand on weekends. Weekday 7–8am moves get you the elevator window you need and often lower hourly rates.

Declutter before inventory count: Every box and item you remove reduces move time. Even 2–3 hours of decluttering can save you $200–$400 on a large apartment move.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Moving

How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment?

A local 1-bedroom apartment move typically costs $650–$1,600 with a 2-person crew over 3–5 hours. Cost varies by city — New York and San Francisco run 40–60% above national average. Packing, stair fees, elevator fees, and COI are additional.

How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?

A local 2-bedroom apartment move typically costs $900–$2,400 with a 2–3 person crew over 4–7 hours. Urban markets (NYC, Boston, Chicago) run $1,500–$4,000+. Long-carry fees, elevator fees, and packing services are additional.

How much should I tip apartment movers?

$20–$50 per mover is standard for a good move. Tip more for difficult access (stairs, small elevator, long carry), excellent service, or moves on very hot/cold days. Tip in cash directly to each mover at the end of the job.

Do movers charge more for high-rise apartments?

Yes — most movers add an elevator fee ($75–$150) and may add a long-carry fee if the distance from elevator to truck exceeds 75 feet. Some high-rises also require COI and have designated freight elevator windows that limit the hours you can move.

What is a COI and do I need one for an apartment move?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document proving the moving company has liability coverage that protects your building. Many apartment buildings require movers to provide a COI naming the building as an additional insured. Confirm with your building manager before booking — not all movers provide COI.

How far in advance should I book apartment movers?

Book 3–6 weeks ahead for summer moves (May–September), especially on weekends and month-end dates when apartment turnover is highest. Off-peak moves (October–April, weekdays) can often be booked 1–2 weeks out.

Related Moving Cost Resources

Free Moving Calculator House Moving Cost Moving Cost by State Moving Cost by City Packing Cost Calculator Storage Cost Calculator Long-Distance Moving Cost Specialty Item Moving Cost

These estimates are for informational purposes only and are not binding quotes. Final prices vary based on actual inventory, access conditions, distance, labor time, fuel, stairs, elevators, COI requirements, building fees, packing, specialty items, storage, move date, and individual mover policies. Instamovequote provides fair market pricing guidance only.