How Much Does It Cost to Move a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Moving out of a one-bedroom apartment is one of the most common types of residential moves. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, understanding the costs involved can help you budget more accurately and choose the right moving option.

The total price depends on factors like the distance, how much you own, the time of year, and whether you hire full-service movers or handle part of the move yourself.

Here’s what you can expect when moving a one-bedroom apartment.

Average Cost to Move a 1-Bedroom Apartment

The cost varies significantly depending on how far you’re moving.

Moving Type	Typical Cost
Local Move (within 50 miles)	$500–$1,200
Short-Distance Move (50–250 miles)	$1,000–$2,500
Long-Distance Move (250–1,000 miles)	$2,000–$5,000
Cross-Country Move	$3,500–$7,500+

These estimates assume an average one-bedroom apartment with standard household furniture.

Local Moving Costs

Local moving companies typically charge by the hour.

Crew Size	Estimated Cost
Two Movers	$500–$900
Three Movers	$700–$1,200

Most local one-bedroom apartment moves take between 3 and 6 hours.

Your final cost depends on:

• The amount of furniture
• Whether there are stairs or elevators
• The distance between your apartment and the moving truck
• Whether you need packing services

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Long-distance movers usually base pricing on:

• Shipment weight
• Cubic footage
• Distance traveled
• Additional services

Distance	Estimated Cost
250–500 miles	$2,000–$3,500
500–1,000 miles	$2,500–$4,500
1,000+ miles	$3,500–$7,500+

Most full-service long-distance moves include:

• Loading
• Transportation
• Unloading

Packing, storage, and specialty item handling will increase the total cost.

Moving Costs by Moving Method

Choosing the right moving option can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

Full-Service Movers

Typical cost:

$2,000–$5,000+

Best for:

• Busy professionals
• Families
• Seniors
• Long-distance moves

Advantages:

• Professional loading and unloading
• Minimal physical work
• Convenient door-to-door service

Considerations:

• Highest overall cost

Rental Truck

Typical cost:

$600–$2,500

Best for:

• Budget-conscious movers
• Local moves
• Small households

You’ll be responsible for:

• Packing
• Loading
• Driving
• Unloading

Advantages:

• Lowest upfront cost
• Flexible schedule

Considerations:

• Fuel costs
• Truck rental insurance
• Heavy lifting
• Long-distance driving

Moving Container

Typical cost:

$1,200–$3,500

A moving container company delivers a container to your home, transports it to your destination, and picks it up when you’re ready.

You’ll handle:

• Loading
• Unloading

Advantages:

• No truck driving
• Flexible loading schedule
• Often less expensive than full-service movers

Considerations:

• Physical labor required

Labor-Only Movers

Typical cost:

$250–$900

Labor-only movers can assist with:

• Loading
• Unloading
• Heavy furniture
• Rearranging furniture

They’re a great option if you’re renting a truck or using a moving container.

What Affects the Cost of Moving a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Several factors influence your final moving bill.

How Much You Own

Two one-bedroom apartments can have very different moving costs.

A minimalist apartment may contain:

• A bed
• Sofa
• Dining table
• A few boxes

Another apartment might include:

• Home office furniture
• Exercise equipment
• Large televisions
• Storage unit contents

More belongings require more labor, truck space, and transportation costs.

Moving Distance

Generally:

• Local moves are charged hourly.
• Long-distance moves are priced based on shipment size and mileage.
• Cross-country moves are the most expensive.

Time of Year

Moving costs tend to be highest during:

• Summer
• Weekends
• End-of-month dates
• Holiday weekends

Moving during the fall, winter, or mid-week may reduce your costs.

Apartment Accessibility

Additional labor charges may apply if your apartment has:

• Multiple flights of stairs
• Elevators
• Long hallways
• Limited parking
• Long carrying distances

Always mention these details when requesting quotes.

Packing Services

Professional packing increases convenience but also increases your total moving cost.

Packing your own belongings can save several hundred dollars.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Besides the moving company, remember to budget for:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Toll roads
• Storage
• Utility deposits
• Cleaning services
• Hotel accommodations for DIY long-distance moves
• Meals during travel

Including these expenses in your budget helps avoid surprises.

How to Save Money on a 1-Bedroom Apartment Move

Declutter Before Packing

Moving fewer belongings almost always reduces moving costs.

Consider selling or donating:

• Furniture you no longer use
• Clothing
• Kitchen appliances
• Books
• Electronics

Book Movers Early

Reserve your movers 4 to 8 weeks before your moving date whenever possible.

Booking early often provides:

• Better pricing
• More scheduling flexibility
• Greater availability

Pack Your Own Boxes

Packing yourself can save several hundred dollars.

Use towels, blankets, and clothing to protect fragile items and reduce the need for additional packing materials.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Request estimates from several moving companies.

Compare:

• Total price
• Included services
• Insurance options
• Delivery windows
• Additional fees

The lowest quote isn’t always the best value.

Move During Off-Peak Times

If possible, avoid:

• Summer weekends
• End-of-month dates
• Holiday weekends

Weekday moves are often less expensive.

How Long Does It Take to Move a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Local Move

Most local moves are completed in 3 to 6 hours, depending on accessibility and preparation.

Long-Distance Move

Professional movers typically deliver one-bedroom apartment shipments within 2 to 7 days, depending on the distance and route.

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Underestimating how much you own
• Waiting until the last minute to book movers
• Continuing to pack after movers arrive
• Forgetting to mention stairs or elevators
• Paying to move furniture you no longer need

Planning ahead can save both time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck?

Renting a truck is usually the least expensive option. However, after factoring in fuel, lodging, equipment rentals, and your time, a moving container or professional movers may provide better overall value.

How many movers are needed for a one-bedroom apartment?

Most one-bedroom apartment moves require two professional movers. Larger apartments or difficult access may require a three-person crew.

Can a one-bedroom apartment be moved in one day?

Yes. Most local moves are completed in a single day. Long-distance moves typically take several days because of transportation and delivery schedules.

Are labor-only movers worth it?

Yes. If you’re comfortable driving a rental truck or using a moving container, labor-only movers can save money while handling the most physically demanding part of your move.

The Bottom Line

Moving a one-bedroom apartment typically costs:

• $500–$1,200 for a local move
• $2,000–$5,000 for most long-distance moves
• $3,500–$7,500+ for cross-country relocations

Your final cost depends on your moving distance, the amount of furniture you own, your moving date, and the services you choose.

Planning ahead, decluttering before packing, and comparing multiple moving quotes can help you reduce expenses while making your move easier and less stressful.

Planning a 1-Bedroom Apartment Move?

Bellhop offers flexible moving solutions for local and long-distance relocations, including full-service moving, labor-only assistance, and apartment moving services.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Bellhop can help make your move simple, efficient, and affordable.

Get your free moving quote today.

Call +1 (833) 673-2177 or click here to get started.