Moving a one-bedroom apartment is usually much simpler and cheaper than moving a larger home. But costs can still add up quickly if you choose the wrong moving option or fail to plan ahead.

The good news is that one-bedroom moves offer the most flexibility. With fewer belongings, you have multiple ways to save money without making the move significantly more difficult.

So what’s the cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment?

In most cases:

A rental truck is the lowest-cost option.

A moving container offers the best balance between cost and convenience.

Labor-only movers can help you save money while avoiding the hardest physical work.

Here’s how the different options compare.

Option 1: Rent a Moving Truck

Cheapest Overall Option

For most one-bedroom apartments, renting a truck is the least expensive way to move.

Typical costs include:

• Truck rental
• Fuel
• Insurance
• Equipment rentals

Estimated Cost

Pros

✔ Lowest upfront cost

✔ Full control over schedule

✔ Immediate access to belongings

✔ No delivery windows

Cons

❌ You do all the loading

❌ You do all the unloading

❌ You drive the truck

❌ Fuel costs can add up

This option works best if you’re comfortable handling the physical labor and driving.

Option 2: Moving Container

Best Value for Many People

A moving container can often save money while eliminating the need to drive a large truck.

The company:

• Delivers the container
• Transports it
• Picks it up at your destination

You handle the loading and unloading.

Estimated Cost

Pros

✔ No truck driving

✔ Flexible loading schedule

✔ Storage options available

✔ Less stressful than a rental truck

Cons

❌ More expensive than DIY truck rental

❌ You still do the loading

❌ Delivery windows may vary

For many one-bedroom moves, containers provide the best combination of affordability and convenience.

Option 3: Labor-Only Movers + Rental Truck

This is one of the most overlooked ways to save money.

You:

• Rent the truck

Movers:

• Load and unload it

Typical Cost

Truck rental:

$150–$3,000

Labor:

$200–$800

Pros

✔ Much cheaper than full-service movers

✔ Avoid heavy lifting

✔ Faster loading

✔ Reduced risk of injury

Cons

❌ You still drive the truck

❌ Slightly higher cost than pure DIY

Many people find this option worth the extra expense because loading furniture is often the hardest part of moving.

Option 4: Full-Service Movers

Most Convenient Option

Professional movers handle:

• Loading
• Transportation
• Unloading

Typical Cost

Pros

✔ Minimal physical effort

✔ Professional handling

✔ Less stress

Cons

❌ Highest cost

If your primary goal is saving money, this usually isn’t the cheapest option.

How to Make Any Move Cheaper

Regardless of which method you choose, these strategies can reduce costs.

Declutter Before Packing

One-bedroom apartments often contain more items than people realize.

Before moving:

• Donate unused furniture
• Sell electronics you no longer use
• Get rid of old clothing
• Recycle unwanted items

The less you move, the less you’ll spend.

Use Free Boxes

Instead of buying every box new, look for:

• Grocery stores
• Community groups
• Friends and family
• Local retailers

This can save a surprising amount.

Move Mid-Week

Weekends often cost more.

Mid-week moves may provide:

• Better availability
• Lower pricing
• Less competition

Book Early

Waiting until the last minute can limit options and increase costs.

Aim to book:

4–6 weeks ahead whenever possible.

When a Rental Truck Isn’t Actually Cheaper

Many people focus only on the truck rental price.

Don’t forget to factor in:

• Fuel
• Hotels
• Meals
• Insurance
• Equipment rentals
• Time off work

For longer moves, the gap between a rental truck and a container may be smaller than expected.

Sample Cost Comparison

Let’s compare a one-bedroom move of approximately 1,000 miles.

Your exact costs will depend on inventory size, route, and timing.

Common Money-Wasting Mistakes

Many renters spend more than necessary because they:

❌ Move furniture they plan to replace

❌ Buy too many packing supplies

❌ Wait too long to book

❌ Underestimate travel expenses

❌ Choose services they don’t actually need

A little planning can significantly reduce costs.

Which Option Is Best?

If your goal is:

Lowest Cost

Rental truck

Best Balance of Cost and Convenience

Moving container

Save Money While Avoiding Heavy Lifting

Labor-only movers + rental truck

Maximum Convenience

Full-service movers

The Bottom Line

The cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment is usually renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself.

However, the best value often comes from choosing the option that balances cost, convenience, and effort.

For many renters, a moving container or labor-only movers provide meaningful savings while eliminating the most stressful parts of moving.

The right choice depends on your budget, distance, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself.

Planning a One-Bedroom Move?

Bellhop offers flexible moving options, including labor-only services, local moving assistance, and long-distance moving support.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Bellhop can help you find a solution that fits both your budget and your schedule.

Get your moving quote today.

Call +1 (888) 498-1085 or book online today to get started.

• About
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Nick Valentino

VP, Market Operations at Bellhop

Nick Valentino handles day-to-day operations at Bellhop, ensuring our customer's moves go smoothly. When not knee-deep in moving logistics, Nick enjoys The Bachelor, Georgia Football (Go Dawgs!) and traveling. He lives in Atlanta, GA.

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