Apartment Moving Guide: Studios to 3-Bedrooms
Step-by-step guidance for moving out of or into any apartment — from studios to large units.
Before You Move: Building Prep
Moving out of an apartment takes coordination with your building management. Most buildings require a move-out reservation for the elevator and may have rules about which entry door to use.
Contact your building at least 1 week before your move to reserve the service elevator, confirm any move-in/move-out hours (many buildings restrict moves to weekdays or daytime hours), and check if you need to pay a damage deposit.
- Reserve elevator 5–7 days in advance
- Confirm move-out hours with building management
- Ask about parking permits for the moving truck
- Check for hallway protection requirements
Packing by Apartment Size
Studios and 1-bedrooms typically require 20–30 boxes and 2–3 hours of labor. Two-bedrooms need 40–60 boxes and 4–5 hours. Three-bedrooms can take 60–90 boxes and a full day.
- Studio: 20–30 boxes, 1–2 movers, 2–3 hrs
- 1-BR: 30–45 boxes, 2 movers, 3–4 hrs
- 2-BR: 45–65 boxes, 2–3 movers, 4–6 hrs
- 3-BR: 65–100 boxes, 3–4 movers, 6–8 hrs
Elevator and Stair Fees
If your apartment has no elevator or movers must carry items up multiple flights, expect extra time and cost. Most movers charge per flight of stairs or have a minimum for buildings without freight elevators.
- Ground floor: standard rate
- 2nd floor walk-up: +$25–50
- Each additional floor: +$15–25 per flight
- Freight elevator: no extra charge
Apartment Moving Cost in 2026
Local apartment moves typically cost $299–$799 depending on size and distance. Muvr offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Studio local move: $299–$449
- 1-BR local move: $399–$599
- 2-BR local move: $549–$799
- Long-distance moves quoted separately