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