How Much Does It Cost to Move a Small Apartment? – Complete 2026 Cost Guide

Moving a small apartment—like a studio or one-bedroom—is often simpler and more affordable than relocating a larger household, but there’s still a wide range of moving costs depending on distance, services you choose, timing, and location. Whether you’re moving locally across town or planning a long-distance relocation, this 2025 guide from Van Lines Move breaks down what you’re likely to pay and how to plan your moving budget.

What Qualifies as a “Small Apartment Move”?

A small apartment typically includes:

• Studios
• One-bedroom units
• Small two-bedroom apartments with minimal furniture

These moves usually involve fewer belongings, take less time, and require smaller trucks and fewer movers.

Typical Cost Factors You Should Know

Before we dive into exact cost ranges, it’s important to understand what influences your moving bill:

1. Distance of Move

• Local moves — billed hourly
• Long-distance moves — billed by weight + miles

2. Time of Year

• Summer and month-end moves cost more
• Off-peak times (fall/winter weekdays) tend to be cheaper

3. Size & Weight of Belongings

Even small apartments can vary widely depending on furniture, appliances, and number of boxes.

4. Additional Services

Packing, specialty item handling (like pianos), storage, and disassembly all add to cost.

5. Accessibility

Stairs, elevators, long carries from door to truck, and parking restrictions can increase labor time.

Average Cost to Move a Small Apartment

1. Local Move (Within Same City / Metro)

For a small apartment (studio/1BR), local movers typically charge hourly. Here’s what that looks like:

Typical Range: $300 – $900 for most local small apartment moves.

Example:

If a crew of 2 movers takes 3 hours, charging $130/hour = $390 total.

2. Long-Distance Move (Over 100 Miles)

Long-distance moves for small apartments are usually priced by weight and distance:

Long-distance cost includes:

• Truck transportation
• Fuel
• Labor
• Insurance coverage

The weight of goods is often the biggest factor. A studio might be 2,000–3,000 lbs; a one-bedroom 3,000–5,000 lbs.

What’s Included in These Costs?

Basic Moving Services

• Pickup and delivery
• Loading and unloading
• Moving truck and driver
• Basic protection/blankets

Common Add-Ons

• Packing services
• Packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap)
• Disassembly / reassembly
• Storage before/after move
• Moving insurance or coverage upgrades

Breakdown by Home Size (Typical Hours & Pricing)

Studio Apartment Move

• Estimated time: 2–3 hours
• Typical cost: $300 – $720 (local)

One-Bedroom Apartment Move

• Estimated time: 3–5 hours
• Typical cost: $450 – $1,000 (local)

Note: Larger furniture (sofas, dressers, entertainment centers) and multiple boxes increase time and cost.

Ways to Save on Small Apartment Moving Costs

1. Book Early

Schedule movers 4–6 weeks before your move date — prices are often lower and availability is better.

2. Move Midweek

Weekends and month-end days are busiest and most expensive.

3. Declutter First

Donate or sell items you don’t need. Fewer items reduce hours or weight charges.

4. Pack Some Items Yourself

Doing your own packing can lower labor hours. Just be sure fragile items are well-protected.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Compare at least 2–3 moving companies for better pricing and services.

Specialty Items & Small Apartment Moves

Even in small apartments, you may have one or two heavy or odd-shaped items — refrigerators, mattresses, pianos, treadmills. These often incur additional fees, such as:

• Appliance handling
• Specialty equipment or gear
• Extra labor

Budget an additional $50 – $300+ for specialty handling based on item size and complexity.

When Small Apartment Moves Cost More Than Expected

Certain situations tend to raise costs even for small apartments:

• Stairs or no elevator access
• Parking permits or long carries
• Narrow hallways or tight doorways
• Last-minute booking
• Peak moving season (summer, weekends)
• Heavy or multiple bulky items

Planning ahead helps reduce these surprises.

When Moving Yourself Might Be Worth It

If your move is short distance, your items are light, and you have help, you might save money by renting a small truck or van.

Just consider:

• Rental fees
• Fuel costs
• Time invested
• Risk of injury or damage

For many people, hiring professional movers is worth the cost for convenience, safety, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A small apartment move doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Most studio and one-bedroom moves fall between:

• Local moves: $300 – $900
• Long-distance small apartment moves: $900 – $3,000+

Your specific cost depends on distance, inventory size, services used, and timing.

If you want help with quotes tailored to your move, Van Lines Move can connect you with reliable moving professionals and provide free estimates to compare pricing and services.