How to Move an Apartment: Complete Guide
Moving from an apartment involves elevators, parking restrictions, neighbor coordination, and tight deadlines. Here's your complete playbook.
How Long Does It Take to Move Your Apartment?
Studio
15–25 boxes
2–3 hours
2 movers
1 Bedroom
25–40 boxes
3–5 hours
2–3 movers
2 Bedroom
40–60 boxes
4–7 hours
3–4 movers
3 Bedroom
60–80+ boxes
6–9 hours
4–5 movers
Your Apartment Move Timeline
6–8 Weeks Before
- Research moving companies and get 3+ quotes
- Notify your landlord in writing (check your lease — most require 30–60 days notice)
- Start decluttering — sell, donate, or trash items you don't need
- Create a moving budget including packing supplies, movers, and deposits
- Transfer school records if moving with kids
4 Weeks Before
- Book your movers and packing team — popular dates fill fast
- Order packing supplies or schedule professional packing service
- Begin packing non-essentials (seasonal decor, books, hobby items)
- Notify utilities, USPS, bank, subscriptions of address change
- Photograph your current apartment for security deposit protection
2 Weeks Before
- Pack guest bedroom, living room decor, and storage areas
- Confirm moving truck and elevator reservations
- Label all boxes with room AND contents
- Disassemble large furniture you won't need before move day
- Arrange parking permits for the moving truck if needed
1 Week Before
- Pack bedroom (keep one set of bedding out)
- Pack kitchen except daily essentials
- Confirm new apartment is ready and you have keys/access
- Pack an 'essentials box' — toilet paper, chargers, snacks, change of clothes
- Defrost refrigerator if you're bringing it
Move Day
- Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet
- Take meter readings and photos of the old apartment
- Be present to direct movers to the right rooms
- Inspect boxes as they're unloaded for any damage
- Return keys and get written confirmation from old landlord
Apartment-Specific Moving Tips
- → Reserve the elevator — most buildings require advance notice and a deposit
- → Check parking rules for the moving truck — permits may be required
- → Measure doorways and hallways before move day for large furniture
- → Notify neighbors about the move to avoid complaints about noise or hallway traffic
- → Get written confirmation of any damage already in the apartment before you moved in
- → Check if your building has a move-in/move-out fee — many do
Let Us Handle the Packing
Our crew arrives, packs your entire apartment professionally, and has you ready for move day. Same-day and next-day availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move an apartment?
A local apartment move typically costs $400–$1,500 depending on apartment size and distance. Larger apartments or moves requiring packing services will cost more. Get at least 3 quotes and watch for lowball estimates with hidden fees.
How far in advance should I book movers?
For peak season (May–September), book 6–8 weeks in advance. For off-peak moves, 2–4 weeks is usually fine. The 1st and last days of the month are always busiest — aim for mid-month if you have flexibility.
Should I pack myself or hire professional packers?
Hiring professional packers for a 1–2 bedroom apartment typically adds $200–$500 to your move but saves 6–12 hours of stress. It's especially worth it for the kitchen and any fragile items.
Do I need to be present during the move?
Yes — always be present on move day to direct the crew, answer questions, inspect items as they're loaded and unloaded, and do a final walkthrough of your old apartment before handing over keys.