How Much Does It Cost to Move a 1 Bedroom Apartment?
1-bedroom apartment moves average $750 with professional movers for a local move. Expect 2 movers and 4 hours. A 15-20 ft rental truck handles most 1-bedroom moves. Long-distance 1-bedroom moves average $3,000 — weight (3,500 lbs) is the primary cost driver.
1 Bedroom Apartment Moving Cost — 2026
| Move Type | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (professional movers) | $750 | $500–$1,100 |
| Long-distance move (professional movers) | $3,000 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| DIY truck rental (per day) | $190 | + fuel |
What You're Moving — Weight and Volume
| Spec | Your 1 Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|
| Typical size | 500–900 sq ft |
| Estimated weight | 3,500 lbs |
| Recommended truck size | 15–20 ft truck |
| Movers needed | 2 movers |
| Time for local move | 4 hours (est.) |
Weight estimates assume average furnishings. Heavy furniture, piano, or a garage will increase weight and truck size requirements.
DIY vs. Movers for a 1 Bedroom Apartment
DIY cost: $190/day for the right-size truck, plus fuel (estimate $0.20–0.35/mile), plus packing supplies ($50–150). For a 50-mile local move, total DIY cost is roughly $270–390.
Mover cost: $750 average for local moves. The rate is per mover per hour — a 2-mover crew at $45/mover/hr runs $90/hr total.
When movers are worth it: If you have fragile or high-value items, are moving above the 2nd floor, or simply value your time and back — movers pay for themselves. A back injury from a DIY move can cost far more than the price difference.
1 Bedroom Apartment Moving Cost: Local vs. Long Distance
| Distance | Movers | DIY Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $500–$1,100 | $285–$418 |
| Long distance (500 miles) | $2,100–$2,700 | $570–$950 |
| Long distance (1,000+ miles) | $2,000–$4,500 | $950–$1,520 |
Calculate Your 1 Bedroom Apartment Moving Cost
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Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →FAQ — 1 Bedroom Apartment Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move a 1 bedroom apartment?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment costs $750 on average with professional movers for a local move (under 50 miles). Long-distance moves average $3,000. Costs range from $500 to $1,100 depending on timing, distance, and access.
What size truck do I need for a 1 bedroom apartment?
A 1 bedroom apartment (500–900 sq ft) fits in a 15–20 ft truck. Your belongings weigh approximately 3,500 lbs. If you have extra-heavy furniture (antiques, piano, large sectionals), size up one truck.
How many movers do I need for a 1 bedroom apartment?
2 movers is the standard crew for a 1 bedroom apartment. A local move typically takes 4 hours. For a top-floor move with no elevator, add 1 mover and budget extra time.
How much does it cost to move a 1 bedroom apartment yourself?
DIY truck rental for a 1 bedroom apartment costs $190/day plus fuel. For a 50-mile move, budget $240–340 total. Add more for long-distance fuel, tolls, and lodging.
What's the cheapest time to move a 1 bedroom apartment?
Weekdays in October through April are cheapest. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last 3 days of any month, and weekends. Off-peak timing saves 20–30% on both mover rates and truck rentals.
What's included in a 1 bedroom apartment moving quote?
Most mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They typically exclude: packing materials ($50–200), stair fees ($50–100/flight), long carry charges, and tips ($20–40/mover). Always ask what's included before signing.