How Much Does It Cost to Move a Studio Apartment?
Studio apartment moves are the most affordable — 2 movers, 3 hours, one trip. Local studio moves average $550 with professional movers. A DIY rental truck (10-ft) costs $150–200/day plus fuel. If your studio is above the 3rd floor with no elevator, add $100–150 for stair fees.
Studio Apartment Moving Cost — 2026
| Move Type | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (professional movers) | $550 | $350–$750 |
| Long-distance move (professional movers) | $2,200 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| DIY truck rental (per day) | $150 | + fuel |
What You're Moving — Weight and Volume
| Spec | Your Studio Apartment |
|---|---|
| Typical size | 300–600 sq ft |
| Estimated weight | 2,000 lbs |
| Recommended truck size | 10–15 ft truck |
| Movers needed | 2 movers |
| Time for local move | 3 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 Studio Apartment
DIY cost: $150/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 $230–350.
Mover cost: $550 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.
Studio Apartment Moving Cost: Local vs. Long Distance
| Distance | Movers | DIY Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $350–$750 | $225–$330 |
| Long distance (500 miles) | $1,540–$1,980 | $450–$750 |
| Long distance (1,000+ miles) | $1,500–$3,000 | $750–$1,200 |
Calculate Your Studio Apartment Moving Cost
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Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →FAQ — Studio Apartment Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move a studio apartment?
Moving a studio apartment costs $550 on average with professional movers for a local move (under 50 miles). Long-distance moves average $2,200. Costs range from $350 to $750 depending on timing, distance, and access.
What size truck do I need for a studio apartment?
A studio apartment (300–600 sq ft) fits in a 10–15 ft truck. Your belongings weigh approximately 2,000 lbs. If you have extra-heavy furniture (antiques, piano, large sectionals), size up one truck.
How many movers do I need for a studio apartment?
2 movers is the standard crew for a studio apartment. A local move typically takes 3 hours. For a top-floor move with no elevator, add 1 mover and budget extra time.
How much does it cost to move a studio apartment yourself?
DIY truck rental for a studio apartment costs $150/day plus fuel. For a 50-mile move, budget $200–300 total. Add more for long-distance fuel, tolls, and lodging.
What's the cheapest time to move a studio 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 studio 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.