How Much Does It Cost To Move a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Moving apartments can seem exciting, but it is a daunting task.

The one question that would arise in anyone’s mind who has a move coming up is:

How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?

We’ll answer that for you, but you need to remember that the local moving cost for a 2-bedroom apartment can vary widely based on several factors, including the number of belongings you have, the distance of the move, and the volume and type of belongings you are moving. 

There are other additional factors that could also impact the cost, including the weight of your belongings, moving specialty items, storage fees, and costs of packing materials.

But to give you a rough estimate, the cost of hiring movers to move a 2-bedroom apartment approximately ranges from  $799 to $2000 for local moves (under 50 miles). 

Now, if we talk about long-distance moving, the average cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment ranges between $2500 to $5000 or more. 

Some moving companies charge for their moving services on an hourly basis, while some of them offer you a flat fee. 

In this blog, we will discuss the average cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment, factors affecting the cost, additional costs to consider, and some cost-saving tips. 

Average Cost to Move a 2-Bedroom Apartment 

When planning to move a 2-bedroom apartment, it is essential to keep in mind the average moving costs.

You also need to decide whether you want to opt for DIY moving vs hiring professional movers. Most professional moving companies charge hourly rates, which include the travel cost, packing, loading, and unloading of your belongings. 

Some of them even provide you with a moving checklist so that you can arrange your belongings accordingly. 

Whether you’re considering moving locally within the same city or planning a long-distance move, having a proper moving budget in mind can help you set some realistic expectations. 

Local Moving Cost For a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Local moves are usually within the same city or in a radius of about 5-50 miles. Many local moving companies often charge on an hourly basis.

The average hourly rate can vary based on the number of movers you hire, whether you have elevator access or not, and the amount of belongings you have.

To give you an estimate, moving a 2-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $139-$199 for a crew of two movers and one truck. 

A local move usually takes around 5-9 hours, which costs $799- $2000 in total.

Please remember that these prices are just estimated figures and may vary if you add any additional mover or service. 

The price can also vary if you are moving specialty items. Any item that is over 100 lbs will have an extra charge. 

However, if you choose the right moving company, you can make your local move a breeze. 

Long-Distance Moving Cost For a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Long Distance moves cover distances over 50 miles, including interstate relocations.

If you hire professional movers for a long-distance move, the movers charge on the basis of distance traveled. 

The average cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment with a team of three movers and one truck can range from $2500-$5000 or more. 

Please note that these are estimated figures, and long-distance moving costs can increase when the distance is more than 100 miles, resulting in additional fuel charges, 

If you are transporting any specialty item like pianos, gym equipment, etc, then also the the cost can vary. 

To make your long-distance move successful, donate or sell the belongings that you no longer need. 

Breaking Down The Cost of Moving a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Still confused about the cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment?

Don’t worry; we will give you a more clear idea of how the calculation is done.

In the moving invoice given below, we give you an approximate breakdown of the number of hours movers take to complete a long-distance move, along with the additional fuel charges and heavy fees added to the final bill.

Here is the breakdown of what the invoice means

• Moving Labor: As per the invoice, the moving company charged the client $399/hr (for 3 trucks, 6 movers), which totaled to $6,882
• Additional Fuel Charges: Since it was a long-distance move for around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes, there were additional fuel charges for 3 trucks, which were of $260 per truck.
• Heavy Item Fee: Heavy item fees of $400 were charged for two items that were over 200lbs

So, the initial cost of hiring moving labor was $6,882, but the total billing amount was $9,110.91 [$6,882+ Additional fuel charges ($260×3) + Heavy item fee (2x $200) + 13% tax]

4 Factors Affecting The Cost of a 2-Bedroom Apartment

If you are planning to move a 2-bedroom apartment, there are several factors that affect the moving cost.

Understanding these factors can help you plan more effectively and avoid any unwanted surprises. 

1. DIY vs Professional Movers

The type of move you choose also influences the cost. For instance, if you are planning a DIY move, it might be easy on your pocket, but it would require you to take care of all the aspects of moving.

 On the other hand, if you hire a professional moving company, they may handle everything from packing to unloading your belongings, but it can be an expensive option. 

Here are a few key points that would help you make an informed decision on whether to opt for DIY moving or hiring a professional moving company. 

2. Size of The Move

The size of your move can affect the moving cost of a 2-bedroom apartment. For instance, the more items you have, the larger the truck and the more labor would be needed.  

Moving a studio apartment would be easy as you would have fewer belongings, including less furniture and appliances.

However, in a 2-bedroom apartment, you’ll have more stuff, including your personal belongings, furniture, and appliances. 

The total weight and the amount of these belongings will contribute to the overall cost, which would definitely be higher than the cost of moving a one-bedroom.

3. Time of The Move

The time of your move can also affect the moving cost. There will be certain times of the year when it will be more expensive than the others. 

Peak Moving Season (Late Spring to Early Fall)

The summer months, especially (May to August), can be the busiest for moving companies, aligning with school vacations and favorable weather. 

Weekends and the end of the month are also peak moving times due to higher demand.

During these times, rates can be higher rates by 20% to 30% compared to off-peak moving season.

Off-Peak Moving Season (Late Fall to Early Spring)

If you want to save some money, move during fall or winter. It can lead to lower prices due to less demand. 

Planning a move during weekdays in between the month can also lead to lower rates.

4. Any Additional Services

When you are planning your move, it is easy to focus on the obvious expenses like hiring a moving company or renting a truck; however, there are several additional charges that can come as an unexpected surprise during the time of your move. 

While some of these costs can be optional or vary depending on an individual’s situation, but it is better to be aware of these extra charges so that you can make an informed decision. 

Packing Materials

If you hire a professional moving company, they will handle all the steps involved in the moving process, which includes packing and unpacking as well, but one thing that most people overlook is the cost of packing materials. 

Yes, you read that right. It is not included in your moving cost; the movers will charge you extra for that.

 But you can rely on professional movers for that, as they will get good quality packing supplies, which will help you keep your belongings safe. 

The cost of packing materials depends on the amount and type of items you have. 

Here is a list of packing supplies that movers come prepared with:

• Moving boxes ( of all sizes) to pack all your belongings 
• Wardrobe boxes for packing clothes
• Bubble wraps, shrink wraps, and packing peanuts to pack fragile items 
• Furniture Pads and moving blankets to ensure your furniture is safe
• Floor protectors to protect any dents or marks on the floor. 
• Glass packers to protect against chipping and breaking.
• TV kits and boxes

Moving Speciality Items

Moving specialty items like pianos, art frames, gym equipment, appliances, and large electronics would incur an additional charge.

These items require extra care and would cost you more because of special packaging and the need for extra labor in handling and transporting them carefully to your new home.

Storage Services

It is not necessary for all your items to fit into your new home. You can donate furniture or belongings that you don’t need or store them in 24×7 climate-controlled temporary storage units. 

Renting a storage unit comes with a monthly fee, which can vary depending on the size of the unit and duration of storage. 

Junk Removal

If you have old and grubby furniture that you no longer use, you can pay some extra fees to the movers who can get rid of that for you.

Apart from furniture, they can remove all the other unnecessary items like electronic waste, commercial debris, and unwanted clothes in an environmentally safe manner. 

Tipping the Movers

It may not be mandatory, but tipping movers for their hard work is considered to be a good ethic.

Now, you must be wondering how much should you tip movers?

Well, the ideal range to tip movers should be between $20-60$ per mover (If it’s an 8-10 hours long move)

But if it’s a local move, you can tip the mover around $20-$30. 

4 Cost-Saving Tips When You Move a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Moving can be expensive, but with effective strategies and careful planning, you can reduce your moving costs

1. Decluttering Is The Key

One of the most effective ways you can save money on moving costs is to declutter.

 The more items you have, the more expensive it will be, especially when you have to hire professional movers.

Sell or Donate Items You No Longer Need

You haven’t used that furniture for a long, and there is no way you are going to use it now. Let it go!

Go through all your belongings carefully and see what you need. Sell items of value online through the Facebook marketplace or through garage sales. You can also donate gently used items, which are in good condition, to local charities. 

Recycle and Dispose of Unwanted Items

Recycle and dispose of unwanted items that you no longer need to save the costs on storage units. 

You can take the help of junk removal experts, who can dispose of these items in an environmentally friendly way. 

2. Compare Quotes From Multiple Moving Companies

Before making a decision to hire a professional moving company, compare the quotes from multiple moving companies, this will not only help you understand the average cost but also help you find the best deal.

Try comparing what services are included in each quote; sometimes, a moving company offering a slightly higher quote may be of better value.

3. Pack Yourself

Another way to cut down on your cost is to pack yourself instead of paying for professional packing services. 

Packing yourself means you have control over all your belongings, ensuring that your delicate items and valuables are packed safely.

Get Affordable and Good Quality Packing Materials

Get affordable and good-quality moving supplies, including sturdy boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap. 

Label the boxes with their content inside and the room they belong to. This would make the unpacking easier. 

Start Packing Early

Give yourself enough time to pack at your own pace. This would reduce your last-minute stress and the need for professional packing services.

4. Be Flexible in Choosing The Moving Date

The timing of your move can also determine the costs of moving your 2-bedroom apartment. 

Avoid Weekends and Month-Ends

If you plan your move on a weekday or mid-month, it can be less expensive than weekends or month-ends, which are usually in higher demand.

Move During Off Peak-Seasons

If you have finalized your move, then try relocating during the late fall to early spring when demand for moving services is generally lower. 

Conclusion

Moving a 2-bedroom alone is not an easy task; you would require a lot of careful planning, physical labor, and, most importantly, budgeting. 

When you’re planning a moving budget, consider all the additional costs, not just the basic fees; this would help you avoid any financial strain.

It would always be a wise decision to set aside a contingency fund if any unforeseen circumstance arises. 

Consider hiring a professional moving company after you have carefully compared the quotes from different moving companies, select the one that meets your needs. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much do movers cost for a 2-bedroom apartment in NYC?

The cost of hiring movers for a 2-bedroom apartment in NYC ranges between $995-$1393 approximately.

This is an estimated figure, and the range can vary based on the number of movers you hire and how many hours it takes.

2. How much do movers cost for a 2-bedroom apartment in Houston?

The cost of hiring movers for a 2-bedroom apartment in Houston ranges between $870-$1790 approximately. It depends upon the number of movers and how many hours it takes. 

3. How do I pack my valuables safely?

When it comes to packing your valuables safely, it is essential you choose the right moving company. Expert movers know how to handle all your delicate items carefully and transport them to your new home with the utmost safety. 

4. Do movers disassemble and re-assemble furniture items for a 2-bedroom apartment?

Movers can disassemble and reassemble your furniture; however, this will increase the cost of your move. Movers typically charge hourly rates for their service.

5. How much do movers usually charge per hour? 

Every moving company charges different rates. Local movers charge approximately $139-$199 for a crew of 2 movers and 1 truck, but the cost can vary depending on factors like distance, number of movers needed, and the time of the year.