Though buying a new home is often seen as a celebration, moving into a new apartment can be just as exciting as signing onto a mortgage loan. No matter if you’re a college student moving into your first shared living space or you’re a working professional who’s finally found the perfect one-bedroom apartment, planning your move as early as possible will make the moving process easier.

Our Top Pick
Best Full-Service Mover

4.5

One month of free storage included with your move

Provides moves in all 50 states

Offers air & ocean freighting

VISIT SITE
Most Transparent Pricing

4.0

Flat rate pricing for all moves

Offers price matching

Expedited moves between big cities

VISIT SITE
Best Cost Estimation Tools

4.2

Top-notch packing services

Nationwide partner network

Comprehensive moving calculator

VISIT SITE

Another way you can make the process of moving to a new apartment is by hiring a professional moving company. Though most apartment dwellers believe that an apartment move can be easily handled using DIY methods, professionals have specialized skills that help you move into your apartment faster and with as little damage as possible. Read on to explore some of the best apartment movers operating throughout the country — and how they can help you ease the stress of your moving process.

If you aren’t moving far check out our list of top tier moving companies for small moves.

The 7 Best Apartment Moving Companies

Our top recommended apartment moving companies for 2023:

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Compare The Best Apartment Moving Companies

The table below outlines data for the best moving companies on the market. We constantly update these ratings and price estimates to reflect industry changes. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.

Company

Best For

Our Rating

BBB Rating

Local Cost

Long-distance Cost

Best Full-Service
Mover

B

$650–$1350

$2,100–$5,400

Most Transparent Pricing

B-

$550–$1,100

$2,550–$5,700

Best Cost Estimation Tools

B

$700 - $1,250

$1,800 - $4980

Best Flat-Rate
Pricing

Not Rated

Not available for local moves

$2,200–$5,500

Most Moving
Partners

B

Call for a quote

$2,750–$5,200

Most Customizable

A+

Call for a quote

$2,750–$6,000

Best Vehicle
Shipping Options

A+

$800–$1,500

$2,000–$5,000

Best Pricing
Options

A+

$800–$1,500

$2,000–$5,000

Best Technology

A+

Call for quote

$2,000–$5,000

Best Container Service

A+

Not available for local moves

$1,350–$2,400

Best Valuation Coverage Options

A+

$1,200-$2,750

$3,100-$8,400

*Quote and cost data are updated and monitored continuously.

Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines

4.5

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Get 10% Off Your Next Move

International Van Lines (IVL) is our choice for the best full-service moving company. With more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry, IVL can handle everything from small moves to major international relocations. As a full-service moving company, IVL offers an enhanced range of optional add-on services that take the hassle out of the most annoying parts of the moving process. For example, if you simply don’t have time to pack up your apartment, IVL’s team can handle that on or before your move date.

IVL is also well-known for its customer service team, which has won multiple awards within the moving industry and beyond. Forbes has recently rated IVL as the #1 national moving company in the United States, while Newsweek gave IVL its coveted “Best Customer Service” distinction in 2021. All-star customer service and a wide selection of optional add-ons make IVL a great choice for both small apartment moves down the street and huge international relocations.

Get a free quote from International Van Lines.

Offers a thorough over the phone quote process that is much more accurate than competitors
Offers a wide selection of services; able to accommodate most moving needs
Available in all 50 states as well as internationally
Requires a down payment up to 25% of your total moving cost

IVL currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  •     Packing and unpacking services
  •     Loading and unloading services
  •     Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  •     Crating
  •     Specialized packing services for fragile items
  •     Storage solutions for both short-term and long-term periods
  •     Packing supplies
  •     Auto transportation services
  •     Military moving services
  •     Commercial moving services

Use the table below to get an idea of how much you might expect to pay for IVL’s services before getting your quote.

 <250 miles500 miles1,000 miles2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home$1,400 to $4,400$1,900 to $4,900$2,100 to $5,100$2,400 to $5,400
Four-bedroom home$3,200 to $6,200$5,100 to $8,100$5,700 to $8,700$6,200 to $9,200
Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines

4.0

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Price Matching Available

American Van Lines (AVL) can be the right interstate moving service for you if you’re looking for a simple, straightforward pricing system. Unlike most moving companies, AVL uses flat rates to determine how much you’ll pay for your move based on the size of your apartment and the distance you’re traveling. This allows representatives to get you a quote more quickly — and helps you to really understand where exactly your money is going when you reserve your booking.

Concerned about getting a better rate with another moving company? AVL encourages you to explore all of your options before making a final decision with its price-matching policy. If you receive a more affordable quote from a well-known competing company that also provides apartment moves, AVL will match that quote. This ensures that you’re able to get both the best pricing and the unbeatable professionalism of AVL’s team.

Get a free quote from American Van Lines.

Offers price matching with competing local apartment moving companies
Flat-rate pricing makes pricing predictable
Certified piano and antique movers available upon request
No online pricing currently offered

AVL currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  •     Packing and unpacking services
  •     Storage services
  •     Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
  •     Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  •     Crating for large items (like pianos)
  •     Moving supplies
  •     Commercial moving
  •     Military moves

Use the table below to get an idea of how much you might expect to pay when you move with AVL before getting your quote.

 <250 miles500 miles1,000 miles2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home$1,700 to $4,700$2,300 to $5,300$2,600 to $5,600$4,200 to $7,200
Four-bedroom home$4,800 to $7,800$5,600 to $8,600$7,400 to $10,400$10,800 to $13,800
Best Quoting Experience

Moving APT

3.9

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Use Code APT23 For 20% Off

Moving APT is the only company on our list of recommended relocation services that does not actually provide movers and moving services itself. Instead of selling moving services, Moving APT operates as a full-service moving broker. Moving APT’s team of professionals has connections with some of the best moving companies in the world — and they leverage these connections to pair you up with one of their 2,500 carriers. Your move will be booked with the moving company that Moving APT’s team believes will provide you with the highest quality moving experience.

This is a win-win situation for both you and the moving company. The moving company gets to spend more time on the road and contract more work through the broker, which increases the business’s revenue. You get a lower rate on your moving services, negotiated on your behalf through Moving APT. If you’re looking for affordable apartment movers but you don’t have hours to spend comparing quotes, Moving APT might be right for you.

Get a free quote from Moving APT.

Network of more than 2,500 carriers helps you find the best rates on your move
Offers price matching policies on its booked services
GPS tracking available
Because the company operates as a moving broker, quality and availability of services may vary by location

Because Moving APT has partnerships with thousands of professional movers, chances are high that the company will be able to schedule any services that you might need. Some of the most common services booked through Moving APT include the following:

  •     Commercial and residential moving
  •     Piano moving
  •     Auto shipping
  •     Packing services
  •     Packing supplies (included for some moves)
  •     Appliance connection services
  •     Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly

Consult with a representative to learn more about available services from your selected service provider.

Moving APT has thousands of partnered providers and can schedule a wide range of services on your behalf. As a result, the company is currently unable to provide pricing estimates online. As a general example of Moving APT’s pricing, a recent 1,000-mile move for a four-bedroom home was quoted at a price of $7,800 from Moving APT. Be sure to get your moving quote online using the link below to learn more about what you might pay with Moving APT.

Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

JK Moving Services is known as one of the best movers if you’re moving a special apartment, home business, or you’re moving a number of fragile items. JK’s team takes an exceptionally personal approach to the moving process, which can be comforting if this will be your first time making a major move. When you connect with JK Moving Services, you’ll be assigned a personal moving coordinator who will help you schedule all of the services and add-ons you might need for local or long-distance moves. This moving coordinator will also help you along and keep you updated at every step of the moving process.

In addition to providing more individualized apartment moves, you can also expect a number of conveniences that you might not find with competing providers. For example, if you’re a lawyer and you have a home office you need to move, JK Moving Services can provide archival services to ensure that customer data is never compromised during the process. The company will also provide you with instructions on how to track your moving truck via GPS throughout the journey to your new home. Though JK only provides local moves in a few states, you can depend on them to take you anywhere in the continental United States.

Provides GPS tracking on all moves
Movers are background checked and have passed a drug test, ensuring a stress-free move
Schedules services through personal moving coordinator
Must speak with a representative to get quote
Pricing is higher than competitors

JK Moving Services currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  •     Packing and unpacking services
  •     Loading and unloading services
  •     Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
  •     Transportation and delivery
  •     Freighting
  •     Crating
  •     Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
  •     Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
  •     Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other specialized workplaces
  •     Government moving services
  •     Archive services
  •     Auto relocation services

Like Moving APT, JK Moving Services’ representatives take a very personal look at each customer’s estimated pricing before providing an estimate. As a general idea of pricing, you can usually expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 when you move a two-bedroom home or apartment a total distance of 500 miles. Connect with a JK Moving Services representative to learn more about what you can expect to pay for the services you need.

Best Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

Allied Van Lines understands firsthand that moving even a studio apartment can be a significantly more stressful experience if you have to move a vehicle with you. After all, if you’re shipping your vehicle, you likely need it to arrive on schedule for school or work.

Allied Van Lines is able to transport almost any type of vehicle, from sedans to sailboats. If your vehicle shipment doesn’t arrive on the same day Allied Van Lines schedules, the long-distance moving company will cover the cost of a rental vehicle. When you move a vehicle with Allied Van Lines, you can rest assured that your plans are covered, even if you’re shipping a vehicle.

Get a free quote from Allied Van Lines.

Covers the cost of a rental vehicle if your vehicle shipment arrives late
Accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Offers both in-person and virtual moving estimates
Short-term storage services are significantly more expensive than competitors

Allied Van Lines currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  •     Packing services and unpacking services
  •     Fragile-only packing
  •     Storage for in-transit items
  •     Arrangement of long-term storage units
  •     Shipment tracking
  •     Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  •     Auto and boat transport
  •     Basic liability coverage
  •     Full-value coverage

Use the table below to get an idea of how much you might expect to pay when you move with Allied Van Lines before getting your quote.

 <250 miles500 miles1,000 miles2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home$1,800 to $4,500$2,400 to $5,400$2,700 to $5,700$4,400 to $7,400
Four-bedroom home$3,300 to $6,000$5,700 to $8,700$7,500 to $10,500$10,900 to $13,000
Best Overall Container Service

U-Pack

3.5

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
$25 Off With Code BLOG25

U-Pack is a cost-effective moving container service that helps you move your apartment affordably by empowering you to provide your own packing and loading services. After booking your moving date online and agreeing to your instant quote, U-Pack will deliver a portable moving container to your current home. U-Pack’s moving containers (sometimes called “ReloCubes”) take up about as much room as a parking space and provide secure weather protection for the items inside. From here, you’ll have three days to load your container with your shipment with your things, after which U-Pack will pick up the container and deliver it to your new home.

Though moving with U-Pack might seem like more of a hassle, you’re likely to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your moving process by putting in a little work before and after the move. You also don’t need to worry about driving a moving truck and navigating it through busy areas — a major benefit for anyone who isn’t confident in their driving abilities. If you’re looking for a blend of affordability and convenience, U-Pack might be the right choice for your move.

Get a free quote from U-Pack.

Provides instant quotes for most of its customers online
More affordable than working with a full-service moving company
If you rent a moving trailer, you only pay for the space you use
Not a full-service moving company; you’ll need to provide most of your own services

U-Pack currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  • Long-distance container moving services
  • Storage solutions

U-Pack only provides service on moves totaling at least 150 miles in distance. If you’re moving to a new apartment in the same area as you’re currently living in, you may want to get a quote with a competing moving container service like PODS if this method seems right for you

Use the table below to get an idea of how much you might expect to pay when you move with U-Pack before getting your quote.

 <250 miles500 miles1,000 miles2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home$600 to $1,600$1,200 to $2,200$1,600 to $2,600$2,100 to $3,100
Four-bedroom home$800 to $1,800       $1,800 to $2,800$2,800 to $3,800$4,100 – $5,100
Best Pricing

North American Van Lines

4.0

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Seniors Get 40–65% Off

No one wants to pay more than they have to for their moving services. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to predict what you’ll pay for your moving services until you lock down a binding estimate.

North American Van Lines is unique in that it allows its customers to choose strategic pricing methods to keep their move within their budget. For example, North American Van Lines offers “not to exceed ” estimates, which put a total cap on the amount of money that movers can charge you for moving services. This can be another viable option when searching for affordable local movers.

Get a free quote from NAVL.

A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Trains its drivers using a proprietary simulator that minimizes the possibility of collisions
Offers international moving services to more than 175 destinations
Customer reviews indicate that damage to shipments is a common problem

North American Van Lines currently offers its customers the following specialty services and add-ons:

  •     Full-service packing
  •     Fragile-only packing
  •     Boxes and moving supplies
  •     Appliance disconnection and reconnection
  •     Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  •     Custom crates
  •     Loading and unloading
  •     Crane vans for large items
  •     Storage
  •     Auto transport
  •     Basic liability coverage
  •     Full-valuation coverage

Use the table below to get an idea of how much you might expect to pay when you move with North American Van Lines before getting your quote.

 <250 miles500 miles1,000 miles2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home$1,800 to $4,500$2,400 to $5,400$2,700 to $5,700$4,400 to $7,400
Four-bedroom home$3,300 to $6,000$5,700 to $8,700$7,500 to $10,500$10,900 to $13,000

What To Look For In Apartment Moving Companies?

Knowing what you should be looking for in an apartment moving company can help ensure that you work only with legitimate service providers. The following are some essential characteristics you should look for before you book any type of apartment moving services.

  • Federal licensure: Every moving company operating in the United States that provides moves that cross state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is a government regulatory body that controls and monitors the moving industry. To make sure that a company is registered with the FMCSA, ask for their USDOT number because you need to confirm FMCSA registration with USDOT number. A USDOT number is a unique identifying code that the FMCSA provides to all of its registered companies. If a moving company claims they don’t need a USDOT number to provide interstate moving services, continue your search with another provider.
  • All of the services you need: Not every full-service moving company provides every type of service you might need on your move. It’s a good idea to create a list of add-on services that are must-haves for your upcoming move before you begin comparing moving companies. This will make it easier to determine which moving company can provide a one-stop-shop for everything you need.
  • A proactive customer service team: If you’re moving to a new apartment for the first time, the last thing you want is to be panicking and not have a reliable customer representative to ask for help. Before you book your moving date, you might want to give a few apartment movers in your area a call to ask some basic questions about the moving process. Take note of the type of service you receive, as this is likely the quality of service you’ll receive once your shipment is on the road.

What Costs Are Involved With Apartment Moving Companies?

Understanding how moving companies price apartment moves can help you minimize what you pay for services. Some of the factors that will influence the price of your apartment move include the following.

  • The number of staircases in your building: If you live in a building with an elevator, you may not have to cover this fee. However, if you live in a walk-up, your movers will likely charge you a premium per flight of stairs that they must navigate when loading your things.
  • How far away movers must park from your building: In some highly populated areas, your movers may not have trouble parking their vehicle immediately in front of your apartment building. Some cities (like New York City) even stipulate specific areas where trucks can and cannot park. If your movers must park a considerable distance away from your apartment building, you can expect to pay an additional fee for loading services.
  • The size of your home: As a general rule, you can expect to pay more for your moving services if you live in a larger apartment with more bedrooms. Downsizing as much as possible before your moving date arrives can help save money on your move by getting the most out of the space available in each truck.

So, What’s Our Recommendation on Apartment Movers?

As you can see, moving even a small apartment can be quite expensive. If you haven’t saved as much as you think you might need for your move, the best next step to take is to claim a free moving quote from as many moving service providers as possible. We recommend beginning by getting a quote from each of our recommended partners before exploring local movers on your own. Remember—you have no idea if you’re overpaying for your move if you don’t know what other companies charge for the same services.

Our Top Pick
Best Full-Service Mover

4.5

One month of free storage included with your move

Provides moves in all 50 states

Offers air & ocean freighting

VISIT SITE
Most Transparent Pricing

4.0

Flat rate pricing for all moves

Offers price matching

Expedited moves between big cities

VISIT SITE
Best Cost Estimation Tools

4.2

Top-notch packing services

Nationwide partner network

Comprehensive moving calculator

VISIT SITE

FAQs About Apartment Movers

Who is the most affordable moving company?

The most affordable way to move is almost always to work with a moving truck rental company. If you cannot drive a commercial vehicle or you’re looking for an easier move, you might want to consider a low-cost alternative to a full-service moving company like U-Pack.


How do you move things from one apartment to another?

To move things from one apartment to another, begin by decluttering your space as much as possible. Decluttering and downsizing will help you pay less for your moving services. Then, decide if you want to work with a professional moving company or do a DIY move. If you have a small apartment, you can usually save money with a DIY move. If you have a larger home, you might benefit from the assistance of a professional moving company.


What is the cheapest way to move to a new state?

The cheapest way to move to a new state is usually to rent a moving vehicle and prepare for a DIY move. If you cannot rent a moving truck or you aren’t comfortable driving this type of large vehicle, you might want to consider a moving container service like U-Pack for your upcoming journey.


Is it better to have 2 or 3 movers?

If you live in a small home with one or two bedrooms, you’ll usually be able to get away with hiring only two movers. However, if you live in a larger property, you’ll usually want to hire at least three movers for your job.


How do I find a good local moving company?

You can find a good local moving company by comparing expert reviews of each service available in your area. We recommend reviewing our recommended providers to start your search with some of the most reputable companies in the industry.


Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology

At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

  • Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
  • Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
  • Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
  • Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
  • Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
Editorial Contributors
avatar for Sarah Horvath

Sarah Horvath

Contributor

Sarah Horvath is a senior-level home service review professional with more than 10 years of experience in the homeownership industry. You can find her writing on sites like Robinhood, MoneyLion, Benzinga, Forbes Advisor, and more. When she's not busy writing, Sarah enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and her parrot.

Learn More

photo of Lora Novak

Lora Novak

Senior Editor

Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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Read About Our Top Moving Picks in Major Cities