cost to move 2 bedroom apartment: a practical pricing guide

I'm cost-conscious, so I frame this around control and clarity. At first I thought distance ruled the price - okay, not just distance; stairs, parking, and timing push totals, too. Expect a local move to run roughly $900 - $2,300, while a long-distance (500 - 1,500 miles) can sit near $2,500 - $6,000, before add-ons.

Quick range, clarified

• Labor model: Hourly crews (local) vs. flat-rate linehaul (long-distance).
• Access: Stairs, elevator reservations, long carries, or tricky parking add time/fees.
• Volume: A full 2BR is usually 3,500 - 5,500 lbs; packing increases hours.
• Timing: Month-end and weekends cost more; midweek/off-peak can be discounted.

How to compare quotes

1. Request three written, line-item offers after a walkthrough (virtual is fine).
2. Standardize your inventory and date so comparisons are apples-to-apples.
3. Line items to match: hourly rate, crew size, travel time, minimum hours, materials, stairs/elevator, long-carry, fuel, COI.
4. Ask about weekday or off-peak pricing; mention competing offers for a better deal.
5. Confirm valuation coverage type and deductible in writing.

A quick real-world check

Last month I moved across town: three quotes came in at $1,050, $1,290, and $1,480. The cheapest jumped after adding a long-carry fee; the middle quote included elevator time and stayed firm.

Ways to trim cost

• Self-pack easy items; buy boxes in bulk.
• Shift to midweek/mid-month; be flexible on start time.
• Purge heavy stuff; sell or donate before move day.
• Reserve elevator and a close parking spot.
• Disassemble beds and label rooms to speed unloading.