Best Apartment Moving Companies (2024)
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People who are moving to or from an apartment are usually looking for low-cost services performed by professionals who can easily navigate tight corners. We have spent over 4,800 hours researching the top moving companies and found that International Van Lines ranks as the best overall option for apartment owners.
Best Apartment Moving Companies of 2024
We score apartment moving companies out of 100 and use a methodology to assess each company’s packing services, protection plans, and reputation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Here’s our list of the best apartment moving companies:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Most Affordable: U-Pack
- Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
- Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
What To Know About Apartment Moving Companies
Knowing vital details about apartment moving companies can help you avoid scammers and negotiate cost estimates. The best information to know is average apartment moving costs, moving insurance options, and each company’s list of services.
How Much Does Apartment Moving Cost?
What Is Moving Insurance?
What Apartment Moving Services Are Available?
Best Apartment Moving Companies
International Van Lines and American Van Lines are our top choices for apartment movers. They both offer both extensive services and high-quality insurance coverage. These companies are ideal if you have a larger budget and need specialized moving labor, though customers seeking cheaper services may prefer U-Pack.
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Our Pick
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| #1 out of 28 companies | #2 out of 28 companies | #3 out of 28 companies | #4 out of 28 companies | #5 out of 28 companies | |
| A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
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FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier/Broker | Carrier | Carrier | Carrier | Carrier |
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Average Price* |
$5,250 | $5,625 | $3,705 | $7,171 | $5,370 |
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Deposit Required |
Up to 25% | Up to 50% | None | $250 | None |
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Pros |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates. |
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items. |
We recommend U-Pack if you’re moving on a tight budget. You can save big if you’re willing to handle most of the labor yourself, but the company also offers third-party assistance. You can expect packing, loading services and more when moving with U-Pack. |
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services. |
We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services. |
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Rating Categories |
International Van Lines | American Van Lines | U-Pack | JK Moving Services | Allied Van Lines |
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Customer Service |
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Reputation |
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Value |
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Service Offerings |
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Item Protection |
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Scheduling |
Note: Estimate info in this article is for a three-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Atlanta unless stated otherwise. Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of January 2024.
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
U-Pack
Most Affordable
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
Allied Van Lines
Best for Vehicle Relocation
Factors That Affect Apartment Moving Costs
Several factors influence the cost of apartment moving services and overall relocation expenses. Overall costs will vary depending on whether you’re planning a local move for a one-bedroom apartment or have a long-distance relocation on the way.
You’ll generally receive a reasonable price if you just need local movers to help you get into a studio apartment. Cross-country relocations and moves that require full-service packing will probably increase your rate considerably.
Single-Day Moves
Most moving companies base the cost on hourly rates for small moves. If you require additional services such as packing, the moving company will charge you for these services based on the number of hours it takes to complete them. You’ll receive an estimate that includes all services, an hourly rate based on the movers’ demand, and a rough estimate of the total time needed to complete it.
Multiday Moves
Costs get a bit more complicated when it comes to longer and larger apartment moves. Generally, the best movers charge flat rates or ballpark estimates on the following factors:
- Move distance and shipping weight: These factors determine the “line-haul fees,” which usually make up most of your overall cost. Movers should have a clear weigh-in process for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.
- Services: Add-ons can increase the overall cost of your move. These services, such as packing, crating, and vehicle shipping, may have flat fees or be included in your line-haul fee, depending on the chosen mover.
- Company size: The size of your chosen company can also affect pricing. National van lines or well-known brands may charge more than smaller, independent movers but often provide better service, reliability, and claims handling.
- Move date: When you choose to move can also impact your costs. Moving between May and September is typically more expensive due to higher demand, so relocating outside of this time frame is preferable.
- Moving insurance: Insurance is another factor to consider. Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options can protect your items but will also contribute to the overall cost. Higher-value plans usually cost more, but going without protection carries financial risks if items get damaged.
- Advanced booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance is ideal. Some movers charge higher rates if you book within a week of your move date.
We requested sample quotes for a three-bedroom apartment move as part of our provider research, and the average cost landed around $5,445.
Preparing for an Apartment Move
Apartment moving is slightly different than moves involving single-family houses. Below, we’ve listed some major factors to keep in mind when moving into your new home.
Contact Your Landlords
If you’re moving from one apartment to another, contact both landlords. You’ll most likely need to give a 30-day notice to your current landlord to avoid additional fees, and the landlord may want to conduct a final walkthrough with you. Your new landlord will most likely have paperwork for you to complete before moving in, and they can also help you get utilities set up for your new apartment.
Consider Access Points
Think about how movers will get into and out of your apartment if challenging layouts could increase your overall cost. Many movers include a long-carry fee if they have to park the moving truck more than 75 feet from the entrance of your home.
Create an Inventory List
List all the items in each room and estimate how many boxes you’ll need for each room’s objects.
Downsize
The fewer items you have, the lower your moving costs will be. Create a home inventory list that keeps track of the items you plan to sell, donate, or throw away.
File a Change of Address
File change of address forms with your local post office. Then, update contact information with your bank, place of employment, and any other relevant institution.
Get Quotes and Book Your Move
Get quotes from all the moving companies you’re considering one or two months ahead of the move date. Ask for copies of your moving contract once you’ve confirmed the move date and read the FMCSA’s rights and responsibilities documentation.
Get Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is a requirement for many apartment complexes, so check with your new landlord to see if they partner with companies.
Research Moving Providers
Start assembling a list of reputable companies serving your area. The FMCSA is a great government resource for finding insurance information and for checking out any active red flags.
Think About Storage Options
Depending on the size of your apartment, it might get cramped with boxes and unorganized furniture. You might want to consider storage options in the area, especially if you’re downsizing apartments. Portable storage and moving container units like U-Pack act as onsite storage options if your apartment complex can accommodate them.
Our Conclusion
International Van Lines is our choice as the best apartment moving company due to its comprehensive range of services catering to almost anyone’s needs. We found the company’s pricing to be fair and competitive as well. Those who require skilled labor for packing may want to consider American Van Lines, which has specialized teams that can handle difficult items.
If you have a tight budget and prefer a DIY moving experience, we recommend using U-Pack. Obtain at least three quotes from professional moving companies before booking to make sure that you get a reasonable price for a stress-free relocation.
FAQ About Apartment Moving Companies
What’s the first thing to do when you move into a new apartment?
The first thing to do before moving into a new apartment is to contact the landlord or front office to make sure that you’ve completed all necessary paperwork. This should remove some of the hassle that comes with moving, at least in the second half of the process.
How can I move my apartment belongings more efficiently?
We advise you to pack less-used items weeks ahead of moving day and to store their boxes in a manner that allows them to be loaded first. You can also color-code and label each box so movers know where to place them without asking.
What’s the best long-distance moving company?
We recommend using International Van Lines as a full-service mover and U-Pack as a self-service mover for long-distance relocations. These movers are licensed, bonded, and insured by proper authorities. They also provide competitive rates, a variety of service options, and reliable customer service standards.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits, custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5.0-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
