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Best Apartment Moving Companies (2024)

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 11/01/2024

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:


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?

The cost of apartment moving is $5,445 on average based on the quotes we obtained. Generally, long-distance moves result in higher base rates, and crossing state lines can incur extra charges. For moves of under 150 miles, costs may start between $100 and $200.
Additional fees may apply for specialty items like artwork and mirrors or for packing supplies such as moving blankets, boxes, and tape. There may be additional fees if you’re moving from a multistory apartment with no elevator, if there are long walks to loading spots, or if the building has tight stairwells.

What Is Moving Insurance?

Moving insurance safeguards your belongings as they move from one place to another. It provides financial reimbursement if any items are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the moving process.
According to federal law, moving companies must offer basic coverage, known as released value protection. This insurance provides minimal protection at no extra charge, paying for items based on weight rather than actual value. Full-value protection is stronger and covers the cost to repair, replace, or reimburse the full value of damaged or lost items.

What Apartment Moving Services Are Available?

Movers can supply boxes and tape and provide packing services for an extra fee, often between $30 and $100 per hour. The crew will load all items at the origin home and then unload them at the destination. You’ll pay more for this option but it’s good for those with limited time or mobility.
A do-it-yourself (DIY) option for those on a budget is using self-service containers. You’ll rent a unit that the company parks at your residence for loading possessions during a flexible time frame. Request a container pickup and the company will transport it to your new address.

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.

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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U-Pack
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JK Moving Services
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Allied Van Lines
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 3.7 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ A+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $3,705 $7,171 $5,370

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% None $250 None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • GPS tracking is available
  • Fast delivery times
  • Less expensive pricing than full-service movers
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Cancelation fee charged if within a week of your service date
  • Moves must exceed 150 miles
  • Storage only available at a company facility
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process

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.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines U-Pack JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
4.4 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
3.4 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
2.8 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

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
4.5
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 2293832

International Van Lines (IVL) was founded in 2000 as an international moving company, but it has assisted with domestic apartment moves since 2003. IVL helps apartment renters and owners with long-distance, international, local, and interstate moves.

Because International Van Lines acts as both a carrier and a broker, it’s an excellent choice for nearly all apartment moves. You can receive loading, packing, and unpacking services as well as specialized options such as piano moving.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides multiple content protection plans Specialty services for moving pianos, antiques, recreational equipment, and artwork Provides transparent pricing for local moves online Cons Requires a 25% deposit Customer reviews vary based on location Less accurate online sample prices

Apartment Moving Services

International Van Lines provides customizable apartment moving packages that come with packing services. It offers three different options: full-pack, partial-pack, and custom crating. Full-pack moves cover everything while partial-pack relocations require you to do most work other than handling fragile items and transportation between apartments.

The company offers the following specialty services for your apartment move:

  • Bulky item relocation
  • Large vehicle shipping
  • Motorcycle shipping
  • Piano moving
  • Temporary or permanent storage units

Cost

IVL’s quoting process involves either a phone-based or in-person estimate. We highly recommend going for an in-person consultation as it guarantees accuracy and fast resolution of any queries. However, we used the company’s online cost calculator to generate the moving quote below:

  • Sample quote: $4,200–$6,150
  • Deposit: 25%
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order

Reputation and Reviews

IVL has an A rating with the BBB but isn’t currently accredited. Many customers mention prompt service, though others report inconsistent quality depending on the partner company.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3
  • Availability: 48 states*
  • USDOT #: 614506

*American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii

American Van Lines offers a comprehensive selection of full-service options for apartment moves. You’ll receive all services from the carrier’s full-time, background-checked employees, a rarity in the moving industry. Each AVL mover holds 10 years of experience on average, and the company trains its employees annually in specialty services.

Pros and Cons

Pros Each AVL mover holds an average of 10 years of moving experience Offers a price-matching policy Listed on Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Awards for 2021 Cons Requires an upfront deposit of 10%–50% of the total cost Doesn’t offer shipment tracking No online quotes are available

Apartment Moving Services

American Van Lines has a variety of skilled labor services for apartment moves. These include disassembling furniture, packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking, and reassembling furniture. AVL is an excellent choice for apartments with narrow stairwells and hallways and for people who have challenging items to pack.

You may also opt for the following apartment move add-ons:

  • Corporate relocation
  • Military relocation 
  • Online shipment tracking
  • Temporary and permanent storage
  • White-glove relocation of artwork and antiques

Cost

American Van Lines is dedicated to accurate pricing without hidden fees and ensures this through binding estimates given by in-home or virtual surveys. We used the company’s moving cost page to get an approximate idea of what it would cost to move a two-bedroom apartment.

  • Sample quote: $3,190 (two-bedroom move from Greensboro, N.C., to Atlanta)
  • Deposit: Up to 50% upfront
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, money order, and traveler’s check

Reputation and Reviews

AVL holds an A+ rating with the BBB, highlighting both its reliability and trustworthiness. Customer reviews also indicate satisfactory service, with a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. While many of American Van Lines’ clients praise its reasonable pricing, negative reviews mention unexpected price increases and communication difficulties.

U-Pack

Most Affordable
3.7
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 2946400

We recommend U-Pack for budget-friendly and DIY apartment moves. The company operates mainly with portable storage containers but also offers a pay-for-what-you-use service with large moving trailers. U-Pack also provides flexibility for apartment moves through adjustable content protection plans and optional, third-party moving labor.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features flexible and budget-friendly policies Adds flexibility for apartment moves with optional labor Doesn’t require a deposit Cons Doesn’t provide access to storage during transit Charges a fee if you cancel your move at the last minute Only gives you three days to load and unload items

Apartment Moving Services

U-Pack specializes in self-service portable storage container moves. It offers two container options: the ReloCube (measuring 70 by 82 by 93 inches) or a large moving trailer provided by ABF Freight. With the moving trailer, customers only pay for the square footage that gets used. Both options are suitable for apartment moves of any size, with ReloCubes generally proving ideal for apartments with fewer items.

Here are some of the other services that U-Pack provides:

  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Loading and unloading via a third party
  • Packing and unpacking via a third party
  • Military moves
  • Senior moves
  • Student moves

Cost

U-Pack offers a cost-effective service model where you only pay for the space you use when renting a trailer. This makes it easy to downsize and reduce your moving costs. U-Pack also gives the option to hire moving labor directly through its platform to assist with challenging tasks. Remember that U-Pack has a tiered cancellation fee system that charges $50 for cancellations made within a week of your move and $150 for same-day cancellations.

We contacted U-Pack and received the following free quote for three ReloCubes, which the company recommended as the best type of move for a three-bedroom apartment. We could also use 17 feet in a moving trailer for $2,286.

  • Sample quote: $3,052 (three-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Atlanta)
  • Deposit: None
  • Payment accepted: Credit card, debit card, or PayPal

Reputation and Reviews

U-Pack holds an A+ rating with the BBB, and its customers give it a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. Positive reviews highlight the quality of its drivers and containers. However, negative reviews mention issues with billing and discrepancies in delivery dates. We also received mixed customer feedback on Trustpilot and read dozens of recent customer testimonials highlighting poor service.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 1065394

JK Moving Services is a full-service moving company that focuses on customer service through custom apartment packages. JK Moving assigns you a personal moving coordinator who takes your needs and budget and tailors the right moving package. You can alter services to match your apartment’s needs, but the company typically charges more than IVL.

JK Moving only allows local apartment moves in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The company helps out with long-distance apartment moves across all 50 states, though.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes GPS tracking on all shipments Provides financing options through Enhancify Features 24/7 customer support Cons Has mixed customer reviews due to difficult communication Local moves are only available in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia No online pricing

Apartment Moving Services

A personal moving coordinator will gather all necessary information about your moving needs and budget during the quote process. This approach allows JK Moving to provide you with a customized package that meets all your requirements.

With JK Moving’s full-service apartment packing, professional movers will carefully wrap and pack all of your belongings, assigning an inventory tag to each item. You can also opt for fragile-only packing, choosing which items require professional handling. JK Moving can disassemble your furniture upon request as well.

It offers these additional services for apartment relocations:

  • Government moves
  • International moves
  • Office moves and information technology removal
  • Shipment tracking
  • Temporary and permanent storage

Cost

JK Moving provides customized services for its customers, so it doesn’t offer pricing details online. The provider ensures transparency by using binding estimates, which should eliminate hidden charges and significant changes in the quote.

We contacted a JK Moving sales representative to get a quote for our research. The process took longer than with other interstate movers but was worth it. We received a far more detailed and accurate quote than from the other providers on this list.

  • Sample quote: $7,521 (two-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago)
  • Deposit: $250 upfront
  • Payment accepted: Cash and credit card

Reputation and Reviews

JK Moving is a well-respected company with an A+ rating from the BBB and high marks on several review platforms. Its highly trained movers and impressive financing options earned it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 from customers. Quality variance issues have been a cause for concern, though.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 076235

Allied Van Lines is a moving carrier and broker offering many in-house services. Unlike other movers that outsource most jobs, Allied offers direct contact with the mover in charge of your shipment and provides GPS tracking. In addition to shipping vehicles with your apartment move, Allied also offers a range of options including full-pack services and crating.

One notable feature of Allied is its fragile-only packing service, which lets you pack any items that aren’t difficult or fragile. This service could help you save money during a move.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers apartment-friendly services such as Allied Express Has in-house vehicle shipping services Partners with the Salvation Army to donate unwanted items Cons Charges more than average for its moving services Customer reviews mention a difficult claims process Storage options vary by location

Packing and Moving Services

Allied Van Lines provides a range of full-service moving choices for apartments. It offers full-packing, custom crating, and partial-packing services, as well as a fragile-only option. With this, Allied can handle difficult items or rooms such as your kitchen while you pack the rest independently. The company also sells packing supplies and provides a DIY, portable storage container service known as Allied Express.

Allied can include the following services in its apartment moving package:

  • Corporate relocation
  • Crating for fragile items
  • Packing supplies for sale
  • Temporary and permanent storage
  • Third-party cleaning services

Cost

Allied Van Lines offers binding estimates, which means you’ll get a fixed price that won’t change drastically even after unexpected events. You need to conduct an in-home or virtual interview with Allied to obtain a binding estimate. We reached out to Allied for the following ballpark quote:

  • Sample quote: $6,642–$7,314 (three-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Atlanta)
  • Deposit: Up to 50% upfront
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, money order, and traveler’s check

Reputation and Reviews

Allied has over 500 locations, but the quality can differ significantly between each. We recommend carefully examining local reviews rather than relying only on the nationwide consensus. The company’s headquarters BBB page has a rating of 1.1 out of 5.0 stars, though other Allied locations perform better. Allied holds an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited since 2012.


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.

Infographic showing time and effort put into this article's research

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.