New Yorkers are a transient group. Homeowners in NYC changed residences every 8.1 years on average in 2022. Renters move even more frequently: a survey found 40 percent of New York tenants had moved in the previous five years.
But many apartments in New York City are older, with steep, narrow stairways and sometimes no elevator. With so many people moving into and out of older buildings, hiring professional movers is the preferred method for many New Yorkers planning a relocation. And this is a sound decision: pros have the tools and experience to move your furniture safely and efficiently without injury or damaging the home.
How much can you expect to pay for a professional move? If you’re considering moving out of your one-bedroom apartment in NYC, how much should you budget for, including purchasing moving boxes? This post will help you answer those questions.
How Much Do NYC Movers Cost?
The cost of a moving company in New York City can vary significantly depending on the size of the move (how much furniture and other household belongings will be moving), how far you’re moving, the time of year, and the day of the week. Different moving companies can quote different prices for the same move. That’s why it often pays to comparison shop.
Remember that some movers charge a minimum fee or have a minimum number of hours, such as four hours. If your move takes longer than the minimum, or you need other services like packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, or moving especially large or delicate items, there will be additional charges.
Just as each move is different, the exact cost of each move will be different. The best way to get an accurate price for your move is to request a quote. You may want to contact several NYC movers and get a price range. When reviewing All Around Moving Services Company estimate, and other moving companies, check to ensure all the needed services are equally included and as requested.
For shorter-distance moves, NYC movers tend to charge by the hour. The rate ranges from $55 to $100 per mover per hour. An uninsured company you might find on Craigslist or TaskRabbit will charge the lower range. Professional moving companies will charge more per hour but have more experience and will work more safely and efficiently. A local, one-bedroom apartment move can cost between $700 and $1,100 or more. For comparison, below are rough estimates for other apartment moves within NYC:
- Studio: $600-$1100
- 2 Bedroom: $1100-$2200
- 3 Bedroom: $1500-$3700
These estimates are for moving only and don’t include any other services. Also, remember that many movers count tips as part of their income, so you must count that in your budget.
For longer-distance moves, like moves from the city to the countryside or even to another part of the country, companies charge based on the number and weight of items to be moved or by volume space. Generally, a move of more than 60-100 miles is considered long-distance. The cost of a long-distance move out of NYC can range from $2,000 to over $5,000. As mentioned earlier, if you have a lot of heavy furniture that will require disassembly and reassembly or fragile items that need special handling, that will raise the price.
Another factor is how long is needed to load and unload your belongings. NYC movers are efficient, but many apartments are old and only accessible by stairs. NYC movers are experienced at guiding items up and down stairs but realize that this will take longer and raise the rate.
If you need packing, that will add to the price. Moving companies can pack and unpack for you. If you opt for packing services, trained packers will come to your home with their own packing supplies and materials, and safely and quickly pack your belongings for transport. They are skilled and can usually pack everything much faster than you can. But if you want to save money, you can pack some things yourself and leave the fragile and more oversized items to the pros.
What Factors Increase the Cost of a Move?
Add-on services like packing and temporary storage will add to the price. Other factors can also affect the rate: if the movers must move items up and down stairs, if parking rules require them to park the moving truck some distance away, and if they must wait in traffic while transporting your household goods—these will all increase the time needed for the move and your moving rate.
The cost is also higher if you have heavy items or things that require special handling, like a jacuzzi, large musical instruments, a massive chandelier, or expensive wall paintings. NYC movers have the training and equipment to handle these items, so it’s best to leave the transport of these items to professionals.
Finally, the cost of a move will vary depending on the time of year. Summer is when movers are busiest, and rates are highest. If your schedule is flexible, you might consider moving between October and April when many movers will have lower rates.
Also, try to avoid the weekends. Movers are usually less busy in mid-week.
We hope you found this post, How Much Do Movers Cost for a 1 Bedroom Apartment In NYC? useful. Be sure to check out our post, Moving in NYC: Tips For a Stress-Free Experience for more great information.
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