Apartment moving may seem simpler upfront compared to moving a home as you likely have fewer items to move and few or no major appliances. However, it’s not without its complexities. If you live on a higher floor of your apartment building, for example, you’re going to be lugging your items up and down the stairs or the elevator, or you’re going to have to pay extra for someone to do it for you. Going with one of the best moving companies for apartment moving is a great way to save time, money, and effort.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
Depending on their unique situation, tenants can choose between full-service and self-service moving for their apartment. Full-service moving companies will handle the loading and unloading for you, with packing and unpacking available for additional fees. However, for those who want to save some extra cash, self-service moving brands can be a solid choice, too. Tenants need to consider their own situation, their location, and their budget before selecting a moving company.
To help you get started on your search, I secret-shopped and investigated several moving companies that specialize in apartment moves. I looked into the unique solutions they offer tenants as well as common fees associated with apartment moving. Using Today’s Homeowners criteria based on basic services, customization, reputation, and transparency and my own research, I’ve outlined my top five best moving companies for apartment moving below.
Top 5 Moving Companies for Apartment Moving
- International Van Lines (IVL) is my top choice for apartment moving. The brand has a great reputation and can handle all of the basic services and customization options most tenants are going to need. In addition, they can assist with local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves. IVL includes full-service packing in their quotes, however. For tenants who want to save cash on their move and do their own packing, I’d recommend American Van Lines.
- When moving apartments, it’s always important to look into the extra fees you could be paying. Tenants may pay extra money if the moving crews have to go up several flights of stairs or use elevators. There could also be shuttle fees if there is no available parking for a trailer outside your apartment block.
- If you live on the lower level of an apartment building and don’t have a lot to pack up and load, you might want to go with a self-service option like U-Pack. You’ll be doing the heavy lifting yourself unless you want to pay for a third party to handle the packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, but it’s a great way to save cash on your move.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
My top choice for apartment moving is International Van Lines. Their extensive list of services and solutions makes it easy to move across the city, the country, or the world. The quote I received from IVL also carefully detailed how much it would cost per flight of stairs or elevator, costs which can really add up if you live in a high-rise or apartment block. In addition, they have a stellar reputation, with an A and 3.52 on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 3.8 on Google as of this writing.
However, for most moves with IVL, full-service packing is included in the quote. Going without will barely make a dent in the price. Not all tenants are going to need or want to pay for this extra service. If you want to save some cash on your move, I recommend going with American Van Lines (AVL). They offer most of the solutions a tenant is going to be looking for in a move to or from an apartment, clearly identify fees for stairs and elevators, and also have an amazing reputation with an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, 4.4 on Trustpilot, and 4.2 on Google as of this writing. The only downside is AVL only operates in the continental United States.
Apartment Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
I didn’t include Safeway Moving as one of my top choices for apartment movers as they don’t offer local moves and instead solely focus on long-distance moving. They’re a great choice if you’re moving interstate or internationally, but I felt a majority of tenants are going to be looking to stay in their immediate area.
I also didn’t include JK Moving Services. They have an amazing reputation, and I have had great experiences talking with the representatives, but their quotes tend to be more expensive. When you have extra flights of stairs and elevator fees when moving apartments, you’re going to want to save as much money as you can on the initial quote.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies for Apartment Moving
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Apartment Moving Companies
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines offers every service a person looking to move into or out of an apartment could need. From selecting packing materials to car shipping, IVL can help you pack everything up, load the truck, and take all your belongings to your new home or apartment, including your car, antiques, and musical instruments. Opting for full-service, too, means you barely have to lift a finger.
Their website is also extremely informative, with moving checklists, packing lists, and FAQs about moving. Although the pages could explain more about IVL’s individual services, those looking to move apartments will find much of the information they need ahead of their move in one place.
My personal experiences with IVL have been lacking in the customer service department. It took several calls to get a response from the company for one quote. Follow-up calls with questions or requests for different quotes often go unanswered. I even tried the website’s chat service and the representative there was unhelpful, too.
While IVL is our choice for the best full-service mover, it may actually be overkill for many looking to move to or from apartments. When I received a quote from them, I was informed that their full-service packing was included in the price (for $0.01). Their website also advises that, when working with IVL, self-packing won’t result in big savings, so it makes sense to have them do it. However, when you have fewer items to be moved compared to a house and few or no major appliances, you might be able to save some big bucks going with another brand and not opting for full service.
Overall, according to what we look for in an apartment moving company, International Van Lines earned a 9.3. They offer every service that most tenants could need. The only one they don’t offer that we look for under customization is home staging, but very few tenants will need that service. Whether you’re looking to move your car cross-country, have someone pack up your belongings, or crate your heirlooms in special boxes, IVL has you covered.
The company’s website is very helpful, too, letting customers know some of what to expect when working with the brand while also providing tips for moving, packing, and working with movers, even if you don’t go with IVL. They have a breakdown of the costs of moving a one-bedroom apartment on their blog. The website could go into more detail about what IVL actually offers, as does American Van Lines’s website, but it provides a lot more information compared to other brands’ pages.
However, for many apartment tenants, IVL’s services may be a bit overboard. The quote I received included full-service packing and, as a result, was a bit higher than competitors’ quotes. Their website advertises that it doesn’t make financial sense to do your own packing when you work with IVL, but tenants are going to have much less to move compared to homeowners. With few appliances (if any) to be moved and likely fewer possessions, IVL won’t fit every tenant’s moving needs and budget.
International Van Lines earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for their basic services. Whether you’re moving to the next city over to your new apartment, you need long-distance movers to help you move into your first home, or you’re planning to live outside of the United States, IVL’s solutions will cover all of your needs. If you’re waiting for your new apartment to become available or there’s a period of time between your current lease ending and closing on your new home, there is also storage available. Thirty days is included in your moving quote, and every additional month is $0.50 per cubic foot. In addition, packing, loading, and unloading are included in the price, but unpacking comes with an additional fee.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Before working with International Van Lines, tenants need to determine whether or not they need full-service packing. The quote I received from the brand included packing in the price and their website states that customers will only save a little when using the self-service packing option. If you’re not bringing appliances and are only moving out of a one- or two-bedroom apartment, it really may not make financial sense to have a company handle the full packing job for you. However, if you’re pressed for time or have a larger apartment, it might be the best option for you cost-wise.
For a two-bedroom home in Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, a distance of 573 miles, I was quoted:
- Full-service option with packing: $4,000.52
- Bulky item: $150
- Unpacking service: $175.00/hour at a minimum of 4 hours
- Elevator fee: $75
- Stairs: First flight is included; each additional flight is $75.00
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
For customers looking for full-service movers, IVL’s quote includes packing in the price, which could bring some deep savings right off the bat. There is also an advertised discount if you opt to use the quick quote feature on their website, as well as a 15% discount available for seniors.
When it comes to apartment moving, International Van Lines offers every service a majority of tenants will need. They only lost a point, landing them at a 9 for customization, due to their lack of home staging solutions. However, for most people looking to move apartments, this isn’t a required service. Assembly and disassembly of basic furniture are included in the quote, and packing materials, piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, and junk removal are available for additional fees. Valuation coverage is offered, too. Basic liability coverage is included in the price at $0.60 per lb. per article, but additional coverage can be purchased through your representative at IVL.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
My own disappointing customer service experiences with IVL aside, most customers have a standout experience with the brand. As of this writing, they have an A and 3.5 on the BBB, a 4.2 on Trustpilot, and a 3.8 on Google. The high rating on the BBB and over a 4.0 on Trustpilot earned them a 10 for reputation according to our criteria. Customers with positive experiences cite excellent communication, punctual crews, and careful packing services. Those who had less-than-stellar experiences, however, explain that costs were higher than they were quoted (even with a binding estimate), some due to unexpected or unexplained fees.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A / 3.5 | 179 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 | 55 |
| 3.8 | 771 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 | 543 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
Customers leaving positive reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp talk about the excellent customer service they received from IVL from start to finish. Representatives were responsive, crews were professional, and the entire move experience was stress free.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
While IVL does have high reviews on a majority of trusted review sites, not all customers had positive experiences. Many leaving 1-star reviews stated that they were met with higher-than-expected costs on moving day due to inaccurate measurements and extra fees, such as shuttle fees, that weren’t previously discussed.
International Van Lines earned an 8.7 in transparency as their website does contain a lot of the information customers are looking for when moving apartments. There is sample pricing, including a quick guide to prices for a one-bedroom apartment on their blog, a quick quote feature, posted customer service hours, and available binding estimates. IVL also discloses their status as a carrier/broker. While they do operate mostly as a carrier within the United States, they do operate as a broker in Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Montana, which means they will outsource the work to another moving company. IVL lost some points due to the fact that GPS tracking isn’t available on every truck, and they don’t list additional fees, such as additional stairs or shuttle costs, clearly on their website.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Like International Van Lines, American Van Lines has a very detailed website that provides details about the specific services they offer. Their pages break down what you can expect when working with their crews and explain their specialty services, such as antique and piano moving and storage solutions.
American Van Lines is also our choice for most transparent pricing. Their website explains how they arrive at quotes and has some sample pricing for a one-bedroom apartment moving from Miami to Dallas ($3,600 as of this writing). They go on to explain what factors will influence your final bill and what moving services their crews will handle on moving day.
AVL, however, falls short when it comes to customization and international shipping. They’ll only help with apartment moves within the continental United States, and they don’t offer solutions for car shipping, home staging, or junk removal. Home staging won’t be a popular one for most tenants, but car shipping could be a necessity if you’re moving cross-country. Junk removal can also be important if you want to get rid of old furniture ahead of your move, especially if you’re moving from a larger home into a smaller apartment. For tenants needing one of these services, you’ll have to go with another brand.
American Van Lines came in at an 8.5 overall, ranking high in basic services, reputation, and transparency. We score them a 10 for reputation and the company has above a 4.0 on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google as of this writing, with customers citing excellent customer service and worry-free experiences from beginning to end.
In addition to their high reputation, American Van Lines is one of my choices for best moving companies for apartment movers due to their very informative website. Whether you’re moving locally or across the United States and whether you’re moving into an apartment or into a home, their website details what you can expect when working with the brand. They offer white-glove treatment of specialty items, such as pianos and antiques, climate-controlled personal storage vaults, transparent pricing, and packing solutions.
AVL, even though they’re a full-service moving company, simply doesn’t offer as much as the other full-service brands on this list. They only serve the continental United States, and they don’t offer extras that some tenants may need, including car shipping and junk removal. If you need one of these services or you’re planning to move to Hawaii, Alaska, or internationally, I recommend going with one of the other brands on this list.
For most tenants, American Van Lines, with a 9 out of 10 in basic services, will be able to handle your move. The carrier does not offer international moving, but they do operate within the lower 48 with local, long-distance, and interstate moving options. Loading and unloading are included in their quotes, and packing and unpacking can be purchased for an additional fee. In addition, for tenants waiting for their new home or apartment to be ready for them to move in, there are storage services available. Your items will be stored in personal wooden vaults, climate-controlled vaults, high-value vaults, or oversized storage stations, depending on your needs.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
American Van Lines is our choice for most transparent pricing, and their website does an excellent job of explaining how prices are determined before you pick up the phone. They explain that the quote is determined by the weight of the goods to be moved, the distance of the move, and additional services you may want to opt for. The website also contains some sample pricing (and discounts) for moves from major cities, including Miami, Dallas, New York City, and Atlanta, among others.
I requested a quote from AVL for a move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC. For a two-bedroom home and 3,304 lb. worth of items, I received a binding estimate with the following numbers:
- Self-packing option: $3,651.39
- Full-packing option: $4,251.39 – $4,451.39
- Stairs: $1.50/cost per hundredweight (cwt)
- Elevators: $2.50/cwt
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
The American Van Lines website advertises special offers for moves between major cities, including Miami, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Greensboro, Houston, San Francisco, Portland, and Boston as of this writing. Even if you’re not moving to or from one of these cities, AVL has seasonal discounts and a senior discount plan.
American Van Lines scores a 7 for customization. Assembly, disassembly, and wrapping of furniture and $0.60 per lb. per article of valuation coverage are included in the price, but specialty options, such as antique moving, special-item moving, piano moving, and custom crating, will cost you extra. Customers can also opt to purchase packing materials or additional coverage through the brand. While AVL is a full-service mover, they don’t offer as many customization options as others. They can do motorcycle moving, but car shipping isn’t an option with AVL. They also don’t offer junk removal, which could be a necessity for tenants looking to downsize from a home to an apartment or those wanting to get rid of old, unwanted furniture easily.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
American Van Lines earned a perfect 10 in reputation, with an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, 4.3 on Trustpilot, and 4.2 on Google as of this writing. Customers leaving positive reviews talk about smooth moving experiences, friendly crews, and excellent communication from the movers and the representatives from AVL. The company does have some 1-star reviews, though, with many of these citing broken items and damaged furniture upon delivery. While the brand is responsive to positive reviews on Google, they don’t publicly reply to negative ones.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.1 out of 5 stars | 435 |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 60 |
| 4.2 out of 5 stars | 934 | |
| Yelp | 2.3 out of 5 stars | 447 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Customers often praise American Van Lines’s attention to detail, customer service, and hardworking crews when leaving 5-star reviews. From start to finish, they had excellent experiences and stated that they would move with AVL again “in a heartbeat.”
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
Not many customers leave 1-star reviews for AVL, but those that do explain that items were damaged or completely broken upon delivery, including antiques and furniture. It isn’t entirely clear how the claims processes went for these customers or how AVL handled the complaints, as they’re not responsive to negative reviews.
American Van Lines ranks very highly in transparency at an 8.7. Their website explains their various services from local moving to storage and military moving to piano moving, while also including some invaluable details about their pricing. In addition, AVL has a quick quote feature, posted customer service hours, online and over-the-phone booking solutions, and binding estimates. American Van Lines is a carrier, which they disclose on their website, too. However, AVL lost some points due to the lack of clearly listed additional fees and the availability of GPS tracking on only some of their trucks.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT is the only one on this list of best moving companies for apartment moving that earned a 10 in basic services and customization. If you need home staging for the condo or home you’re selling, they do offer this solution. As a moving broker, they have a large network of moving companies they operate with, so they can assist with local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves as well as specialty solutions like car shipping, storage, crating, and junk removal.
In addition, Moving APT had by far the most straightforward quoting process I’ve experienced during my secret shopping. Many moving companies require home walkthroughs or virtual assessments of your property when getting a binding estimate, but I was on and off the phone in 10 minutes with the Moving APT representative, with a quote delivered to my email shortly after.
While a big reason Moving APT can offer so many services is due to their status as a broker, this is also a downside. They have a network of over 2,500 movers, so who you get can be a bit of a gamble. You could be partnered with a company that has 5-star reviews across the board or a company that is notorious for delivering broken furniture.
This status also results in the brand having a less-than-informative website. Since they work with so many different companies, Moving APT can’t go into as much detail about their services as American Van Lines does. Solutions can also vary from brand to brand, so you need to be very specific in the initial call about what you need from the moving company.
Moving APT landed at an 8.2 overall. They offer an unmatched number of services compared to the other companies on this list, thanks to their status as a broker. For tenants, condo owners, and downsizing homeowners in need of home staging, this is the only brand out of the five that offer the service. Moving APT and its partners are also equipped to handle a full range of services, from local moves to international transportation and everything in between.
Their quoting process is fantastic. Moving companies often have long, drawn-out quoting methods that include home walkthroughs, virtual tours, or extensive questionnaires over the phone. With Moving APT, however, I was off the phone in just 10 minutes. Going in with a detailed inventory and measurements definitely helps. For those with smaller apartments, this can be a quick and painless way to get a binding estimate for your belongings and future move.
However, Moving APT is only at a 5.3 for transparency, the lowest on this list, and it’s a major reason they didn’t come in higher overall. Their website is lacking details about services, prices, and additional fees. This is likely due to the fact that they’re a broker and work with over 2,500 partners. Solutions and prices are going to vary quite a bit between these agents. In addition, they don’t offer GPS tracking or have posted customer service hours.
Moving APT and its network of movers are equipped to handle any apartment move, big or small, and it earned a 10 for basic services. Their partners work in local areas as well as internationally. The company’s blog also details what to expect with smaller moves, including expected costs, weight estimates, and general advice for moving into or out of apartments. Due to working with over 2,500 partners, details about their services for packing, unpacking, and storage are sparse, as solutions will vary between partners. Customers opting for Moving APT should inquire about the agent they’ll be partnered with on moving day.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Moving APT’s estimate emails break down the cost for customers in an easy-to-digest format. The quote I received included the basic estimate price, fuel surcharge, booking fee, basic limited liability, one month of free storage, assembly and disassembly of furniture, furniture wrapping, and one free flight of stairs. Moving APT didn’t deliver details about the costs for additional flights of stairs or elevators as many other companies did. I also had the option of purchasing packing materials and choosing their full-service packing, which was on the more expensive side compared to other moving services.
For a two-bedroom move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, with 5,274 lb. of belongings, I was quoted:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full-service option with Full Value Protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
The quote I received from Moving APT came with two discounts baked in: a 5% coupon discount and a three-day pickup window flexibility coupon. In total, this saved me $1,476.76 on the total price. As of this writing, Moving APT also offers a 15% discount if you use their moving cost calculator and submit your contact information.
Moving APT also comes in at a 10 for customization, offering everything from assembly/disassembly of furniture to home staging to its customers. Home staging is a rarity among these top moving companies but it can be a valuable asset if you’re selling your home or condo and want to attract more buyers (and possibly more money). Basic limited liability coverage is included in the standard quote from Moving APT, but customers can opt for full value protection, too. Thanks to the brand’s many partners, the company offers piano moving, packing materials, custom crating, special item moving, antique moving, and junk removal for additional fees.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Moving APT received a 7.8 for reputation due to its lower BBB rating (B+) and its lack of presence on Trustpilot. Reviews for this brand are mixed, and this is probably due to the fact that they work with so many movers. When you work with a broker, you aren’t just working with one company. You’re working with the broker and the partner they chose for your move. Sometimes, the moving company you get isn’t going to be as good as the next. Some customers did have excellent experiences with Moving APT and its agents, though, stating that crews were helpful, kind, and professional, and representatives were responsive, even in the midst of last-minute moves or concerns. However, 1-star reviews state the experience involved lengthy delivery delays, poor up-front estimates, and missing items. Moving APT is responsive to both positive and negative reviews on Google.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+ / 3.53 out of 5 stars | 15 |
| Trustpilot | Not available | Not available |
| 3.7 out of 5 stars | 244 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 out of 5 stars | 172 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Those who leave positive reviews for Moving APT and its partners often praise the communication, responsiveness, and professionalism of the crews and representatives. Even when issues arose, they were able to get quick assistance and answers to their questions.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Customers who didn’t have great experiences with the company cited poor communication with the moving partner, delayed deliveries, and higher costs and unexpected fees on the day of the move. The differences in experiences can come down to the particular moving partners that work with Moving APT.
Moving APT’s transparency score, at only 5.3, is the lowest out of the five moving companies on this list. They don’t post sample pricing or additional fees you could incur for extra services, such as flights of stairs and elevators, and their website lacks specific details about moving solutions provided by their agents. In addition, Moving APT doesn’t have posted customer service hours, and their partners don’t use GPS tracking, which allows you to watch your belongings as they travel to your new apartment. They did get some points, however, for their quick quote feature, online and over-the-phone booking solutions, and binding estimates. Moving APT also discloses their status as a broker, meaning that the company’s customers are partnered with one of their agents.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
When you’re moving a small amount of property, want to save money, and can handle the packing yourself, U-Pack is an excellent DIY option. They’re a self-service brand, which means that unless you want to hire a third party vendor through them or on your own for an additional fee, you’re going to be doing all the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking yourself. They simply handle transportation and storage, if needed. This can be a great way to cut down on the cost of moving services.
U-Pack also has a stellar cancellation policy. When closing on a house or negotiating leases, moving can be complex, and dates can change. U-Pack doesn’t require a deposit, and customers can cancel their rental up until a business day before it’s set to be delivered.
If you live in a skyscraper or apartment block and you’re not on the ground floor, you’re going to have to do all that heavy lifting up and down the stairs or the elevator unless you want to pay for a third party vendor. This can get expensive due to the initial fee and additional charges for flights of stairs or elevator use. If you have furniture to move, you don’t have friends or family willing to help, or you’re going to be climbing several stories several times, this may not actually be a viable option for you.
U-Pack is also lacking in services. They don’t handle international moves, car shipping, or custom crating. Options for piano and antique moving services and junk removal are limited. In addition, damages may not be covered under their insurance policies except in certain circumstances. Packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading also cost additional fees either through their third party vendor partner or your own third party selection.
Overall, U-Pack earned a 6.9. While they’re an excellent selection for self-service and our choice for best overall container service, they’re lacking in basic services and customization compared to the other brands on this list. However, for tenants who want to save money during their move and aren’t living on an upper floor of an apartment building, this can be an excellent option. Most apartments will have fewer items compared to homes and little to no major appliances. By tackling the packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading yourself, you stand to save over a thousand dollars in some cases.
Sometimes, dates don’t perfectly line up for home sales or apartment availability. Whether your apartment isn’t available yet, the closing date on your first home was delayed, or there was a lease contract concern, U-Pack has a very generous cancellation policy. You can cancel up to a business day before your move, and no deposit is required.
However, U-Pack isn’t going to be the best option for every tenant out there. They’re lacking in some services that come with other full-service companies, such as car shipping or custom crating. U-Pack also doesn’t offer as robust insurance policies as other brands, and not every tenant can handle the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking themselves. If you don’t live on the first or second floor of your apartment building, getting these items up and down the stairs will be a workout. Even though it is possible to have this job tackled by a third party, the cost savings that come with using a self-service moving company may disappear. You might be better off going with a full-service mover both for effort and for finances.
U-Pack comes in at a 7 out of 10 for their basic services. While they can transport their containers locally, long-distance, and interstate, they don’t handle international moves. Packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading options are also limited as they only offer the service through a third party vendor. For customers who live on a higher floor in their apartment building, this self-service brand may not cut it. However, for those who live on a lower floor, this can be an excellent way to save hundreds of dollars, if not more, during your move. You likely have fewer items compared to a homeowner, so it shouldn’t take you long to load up the container and be on your way. U-Pack also has storage available in their ReloCube containers for as long as you require it, or you can opt to store it in a moving trailer for up to 120 days.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
U-Pack is one of the least expensive options on this list of best moving companies for apartment moves. This is largely due to the fact that they’re a self-service moving company, meaning you’ll be handling the heavy lifting yourself while they take care of the transportation. Full-service moving is available through a third-party vendor for additional fees, and you may incur other expenses if the moving crews have to climb several sets of stairs. Getting a free quote from U-Pack is extremely simple, and estimates are based on space used rather than weight. This means you stand to save quite a bit on moving costs if you live in a smaller apartment compared to a four-bedroom home.
When I called U-Pack, I requested a quote for a two-bedroom home, moving between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX. I was quoted:
- 14 ft. of space: $2,166
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
U-Pack doesn’t offer discounts to AAA (American Automobile Association) or AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) members, but they do have moving consultants who can advise you on how to save money on your moving quote. In addition, they advise that you book as soon as possible to lock in the best quote. The longer you wait and the closer it is to your moving day, the more you’re going to pay. Since they don’t require a deposit and offer a generous cancellation policy, it’s always a good idea to lock in that lower rate just in case.
U-Pack is a self-service carrier, which means they don’t offer all the bells and whistles that come with a full-service moving company. We gave them a 5 for customization. Their third-party vendor can assist with the assembly and disassembly of furniture, piano moving, special item moving, junk removal, and antique moving, but this is going to cost extra and isn’t included in their quote. Unless you’re willing to pay those additional fees, this work is going to be something you have to handle yourself. Carrier negligence liability coverage and catastrophic liability coverage are included in the quote. However, this doesn’t cover damages related to improper packing, even if you used their recommended third-party vendor. For those moving out of or into apartments with antiques, pianos, or heirlooms, this may not be the most financially secure option for your items.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | No |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
U-Pack has a great reputation overall, coming in at an 8. They’re rated A+ and have a 4.34 on the BBB. In addition, their headquarters in Fort Smith, AR, has a 4.0 on Google. Reviews on Trustpilot and Yelp, however, are more mixed, with a “poor” rating overall on Trustpilot in particular. Customers leaving positive reviews explain that it was a great option for a budget move, and they had excellent experiences with pickup and dropoff and the representatives. Negative reviews, on the other hand, cite damaged property, last-minute cancellations by the company, and unhelpful customer service representatives when something went wrong.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.34 out of 5 stars | 205 |
| Trustpilot | 2.5 out of 5 stars | 222 |
| 4.0 out of 5 stars | 11 | |
| Yelp | 3.1 out of 5 stars | 25 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for U-Pack
Many customers on the BBB, in particular, leave positive reviews saying they had painless moving experiences, helpful representatives, and a flawless process from start to finish. Others on the BBB go on to explain that it’s a “good value” and a great option for a “budget move.”
Most Common Criticism for U-Pack
One of the biggest drawbacks that come up time and time again with U-Pack is that customers had broken items upon delivery. With only carrier negligence liability coverage and catastrophic liability coverage included in the move, recourse is often unavailable to customers. One client on Trustpilot states that there was an accident with a truck where all of their items were broken beyond repair, but due to the lack of an accident report, their insurance claim was denied.
U-Pack received an 8 out of 10 for transparency. The company’s website features sample pricing and a quick quote feature. They also have easy booking options, including online or over the phone. As a carrier, they’ll handle the transportation to or from your apartment themselves. U-Pack simply drops off the container, known as a ReloCube, at your apartment, and you have three days to pack it up. They’ll deliver the ReloCube to your new apartment in four to six days (unless you opt for storage) and then you have three days to unload it before they pick it up again. Most containers do come with GPS tracking, too, so you can watch your belongings travel to your new home. U-Pack did lose some points because they don’t clearly list additional fees, and while they tell you how many representatives are available to talk to you at any given time on their website, they don’t have posted customer service hours.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving is the only apartment mover on this list that has a page specifically dedicated to how they can assist you with small moves. The brand calls them “Snapmoves.” This includes one- to three-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, dorm rooms, storage units, and one-bedroom homes. Mayflower goes into extensive detail about what customers can expect and how this service is tailored to the unique needs of apartment moves.
Mayflower also has every service most tenants will need. Like many other moving companies, they don’t offer home staging, but even Snapmoves can include car shipping, valuation coverage, full-service packing and unpacking, junk removal, and antique moving, among other solutions.
Mayflower Moving does give me pause due to the fact that they have almost no reviews online about their work. They don’t have Google Business or Yelp Profiles, and their reviews on the BBB are actually for them and their parent company, UniGroup. Discovering past customers’ experiences with the brand has proven difficult.
Mayflower also didn’t send follow-up emails as other brands did with my quote breakdown as I needed to undergo a virtual assessment in order to get a binding estimate. As a result, customers can’t uncover the brand’s fees for flights of stairs, shuttles, or elevators until they complete that assessment. Many other moving companies don’t require virtual walkthroughs and send emails detailing what is and isn’t included in the quote, how they arrived at that estimate, and what you can expect working with the brand.
Mayflower Moving has a very specific service called Snapmoves specifically for smaller moves. This service is dedicated to people living in smaller apartments, condos, and homes and they can be a great way to get a quick quote and lower your moving expenses. Mayflower notes that Snapmoves takes into account elevators, flights of stairs, and other complexities that come with apartment moving. Full-value protection is also included in the quote, and customers can mix and match moving day services, including priority services for moves that need to happen quickly.
Mayflower offers all the basics you expect from apartment movers, from local moves to international transportation. Home staging isn’t offered by the company, but junk removal, antique moving, and custom crating are all options available through Snapmoves.
However, finding information about Mayflower outside of their website proves difficult. They didn’t provide me with a follow-up email with information about my moving estimate like other brands did. In addition, reviews specific to Mayflower prove difficult to find. Reviews on their BBB profile refer to Mayflower, their parent company, Unigroup, and other subsidiaries of Unigroup. The company also doesn’t have profiles on Google or Yelp. Overall, Mayflower received an 7.9 according to our criteria.
For tenants looking to move to the next city over or internationally, Mayflower Moving is a top choice for me. As a broker/carrier, they will handle the job for you or partner you with one of their agents to assist with your move and unique needs. Loading and unloading are included in their quotes, and full-service packing and unpacking can be purchased for an additional fee. For those who have to wait for their new apartment to be ready, short-term storage facilities are available through Mayflower as well.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Unlike other moving companies, Mayflower Moving didn’t send a follow-up email with the quote details. This could be largely due to the fact that the representative would only give me a ballpark estimate for a move rather than a specific quote. They require potential customers to use their Virtual Survey app or meet with a representative over video conferencing tools like Zoom to do a virtual walkaround in order to get a binding estimate.
The ballpark estimate I received was for a two-bedroom home move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX:
- Transportation without packing: $2,000 – $2,900
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
As of this writing, Mayflower Moving doesn’t offer discounts to seniors or veterans. Customers should always ask their moving representative about getting a cheaper rate or price matching with another brand. Booking as early as possible is also a great way to save money, as moving trucks tend to become more expensive the closer you get to your moving date. Mayflower Moving does not require a deposit, and the balance won’t be charged to your card until the move begins.
Whether you’re opting for a larger move for a larger apartment or going with their small move program, Snapmoves, each move with Mayflower comes with a personal move coordinator, assembly and disassembly of some types of furniture, and full value protection (unless you decide to waive it). Full value protection begins at $6 per lb., and customers can opt for higher insurance coverage, but they will need to complete the high-value inventory form through the company. Those opting for the Snapmoves program can also mix and match moving services depending on their unique wants and budget. This can include car shipping, piano moving, antique moving, and junk removal. Mayflower did lose some points, however, as junk removal and packing materials aren’t available through all of their moving agents and they don’t offer car shipping. This landed them at a 7.7 for customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Where Mayflower Moving really falls short for me is its reputation. At only an 7, the company has a 1.3 and a B rating on the BBB, a 2.4 on Trustpilot, and no reviews on either Google or Yelp as of this writing. Even on the BBB and Trustpilot, reviews for Mayflower specifically are difficult to find. The BBB profile is actually for their parent company, Unigroup, and all reviews on the Mayflower BBB profile refer to Mayflower, Unigroup, and Unigroup’s subsidiaries. They also only have six total reviews on Trustpilot. Customers who did have positive experiences with the brand said crews and representatives were helpful, responsive, and professional. Negative reviews cite frustrating moving day experiences and issues with the claims department after items were broken upon delivery.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.3 out of 5 stars | 33 |
| Trustpilot | 2.4 out of 5 stars | 6 |
| Not available | Not available | |
| Yelp | Not available | Not available |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Mayflower Moving
Mayflower Moving doesn’t have many positive reviews, but the customers who left 5 stars for Mayflower and Unigroup on the BBB stated that representatives and movers were professional, efficient, and responsive. The company’s website also features testimonials from past clients stating that they had great experiences from start to finish with amazing communication.
Most Common Criticism for Mayflower Moving
A vast majority of reviews for Mayflower Moving on the BBB and Trustpilot are negative. 1-star reviews explaining that items were broken upon delivery, and that they got little, if any, assistance from the claims department. Customers received broken furniture and smashed fragile items, and deliveries were often delayed.
Mayflower Moving’s lowest score is in transparency at only 7.3. The brand operates as a broker/carrier and says so on their website, meaning you may work directly with Mayflower or you might be partnered with one of their agents on the day of the move. For example, if you’re moving to or from an apartment in Alaska, you will likely be working with World Wide Movers, Inc., Alaska, or Golden North Van Lines, both agents of Mayflower. Mayflower lost some points due to their lack of sample pricing or clearly listed additional fees, but also gained points for their binding estimates, quick quote feature, GPS tracking availability, online and over-the-phone booking processes, and posted customer service hours. The quoting process was explained to me over the phone, but I didn’t receive an email that clearly outlined how they arrived at my estimate or any additional fees I could be paying for stairs, elevators, or other unique factors associated with apartment moving.
What to Look for in a Reputable Company for Apartment Moving
All reputable apartment moving companies in the United States will be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. Additional licenses, registrations, and insurance required will depend on the state(s) in which the company operates and the services being provided.
Customers looking to work with apartment moving companies should also:
- Review and compare additional fees
- Some apartment moves are unique and could come with additional fees depending on your situation. Common moving fees for tenants include flights of stairs, elevators, and shuttle costs if there is no available parking outside your apartment building. Compare these fees with those of other moving companies and understand how much you’ll be paying upfront so there are no surprises on moving days.
- Read over the contract and policies
- Before signing any paperwork, carefully read over any contracts and insurance policies. You should understand what you’re getting for your money, what services will incur additional fees, when your items will be delivered, and how much coverage your items have in the event they’re damaged.
- Check reviews
- Always look into a company’s reputation before hiring them. Consider the reasons behind 1-star reviews and how the moving brand has publicly addressed them.
How To Avoid Scams for Apartment Moving
Moving scams are on the rise across the United States. Being vigilant will help you avoid them. You should always check a company’s registrations and licenses ahead of time, never pay more than 50% upfront for a deposit, and review insurance policies and contracts before hiring a brand. Get everything in writing, keep an inventory list of your items to be moved, and ask questions ahead of time.
Common scams for apartment moving include:
- Ransom or hostage load
- It’s illegal for moving companies to demand more money from a customer in order to have their items delivered. Although additional fees can occur and estimates can be adjusted, a moving company cannot hold your items for ransom.
- Change of address
- Some moving companies will demand a fee, usually around $100, in order to change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS does charge a $1.10 identity verification fee if you change your address online, but it is free to do in person.
- Mover fraud
- Fraudulent movers often pose as real brands but lack proper licenses and may no-show on your moving day. Always check registrations and never pay more than 50% upfront. If a company only accepts cash and nothing else, it could be a sign of a scam.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost for Apartment Moving?
The average cost of a moving company for apartment moving is $2,993.58. This price can change due to the amount of property you have to move, your location, or the number of stairs in your apartment building, but it’s always a good idea to negotiate with a moving company to save cash.
Do You Need a Moving Company for Apartment Moving?
You do need a moving company for apartment moving because moving is complex, and if you live in an apartment block, it may not be possible for you to do the heavy lifting on your own.
Are Moving Companies for Apartment Moving Worth It?
A moving company for apartment moving is worth it as moving your own items, even just to the next city over, can be a lot of work. However, if you have few items, it may be possible and cost-efficient to do it yourself.
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