Best Apartment Moving Companies: Mayzlin, Safeway, and More
Bottom line: We’ve conducted extensive research into services, pricing, and customer reviews to pick the best apartment moving companies for your next move.
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Whether you’re moving from one apartment to another or from an apartment into a new house, the moving process for an apartment move is a little different than other moves.
From narrow stairways and elevators to smaller parking lots, you’ll need movers who understand the ins and outs of moving within tighter spaces and taller buildings.
Top 5 best apartment moving companies in 2024
So, who should you consider using for apartment moving services? Here’s a quick look at our top picks, based on their services, availability, cost, and customer experience:
- Best for local moves: North American Van Lines
- Best for long-distance moves: Safeway Moving
- Best for customizable moving services: JK Moving
- Best for flexible moves: PODS
- Best for moves to rural areas: U-Haul
- Best for downsizing: Allied Van Lines
Compare the best movers for apartments
Before we dive into our individual overviews of the best moving companies for apartment moves, here’s a snapshot of what they have to offer.
| Name | Best for | Our rating | BBB rating | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Van Lines | Local moves | 4.25/5 | A+ | $$$ | Local, long-distance, and international moves |
| Safeway Moving | Long-distance moves | 4.5/5 | NR | $$ | Long-distance moves only (doesn’t do small local moves) |
| JK Moving | Customizable moving services | 4.25/5 | A+ | $$$$ | Long-distance and international moves (limited local moves) |
| PODS | Moves with uncertain parameters | 4.8/5 | A+ | $$$ | Local and long-distance moves with limited international options |
| U-Haul | Moves to rural areas | 4.15/5 | A+ | $$ | Local and long-distance moves within the USA and Canada |
| Allied Van Lines | Downsizing | 4.45/5 | A+ | $$$ | Local and long-distance moves, plus international moves to 130 countries |
North American Van Lines: Best for local moves
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
North American Van Lines is a great choice if you need full-service professional help with a local apartment move. In business since 1933, the company has a network of over 500 agents who can assist with local and long-distance moves.
With such an extensive network, you should be able to find a local agent near you to coordinate your move, regardless of which state you live in. This availability makes them a valuable resource when planning your local move.
Services
NAVL’s professional team provides packing and unpacking, loading, and unloading, ensuring a seamless transition to your new apartment.
They also offer specialized services such as custom crating and vehicle transportation, making them a versatile pick. We like that the company provides specialty packing supplies like mirror and mattress boxes, stand-up wardrobe boxes, and more.
Customer reviews
When Marcie and her husband used North American Van Lines, they were blown away by the company’s top-notch professionalism from start to finish and incredibly accurate quote. The guaranteed “not-to-exceed” estimate gave Marcie peace of mind by setting a maximum price for her move.
Pros and cons of North American Van Lines
- Background checked and well-trained workers
- Guaranteed “not-to-exceed” estimates
- Free website tool for estimating packing and moving supplies
- Mover quality can vary based on local service providers
- Only some local agents offer storage options
Read our full North American Van Lines review.
Safeway Moving: Best for long-distance moves
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Safeway Moving is an excellent choice for long-distance apartment moves. However, the company does not help with local moves.
This veteran-owned business has built a name for itself thanks to its competitive pricing, strong communication, and professional movers. It’s also known for its focus on precision, making it a top pick on our best military movers list.
Services
Safeway Moving’s services include full packing, loading, and secure transport, with 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves, providing much-needed flexibility for when you are moving across the country.
Safeway is especially well-suited for apartment moves involving condo or HOA associations. Its movers are trained to abide by HOA and COA regulations, and the company also carries a high level of liability insurance, as required by most of these organizations.
Customer reviews
When Isabel and her boyfriend used Safeway Moving to move from their apartment in California to a smaller one in New York, they were impressed by Safeway’s strong communication throughout the moving process. Nothing was damaged during their cross-country move, and she found it to be well worth the investment.
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Pros and cons of Safeway Moving
- 30 days of free storage on interstate moves
- Price match guarantee
- Triple-check verification for accurate quotes
- 24/7 customer service
- Doesn’t do small local moves
- You can’t get a quote online (you’ll have to call)
- No online shipment tracking
Read our full Safeway Moving review.
JK Moving: Best for customizable moving services
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
JK Moving is a higher-end full-service moving company. It’s an excellent choice for more complex apartment moves that require additional customization or special considerations.
JK Moving stands out from competitors by assigning each customer a personal moving coordinator who helps them create a moving plan customized to their unique needs.
Services
The company is committed to extremely high customer service standards and has been at the forefront of implementing technology in its moving services, such as using AI in its virtual surveys to provide faster and more accurate quotes.
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, they offer tailored packages that include packing, loading, and unpacking services, custom crating, and specialty item handling.
Customer reviews
When Jose used JK Moving for his long-distance move, he was impressed by how well they stayed in touch throughout the move and how carefully they wrapped and packed his items.
Pros and cons of JK Moving
- Background-checked staff
- GPS tracking available for all shipments
- Personal moving coordinators help plan your move
- Available financing to help with moving costs
- Pricing tends to be higher than other movers
- Local moving services are limited to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Read our full JK Moving review.
PODS: Best for flexible moves
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
PODS is one of our best moving container companies that can help with your next apartment move, whether you are moving across the city or across the country.
One standout feature is its lineup of moving container discounts. For local moving, PODS gives first-timers 10% off their initial delivery and 10% off their first month’s rental. For long-distance moving, PODS offers 10% off initial delivery, 10% off the first month’s rental, and 10% off long-distance transit.
Services
With PODS, your container will arrive at your home on a truck. You’ll load all of your items with the help of a liftgate operated by the driver, and the truck will leave the same day.
PODS provides three moving container sizes, plus car shipping options, so you don’t have to drive across the country in a long-distance move. You also get free storage for 30 days with every move, and long-term storage can be arranged–for both your possessions and your vehicle.
Customer reviews
When Kyle used PODS for his 1,400-mile move from Arizona to Washington, he was impressed at how much money he was able to save.
After receiving quotes for moving his two-bedroom apartment from four moving container companies, he chose PODS because of their low quote and positive reviews and was happy with how communicative the company was during his move.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Pros and cons of PODS
- Options to make changes mid-move
- Has a money-back cancellation policy
- Free 30 days of storage included with all moves
- Only their 8-foot and 16-foot containers can be used for long-distance moves.
- No tracking options while your container is in transit
Read our full PODS review.
U-Haul: Best for moves to rural areas
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Not all moves are from one big city to another. If your next move is taking you to a more remote location (or bringing you out of one), then you likely know your choices of a moving company for your apartment move are limited. That’s where U-Haul comes in.
While you’ll have to do all your own packing and loading, U-Haul has 23,000 locations, the most of any moving company nationwide. Plus, U-Haul services all 50 states and international moves, so no matter where you move, they have you covered.
Services
Although U-Haul is known for its DIY moving truck rental, there are other options for those who can’t or don’t want to drive a moving truck themselves. For example, U-Haul has a moving container option, U-Box, where professional movers do the driving portion of your move.
The U-Haul U-Box is a bit smaller than other moving containers, with each container only holding the contents of a single room, but you can order more to move your entire apartment. You can pick up the boxes yourself or have them delivered to your apartment packing space.
Customer reviews
Jarom moved with U-Haul U-Box and was impressed with the overall cost of his move, the clear communication throughout the moving process, and the excellent condition that all of his belongings arrived in.
Pros and cons of U-Haul
- Offers storage options with U-Box moves
- Roadside assistance is included with their truck rentals
- Customizable moving options are available no matter where you live
- Long-distance moves are restricted by a mileage allowance, which can lead to surprise costs not included in the quote.
- Reservations aren’t guaranteed
Read our full U-Haul review.
Allied Van Lines: Best for downsizing
rating
4.75 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Allied Van Lines’ customizable packages can help you design your perfect move no matter where you’re moving, even if you don’t want to take all of your household goods with you, making them the best options for apartment moves that include downsizing.
The company offers a variety of moving options to accommodate relocations of all sizes and types. Whether you want to book a full-service move or consider one of their moving containers for something a little more DIY, Allied Van Lines has you covered.
Services
Allied’s full-service moves include packing and unpacking services, mid-move storage, and custom crating. Customers who want to save money can book Allied’s moving container, Allied Express, which can be delivered to their home and packed at their leisure.
The company can help you arrange with your HOA to leave the container in a spare parking space at your apartment complex, though they generally aren’t able to be parked on the street. Allied is also one of the only companies on our list with a Salvation Army program to donate unused items.
Customer reviews
We’ve reviewed hundreds of Allied Van Lines reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Numerous customer reviews state that Allied Van Lines’ movers show up on time, are professional, and take excellent care when packing their belongings, and the average customer review for Allied is positive.
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
Pros and cons of Allied Van Lines
- Customizable local and cross-country moves
- Storage solutions available
- 24/7 move tracking tool
- You’ll have to call for a quote
- Insurance claims process can be tricky
Read our full Allied Van Lines review.
How to choose the best apartment moving companies
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There’s more to choosing an apartment moving company than clicking on the first Google search result and seeing how many years of experience they have.
Services offered
When you’re looking for a full-service moving company, be sure to confirm what services they actually offer. If you need help with tasks like unpacking or furniture disassembly, confirm if they’re included in your quote when you speak with a representative on the phone.
Even if you’re doing a DIY move, it can be useful to see what add-on services are available just in case you need some last-minute help.
Flight charge
Flight charge is an important term to be aware of when doing an apartment move. It refers to an additional fee some movers charge for carrying your possessions up or down flights of stairs.
Unless you live on the first floor, you’ll want to ask if your moving company has a flight charge.
Licenses and insurance
The moving industry requires movers to carry licenses and insurance based on state and federal requirements.
For example, all companies providing interstate moving services must be licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Confirming that your movers are properly licensed and insured can offer much-needed peace of mind for your moving experience.
Availability
Landlords may limit the days of the week or times of day a move can take place at their facility.
As a result, you need to make sure that your chosen moving company will be available (and able to show up on time) on your desired moving date.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews are an essential starting point when choosing between different moving companies. They can help you identify common issues as well as the pros of working with different movers.
Just keep in mind that online moving reviews tend to skew negative, even with moving companies that generally have a reliable reputation.
Moving quotes
Getting a free quote is always a good start, but you shouldn’t be content with just one quote. Get multiple moving estimates so you can compare the cost of working with different apartment moving companies.
Make sure you understand each company’s quote process so you can do an apples-to-apples comparison, and that you understand different types of quotes, such as flat-rate binding estimates or hourly rates.
Price
Price may not be the deciding factor when choosing a mover, but it’s definitely important, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Sometimes, moving quotes can differ by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
As long as a moving company has a good reputation, finding a lower price can help you save big. Of course, it never hurts to ask if your preferred mover offers price matching so you can get the best price with the best mover.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
How much do apartment movers cost?
The good news is that small moves usually cost a lot less than moving from a large house.
That’s because many moving providers largely base their quote on how much stuff you need to move. The average cost to move a one-bedroom apartment is between $350 and $3,000.
Our moving cost calculator can help you get a better idea of how much your apartment move would cost with different kinds of services.
Factors that affect the cost of apartment moves
The cost of your move can vary based on several factors, but the following are usually considered when getting a moving quote for an apartment move:
- Distance: The distance between your old and new apartments will play a big role in your moving quote. Local apartment moves will generally be much cheaper than long-distance or interstate moves simply because of the cheaper fuel and labor costs for the moving company.
- The size of the move: The more stuff you have, the bigger the moving truck you’ll need — and the more work your movers will have to do. If you’re moving to a one-bedroom apartment, it will cost less than a four-bedroom apartment.
- The type of move: There’s a big difference between a full-service move, where professional movers do everything, and a DIY move, where you just rent a moving truck. A good rule of thumb is that the more you do yourself, the less you’ll have to pay.
- Add-on services: Many companies charge extra fees for add-on services that are available options beyond their base package. These could include storage services, full-service packing, and more. Check with your moving company to see which services are add-ons and which are included in the base quote.
- Accessibility: Accessibility is a major concern for apartment moves, and it can have a direct impact on your moving quote. If your movers need to navigate flights of stairs or an elevator or carry your items a long distance to load the truck, you’ll likely pay extra.
- The time of year/week: Moving during times with less demand can help you get a cheaper quote. Generally speaking, moving companies see the highest demand on the weekends and during the spring and summer. Moving during the middle of the week or during fall or winter can help you get lower prices.
Preparing to move from apartment to apartment
Moving from apartment to apartment usually isn’t as much of a hassle as moving to a larger house, but it’s still a lot of work. Thankfully, you can ensure a stress-free moving experience by using these simple steps to get ready.
1. Use a moving checklist
Creating a moving checklist can help you stay on track and avoid making mistakes, from switching utilities and renters insurance coverage to coordinating with your movers.
Our comprehensive moving checklist will help you prep for each stage of the move, from initial planning to your actual moving date.
2. Declutter
Even if you’re moving from a one-bedroom apartment or studio apartment, it doesn’t hurt to try to declutter. Go through each room to identify anything you want to donate, sell, or throw away.
Items that you no longer want or need, ones that are broken, or that you haven’t used in a long time are good candidates for decluttering. This way, you’ll have less that you need to pack, which can help lower the cost of your move.
3. Take lots of photos
Moving crews usually try to be careful with your belongings, but this isn’t always the case. Take photos of everything so you can offer proof if you need to file a claim for lost or damaged items.
Taking photos of your current apartment can also be used to counter any damage claims your landlord might try to charge after you move out.
4. Contact landlords for both apartments
As soon as you know you’re planning to move, contact your current landlord. Last-minute moves usually aren’t an option with apartments. In fact, many apartments require a notice to vacate 30 to 90 days before your move. You can also ask about any other requirements regarding moving trucks, pre-move cleaning, and so on.
You should also contact your new landlord well in advance of your move date to confirm what paperwork you need to provide before moving in. It’s also a good idea to ask about available parking and access for your moving truck.
5. Set up renters insurance
Many landlords require that you have renters insurance set up before you move in. Even if you already have renters insurance at your current apartment, reach out to the insurance company so you can transfer coverage to your new apartment, starting on the day you plan to move in.
6. Consider parking and access
Moving trucks sometimes have trouble fitting into crowded apartment parking lots. Check with the local movers who will be driving the truck to confirm it will fit in your complex or if you will need to figure out alternative parking solutions.
It’s also a good idea to double-check with your landlord to confirm whether there are any parking and access restrictions or rules you need to be aware of. For example, some areas require a parking permit for a moving truck.
Apartment movers FAQ
What’s the first thing you should do when moving into a new apartment?
Before you start unloading your stuff, you should take pictures and thoroughly document any damage in the apartment.
Reporting and recording this information when you first move in will ensure your landlord doesn’t try to hold you responsible for it later. If possible, it’s also a good idea to clean your space before you start unpacking.
How can I move into my apartment more efficiently?
Before you leave your old space, declutter to get rid of unwanted items. Label boxes based on the room they belong in.
This way, when you move into your new apartment, you can quickly get everything to the right place. Consider unpacking room by room so it’s easier to see your progress.
Is a moving container cheaper than hiring professional movers?
If you use PODS or another storage container company, you’ll likely be able to save money compared to professional movers. That’s because with a storage container, you are responsible for loading and unloading everything yourself.
The storage container company is only responsible for transporting it to your new apartment. Get a quote from one of the best moving container companies so you can compare costs with professional movers.
Do apartment movers offer insurance for my belongings?
Yes, apartment movers offer insurance coverage in case any of your items are damaged. Most companies provide basic insurance coverage that provides a flat rate reimbursement based on the size or weight of each item.
You can also pay for full-value coverage, which provides more comprehensive reimbursement if anything is damaged.
Is there anything that apartment moving companies won’t move?
Just like when moving from a house, apartment moving companies won’t move certain items that are considered dangerous or hazardous. This can include items like fireworks, paints and paint thinners, cleaning supplies, batteries, and chemicals.
Most moving companies do not move perishable food products or live plants, either. If you’re unsure, ask your moving company whether they will move something for you or not.
Methodology
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies.
We Look At:
Customer satisfaction (40%):
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%):
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%):
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%):
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%):
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%):
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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