Moving from one place to another entails a great deal of planning and organization. There is a lot to be done, decisions to be made, and certainly plenty of concerns.

Among the most popular concerns associated with moving is the cost of the relocation. This is a legitimate concern, given that the cost of moving can really add up. Therefore, when faced with a relocation, you want to prepare yourself for the financial aspect and prepare a budget accordingly.

Wondering how much it will cost for you to move from a one bedroom apartment, there are a few things to consider to help you get an accurate idea.

What Factors Affect the Cost to Move a One Bedroom Apartment?

Are you hiring movers or doing it yourself?

Professional Movers: Moving from a one bedroom apartment is much easier than moving from a four bedroom house. Since you will have far fewer items, you may not need to hire professional movers. The average price for professional movers is about $200-$300 an hour and it would probably take 2-3 hours on average to move a one bedroom apartment. Of course this doesn’t include the cost of purchasing your moving and packing supplies. You can save some money by taking on the move yourself.

DIY with a Rental Truck: If you decide to move yourself, you will only have to pay for packing supplies, moving trailer rental, and fuel. On average, packing supplies for a one bedroom apartment will cost you about $150 and a truck fee will be about $30 per day plus a fee for mileage. You will probably need to return the truck with a full tank of gas and you will also need to purchase insurance for the truck rental. Keep in mind that you will need to enlist the help of a few friends or family members to help you move furniture in and out of the moving truck.

Portable Moving Containers: Portable moving and storage containers are another great option for apartment moves because they are easy to pack, they come in several sizes so you can choose the right size for your needs, and they can easily be transported to your new home. The containers are conveniently dropped off to your apartment, picked up upon request, and transported by professionals to your new home. Portable moving containers can be rented for the entire month, allowing you to take your time packing and unpacking. The average cost of a portable moving container is about $200-$400 depending on the size plus a pick-up/delivery fee of about $100. They are conducive for both local and long distance moves.

What is the distance of your move?
The distance of your move is among the biggest determining factors in price. On average, local moves with professional movers will cost you about $200-$300 per hour for about 2-4 hours. The average cost of a long-distance move with professional movers is anywhere between $1500-$2500 for up to 1000 miles. A local move with a moving container would cost you about $300-$500 while it would average around $1200-$2000 for a long distance move up to 1000 miles.

How many items do you have?
The number of items you have will also determine the cost of your move. The more items you have, the more you can expect to pay. It’s not only about the number of items, however. The types of items you are moving matter as well.  For example, it will cost more to move several pieces of furniture and appliances than it would to move boxes. Consider your belongings and think about how many large items you have as well as any awkward-shaped or extremely valuable and delicate items.

There are a number of variables that ultimately determine the cost of your move. If you want to save some money, a DIY move might be the best option for you. Portable moving containers provide a great DIY moving option that can help you save money, alleviate stress, and safely transport your belongings from one place to another. If you are planning to move, keep in mind that the exact price will vary case-by-case so it’s always a good idea to call and get a free quote for your move.