Moving apartments is one of the most expensive things renters do — and it's almost always more expensive than expected. The moving truck is just the beginning. Between deposits, fees, overlap rent, and the 47 things you forgot to budget for, a typical apartment move costs $1,400 to $5,500+.
Here's the real breakdown.
The Full Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Local Move | Long-Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Movers / truck rental | $300–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Security deposit (new place) | $1,000–$3,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| First + last month rent | $2,000–$4,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Application fees | $25–$75 | $25–$75 |
| Lease-break penalties (old place) | $0–$5,000+ | $0–$5,000+ |
| Overlap rent (paying two places) | $0–$2,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Packing supplies | $50–$200 | $100–$300 |
| Utility setup fees | $50–$200 | $100–$300 |
| Cleaning (old apartment) | $100–$300 | $100–$300 |
| Total range | $1,400–$5,500 | $4,000–$12,000+ |
And this doesn't include the things that are hard to put a number on: time off work, the stress, replacing items that don't survive the move, and the general chaos of starting over in a new place.
The Big-Ticket Items
Movers vs. DIY
Hiring professional movers for a local move (same city, 1-bedroom) typically costs$400 to $800 for 2–3 hours. Add furniture disassembly, long carries, or stairs, and it climbs to $800–$1,500.
Renting a truck yourself is cheaper — $50 to $200/day for a local rental — but you need friends, gas, insurance, and physical labor. Factor in pizza, drinks, and the favor you'll owe everyone.
For a long-distance move (500+ miles), professional movers charge $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on distance and volume. A one-way truck rental (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) runs $800 to $2,500 for cross-country.
Security Deposit on the New Place
Most apartments require a security deposit equal to one month's rent. In high-cost cities, that's $1,500 to $3,000+ — cash you need upfront before you get your old deposit back (which can take 14–60 days after move-out).
This creates a cash crunch: you're paying a new deposit before getting your old one back. Budget for it.
First and Last Month's Rent
Many landlords require first month's rent at signing, and some require last month's rent too. On a $2,000/month apartment, that's $2,000 to $4,000 due at move-in — on top of the security deposit.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Overlap Rent
Unless your old lease ends the exact day your new lease starts (rare), you'll be paying rent on two places at once. Even one week of overlap at $2,000/month costs $500. Two weeks? $1,000. A full month? You're down $2,000 before you even hire movers.
Lease-Break Penalties
If you're moving before your old lease ends, the lease-break penalty is often the single biggest expense of the entire move — typically one to three months' rent ($1,500–$6,000+). This alone can double the total cost of moving. It's also the most avoidable cost if you plan ahead or have coverage like LeaseFlex.
Cleaning and Repairs
To get your full security deposit back, you'll likely need to deep clean your old apartment. Professional cleaning runs $150–$300 for a 1-bedroom. Factor in patching nail holes, touching up paint, and fixing anything you damaged during your tenancy.
Replacing Things That Break
Something always breaks during a move. A lamp, a mirror, a bookshelf that doesn't survive disassembly. Budget $100–$300 for replacement items. If you're moving long-distance, the damage rate goes up significantly.
Address Change Hassles
This one is free but time-consuming: updating your address with the post office, bank, employer, DMV, insurance, subscriptions, voter registration, and every service that has your old address. Budget 2–3 hours of administrative tedium.
Storage
If there's a gap between your old and new lease, or your new place is smaller, you may need temporary storage. A small storage unit runs $75–$200/monthdepending on size and location. In cities like NYC or SF, double those numbers.
How to Reduce Moving Costs
Time It Right
- Move mid-month or mid-week — movers are cheaper on Tuesdays than Saturdays
- Avoid the summer rush (June–August) when demand and prices peak
- Align your old lease end with your new lease start to avoid overlap
Declutter Before You Move
Movers charge by weight and volume. Every box you don't pack saves money. Sell furniture on Facebook Marketplace, donate clothes, and trash anything that's not worth carrying.
Get Multiple Moving Quotes
Always get at least three quotes from different movers. Prices vary significantly for the same move. Check reviews on Google and Yelp, and verify they're licensed and insured.
Source Free Packing Materials
Liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores give away sturdy boxes for free. Use towels and clothing to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
Negotiate Your New Lease
Some landlords offer move-in specials — one month free, reduced security deposit, or waived application fees. Always ask. The worst they say is no.
The Real Cost of Moving: A Realistic Scenario
Let's say you're a renter paying $1,800/month, moving across town to a new apartment at $2,000/month, with 4 months left on your old lease:
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional movers (local, 1BR) | $600 |
| New security deposit | $2,000 |
| First month rent (new place) | $2,000 |
| Lease-break penalty (1 month) | $1,800 |
| Overlap rent (2 weeks) | $900 |
| Cleaning old apartment | $200 |
| Packing supplies | $75 |
| Utility setup | $100 |
| Total | $7,675 |
That's a realistic number. And it doesn't include time off work or the emotional cost of uprooting your life.
Bottom Line
Moving apartments is expensive — typically $1,400 to $5,500 for a local move and $4,000 to $12,000+ for long-distance. The biggest cost drivers are usually the new apartment deposits, overlap rent, and lease-break penalties from your old place.
Plan ahead, budget conservatively, and start saving at least 2–3 months before your move date. The more prepared you are, the less stressful (and expensive) the whole process becomes.