What is the Average Cost of Moving a Two Bedroom Apartment?

Local Moves: The Short-Hop Breakdown

Local moves are the sprints of the relocation world. If your new place is within 50 miles of your current home, congrats—you’re in local territory. These moves are typically billed by the hour, and the cost includes not just labor, but the moving truck and basic supplies.

What’s the going rate?

Expect to pay between $175 and $225 per hour for a team of three movers and a truck—the sweet spot for a two-bedroom apartment. That covers the muscle, the wheels, and the essentials (think dollies, straps, and moving blankets).

How long will it take?

On average, plan for 5 to 7 hours, depending on your stuff, how many stairs your apartment has, and whether you've already boxed up your entire kitchen.

All in, what’s the bottom line?

Most local moves for a two-bedroom apartment will cost between $1,195 and $1,595.

Mini-case in point:

In Washington, D.C., a standard two-bedroom move with three movers working five hours typically lands around $1,275. Over in Baltimore, the same gig might clock in closer to $1,350.

Long-Distance Moves: The Cross-Country Numbers

Now we’re talking miles—not minutes. A long-distance move usually means you're going 100+ miles from your current place, or crossing state lines. The moment your move crosses that threshold, the pricing model shifts.

Long-distance moves cost more because they're calculated based on the weight of your belongings (typically 3,500–5,000 lbs for a two-bedroom apartment) and the mileage between locations. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cost of an interstate move is around $4,300, based on a distance of 1,225 miles and 7,400 pounds of goods—though smaller apartments will usually fall well below that range.

Average Cost Range?

Expect to shell out between $2,500 and $5,000 or more, depending on the distance, company, and services added.

Add-Ons That Add Up:

Want help packing? Need storage for a few days? Have a piano or fragile art pieces? These extras can easily add hundreds to your final bill. Long-distance moves are where "just a little help" can quickly turn into “a lot more cost.”

What Really Affects the Price Tag of Moving

Moving isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is pricing. Even two identical two-bedroom apartments can generate wildly different invoices. Here’s why:

1. Volume & Weight

The more stuff you bring, the more it costs—especially for long-distance hauls. That bulky sectional couch? It’s dragging your budget with it.

2. Specialty Items

Got a baby grand piano, oversized mirrors, or a collection of vintage artwork? Movers will need special equipment and extra care, and yes, you’ll pay for it.

3. Extra Services

Want the movers to pack, unpack, and assemble your furniture? Many offer full-service packages—but convenience comes with a markup.

4. Packing Materials

Tape, boxes, mattress covers, bubble wrap—it adds up fast. Some companies include basic materials, others charge à la carte.

5. Building Access & Logistics

Third-floor walk-up? No elevator? Narrow hallways? Movers may need extra time and effort to load and unload, which usually means extra fees, especially for labor-intensive jobs.

Timing is Money: When You Move Matters

You’ve heard it before—timing is everything. When it comes to moving, it can also be the difference between staying on budget or watching costs balloon faster than a mattress-in-a-box unrolling.

Peak Season Premiums

Summer moves are prime time—and everyone knows it. From June to August, demand for movers surges. Pair that with weekends and the always-popular end-of-the-month crunch, and you’ve got a pricing trifecta that can add hundreds to your final bill.

Moving companies get booked solid, fast—and they charge a premium for their limited availability.

Off-Peak Deals

Want to save? Go against the grain. Mid-week moves and dates that fall in the off-season (think late fall to early spring) often come with built-in discounts or at least more negotiating power. Fewer people moving = better rates, more flexibility, and often a less rushed crew.

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Location Matters: Regional Price Tags

Where you live—or where you’re headed—can dramatically shift your moving budget. Local pricing isn’t just about mileage; it’s also about local demand, urban infrastructure, and how hard it is to get a truck parked near your door.

Let’s zoom in on the DMV:

Washington, D.C.

Average cost for a local two-bedroom move with three movers working five hours? Around $1,275. D.C.’s dense neighborhoods, tight parking, and strict regulations can tack on logistical fees.

Baltimore, MD

Just an hour away, but often higher due to access issues. Expect about $1,350 for a standard two-bedroom move, especially if you're in a walk-up or historic rowhouse.

Northern Virginia (e.g., Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax)

Well-organized, suburban layouts often make moves more efficient—but don’t let that fool you. With high demand and affluent zip codes, $1,300 to $1,500 is a typical range, depending on your building and the day of the week. Movers here are used to elevators, HOA rules, and navigating sprawling apartment complexes.

Bethesda & Rockville, MD

In these Montgomery County hotspots, you're looking at $1,250 to $1,400 for a local two-bedroom move. Rockville, MD offers a bit more breathing room logistically, while Bethesda’s luxury buildings and tight access can edge the price upward.

Why the Price Swing?

Simple: urban density = more time = more money. If movers are spending extra minutes circling the block for parking or hiking boxes up three flights of stairs, that clock (and cost) keeps ticking. And in higher-income areas, rates may reflect increased labor costs and licensing requirements.

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Final Thoughts: Budgeting for the Big Day

So, what’s the damage?

If you're moving a two-bedroom apartment, your price tag will likely fall somewhere between $1,195 and $5,000+. That range depends on whether you're skipping town or just switching neighborhoods—and how many extras you tack on along the way.

To recap:

Local moves (within 50 miles): $1,–$1,595

Long-distance moves: $2,500–$5,000+

But don’t forget: your move isn’t just a number on a quote. It’s shaped by services (packing? storage?), timing (weekend vs. weekday?), and where you're moving (hello, Bethesda elevators and D.C. parking permits).

Your best move? Plan early. Declutter ruthlessly. Get at least three quotes. And never be afraid to ask, “Is that fee really necessary?”

Because the better you prepare, the smoother—and smarter—your move will be.

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Moving Soon?

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Get in touch with BoxStar Movers, your trusted DMV moving company.

📞 (202)843-9181 or get a free quote online and let’s plan your move the right way.

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‍FAQs: What People Ask Before They Move

1. How much do movers usually cost for a 2-bedroom apartment?

For local moves, you’ll typically pay between $1,195 and $1,595, based on hourly rates and time. Long-distance? Expect $2,500 to $5,000+, depending on weight and mileage.

2. How many movers do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?

Most moves of this size are handled by a 3-person crew, which balances speed and efficiency without overkill.

3. How long does it take to move a 2-bedroom apartment?

On average, expect 5 to 7 hours for local moves. Long-distance moves depend on transit time and whether services like packing or storage are involved.

4. Is it cheaper to move during the week?

Yes. Weekday moves, especially mid-month and off-season (fall to spring), tend to cost less than weekend or end-of-month moves.

5. Do movers pack for you?

They can—but it costs extra. Many moving companies offer packing, unpacking, and even furniture disassembly as add-on services.

6. Do I need to tip my movers?

It’s not required, but it’s appreciated. A common guideline is $3–$10 per mover, per hour, or $20–$50 per mover for a full-day move.

7. Can I negotiate with moving companies?

Absolutely. Get multiple quotes, mention competitors’ prices, and ask about seasonal discounts or promotions. You’d be surprised how flexible they can be.