What to Know Before Moving Into a City Apartment

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Moving to a new apartment isn’t always easy. Tight spaces, unclear rules, and even hidden fees can quickly derail your carefully laid plans.

To help you avoid any moving-day surprises, we’ve put together this guide on what to know before moving into a city apartment. By the end, you’ll know how to avoid the unexpected costs of moving into an apartment, understand your building’s lease terms and regulations, and learn how to avoid fines.


Know What Date and Time You Can Move In

a couple happily walks up the stairs carrying boxes and plants to move into their new apartment

Moving can be disruptive, and apartments aren’t particularly known for being soundproof. Even if you’re mindful, you can make a lot of noise coming back and forth with boxes or rearranging furniture. Quiet hours often apply in apartment communities, so you may have to plan around them.

Traffic, noise ordinances, and general rules can also affect your move-in. If your building uses an elevator, there may be specific hours or days that management allows you to book it.

Depending on your complex, you may have to move in on a Saturday. Others might specify that you have to move on a weekday when foot traffic is lighter. Check your building’s move-in policies in advance if you have time constraints for getting everything moved in.


Plan the Best Places to Park Your Moving Truck

a white moving truck is parked outside of an apartment building

Moving into an apartment is often more complicated than relocating to a house with a clear driveway. And if you live in the heart of a big city, it can be even harder. Ask your management office about hours, time limits, permits, and where you need to park. If you need a permit, apply as soon as possible so processing times don’t delay your move-in.

Some buildings offer a rear service entrance or loading dock. This can make things easier since you have a designated place to park, but you may have to schedule a block of time to use it.


Ask About Your Apartment’s Unloading Policy

Before moving day, ask your building management about how and where unloading works. Some apartment complexes require you to unload onto a staging area and move your truck away from the loading dock or service entrance as quickly as possible.

 

“A COI is a Certificate of Insurance. It lets your apartment complex know that your moving company is insured and provides important coverage details, such as policy limits, effective dates, and other key details.”

 

Others won’t allow you to leave items out, or they’ll require you to keep clear paths for egress. Don’t forget to inform your moving team of any rules or requirements.

Bonus Tip: Know Where to Dispose of Boxes

Many buildings set specific rules for how to dispose of moving boxes and packing materials. Even if a recycling bin is available, they may ask that moving debris not be placed there to prevent it from filling up too quickly.

Your building manager can tell you the preferred way to dispose of boxes. You can also try giving away empty boxes on social media. Or, if you unpack quickly, the movers might be willing to haul the boxes away for you.


Take Floor Protection Seriously

An apartment's floor is protected as a kitchen is remodeled for a move-in

Many buildings require floor protection to prevent damage in shared areas, especially those with hardwood or tile flooring. For example, an area with nice hardwood or marble flooring may require Masonite: wooden hardboards that can prevent damage to the floor while you’re shifting furniture. If you need it, make sure your movers have one on hand. Some buildings may have hardboards available to lend you, so ask ahead of time.

And don’t stop at protecting just the floor. Some management companies require additional protection in doorways and stairwells.


Familiarize Yourself With Your Movers’ Insurance

Most licensed moving companies have to provide basic liability insurance. However, some buildings in big cities require proof of moving insurance or even the purchase of extra policies. That way, if an accident happens, they can recoup the cost quickly. Without insurance, you could be left with hidden apartment move-in fees.

 

“Even if you’re mindful, you can make a lot of noise coming back and forth with boxes or rearranging furniture. Quiet hours often apply in apartment communities, so you may have to plan around them.”

 

If you need proof of insurance, tell your moving company as soon as possible. They’ll need time to get a COI form from the office and return it with all the necessary paperwork from their own insurance company. The building may not let you move in if you don’t have the proper paperwork filed, so check carefully.


Review City Apartment Moving Rules

There’s plenty more to know to make your move seamless. Check with your apartment complex about common rules like:

  • Building move-in hours: Confirm whether there are set moving hours listed in the lease.
  • Elevator reservations: If you need an elevator reservation, familiarize yourself with the process in advance. Make sure you book the reservation early to get the best date and time for moving day.
  • COI requirements: A COI is a Certificate of Insurance. It lets your apartment complex know that your moving company is insured and provides important coverage details, such as policy limits, effective dates, and other key details.
  • Noise and disturbance levels: Evenings and weekends may be subject to noise restrictions. While you shouldn’t be particularly loud while moving, you also want to avoid a costly fine for violating regulations.
  • Fire safety regulations: While you move, avoid any fire safety violations. Ensure that you never obstruct fire exits or safety equipment.
  • Parking: Know where to park your moving truck (and where guests should park if friends or family are coming to help you).

Prepare for a Smooth City Move

Ready to make your move as smooth as possible? Check out our moving checklist to make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as dollies, stretch wrap, and moving blankets.

Additionally, if you’re moving on a narrow city street or to the top of a towering apartment building, let us know. We make budgeting for apartment moves easy by providing clear, upfront quotes from local moving companies. Compare services and book trusted, vetted, and highly rated movers through HireAHelper’s online platform.

2024 Study: Moving Costs Set To Reach a Five-Year High

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Key Findings

  • The nationwide average cost of moving is projected to be the highest on record, based on HireAHelper data ($420)
  • Overall cost of moving is up 2% over last year, based on HireAHelper data for the first five months of 2024
  • Rhode Island (+18%) and Louisiana (+18%) are seeing the highest spikes in average price of local moves
  • Missouri (-98%), Illinois (-7%), and Florida (-3%) had the greatest moving cost DECREASES so far in 2024
  • The cost of moving in San Diego, CA has charted 26% higher than last year so far in 2024

moving costs hireahelper spotIn last year’s Moving Cost Survey, we found that more than half (52%) of our respondents had no plans to move in 2024, stating they couldn’t afford it. Unfortunately, the economy has likely done little to help change their minds over the last year.

During the first five months of 2024, the average move has cost about 2% more than during the same 5-month span in 2023. That’s especially notable because we haven’t even hit the peak moving summer months in 2024! 

In this year’s study, we examine all the trends impacting the cost of moving, check where moving is spiking the most and where it may be getting cheaper, and see what those who plan on moving can expect to pay this year.


On Track for New Highs: Moving Costs To Average Above $400 in 2024

According to our data of tens of thousands of booked moves nationwide, the average price of a move has stayed above $400 in the first five months of 2024, which is the highest total since we began tracking it over five years ago. (Granted, as inflation is intrinsic to the modern-day U.S. economy, prices for most things will gradually rise over time.)

 

“Of the 40 states for which we have sufficient data, 30 saw an increase in the average price for a local move.”

 

Looking back at the previous high, the average cost of moving hasn’t gotten this high since 2022, back when costs reached a then historic high (as did inflation, overall). That said, 2022 was marked by an incredibly steep 10% increase in the average price of moving between April and May of that year (arguably related to postponed pandemic moves). In comparison, this year saw an increase during the same period of only 2% greater than the year before it, which is more or less in line with inflation.

How high will it go?

Having already reached $411 in May, our projections are that average prices will peak at $438 by August.

That would be off the 2022 high of $454, but still 4% higher than last year’s peak of $420.

Our overall 2024 projections (which do account for expected seasonality rises) suggest that the average cost of moving will remain above $400 throughout all points of 2024.

All in all, 2024 will end with an overall average cost of moving at $420. Again, this would make 2024 the most expensive year for moving since we began keeping records in 2018. We will break down what you can do to lower those costs — but first, let’s break down where prices are rising and falling the most.

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Where Moving Costs Have Surged (Rhode Island and Louisiana) and Fallen (Florida and Illinois)

Where is the cost of moving increasing?

The unfortunate answer is, almost everywhere. Of the 40 states for which we have sufficient data, 30 saw an increase in the average price for a local move. In fact, in nine states that cost increase has been in the double digits, year-over-year.

 

“…as the demand for moving services increased, the price tended to follow, which may explain why moving in (big) cities will be more expensive this year.”

 

The states where the cost of moving has jumped the most are Rhode Island (+18%), and Louisiana (+15%), where the year-over-year increase has been 15% or higher.

It’s worth noting that a big contributor to this has been gas prices (as gas prices heavily inform the price at which movers full-service movers will quote); and gas prices have been spiking in both Louisiana and Rhode Island. Another explanation could simply be the growing demand for moving services, as all three states show an increase in moving activity in the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period last year.

In more encouraging news, the average price of a move has gone down in some key states that see a lot of moving activity throughout the year.

The states where moving costs have decreased the most on average are Florida (-3%), North Carolina (-4%), and, most notably, Illinois, where moving is 7% cheaper on average than it was last year.


Moving Costs by City in 2024: How Demand and Competition Affect Moving Costs in U.S. Cities

At the city level, the change in moving costs is spread somewhat more evenly, as roughly the same number of cities saw costs both rise and fall, year-over-year.

San Diego, CA (+30%) is the city where the average price of a local move in the first five months of 2024 has grown most significantly, compared to the same period in 2023.

In fact, Colorado Springs, CO is the only other city that has seen the cost of moving increase by 20% or more year-over-year in 2024. Two cities in Ohio, Cleveland, OH (+16%) and Columbus, OH (+13%), also made the list of the top 10 cities with the most significant spikes in moving costs.

City Year-over-year change in moving costs City Year-over-year change in moving costs
San Diego, CA +26% Los Angeles, CA -23%
Colorado Springs, CO +22% Seattle, WA -19%
Savannah, GA +16% St. Louis, MO -19%
Cleveland, OH +16% Cary, NC -13%
Columbus, OH +13% Chicago, IL -13%
Virginia Beach, VA +13% Orlando, FL -13%
Summerville, SC +12% Arlington, VA -12%
Oklahoma City, OK +12% Ocala, FL -12%
Tucson, AZ +11% St. Augustine, FL -11%
Knoxville, TN +10% Alexandria, VA -10%

One thing the cities with rising costs have in common is that a higher number of moves occurred in most of them in 2024, compared to 2023. In other words, as the demand for moving services increased, the price tended to follow, which may explain why moving in these cities will be more expensive this year.

The Cities Moving Prices Have Fallen in 2024

Elsewhere, moving appears to be getting less expensive in big cities, as the prices have dropped significantly in Los Angeles, CA (-24%), Seattle, WA (-23%), St. Louis, MO (-20%), and Chicago, IL (-15%).

This doesn’t always mean fewer people are moving in and out of these cities, but, rather, another market force is at play – competition! In most big cities where the cost of moving decreased the most this year, the number of companies offering moving services increased year-over-year.

To see how the moving costs have changed in 2024 in all the cities, check our interactive map below.

When Moving Gets Expensive: Our Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Move

For all those planning to move this year, the prospect of paying more for their move is hardly good news. Many find moving stressful as it is (though it doesn’t have to be) and the last thing they want to worry about is how much more they’ll have to pay for it.

Not to worry, because we’ve got you covered with our tried and tested advice on how to save money on your move. 

Here are our top 10 tips:

  1. Declutter and get rid of stuff you no longer need or use
  2. Use your belongings as packing materials to save space and reduce the need for additional supplies.
  3. Avoid buying packing and moving supplies (collect free boxes, use your own blankets as packing materials)
  4. Avoid peak moving season (May through September). 
  5. Schedule your move on weekdays, but avoid rush hour to prevent additional costs from traffic delays.
  6. Consider hiring loading and unloading help while doing the driving yourself — a hybrid move.
  7. Consider portable moving containers (they’re a good middle ground between DIY and full-service moves).
  8. Ask rental truck stores if they’ll give a discount for dropping a truck off at a different nearby location!
  9. Even if you hire full-service movers, pre-pack as much as possible into your own car (if you have one).
  10. To get a list of all your best moving options sorted by value, check HireAHelper.com.

You can read more about practical and creative ways to save money on your move, even if you’re moving in the summer, aka peak moving season.


Sources and Methodology
All charts and tables are based on the analysis of 300,000 local moves in the U.S. booked through HireAHelper.com and our partners, from January 2018 through May 2024.
States and cities with fewer than 100 moves in the last 12 months were excluded from the state-by-state and city-by-city analysis, respectively. However, calculations of the cost of moving by month of the year or day of the week do include data from all states and cities.
Based on moves booked on HireAHelper, a labor-only local move cost an average of $411 in May 2024, which is 3% higher than in May last year.
Illustrations by Michael Driver

How Much Does It Cost To Move to California in 2023?

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California has a lot to offer its residents: beautiful beaches, famous attractions, and yearlong sunshine. It’s no wonder people pay a premium to live there (overall, California has the fourth-highest cost of living, behind Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Massachusetts).

But how much does moving and living in California cost? Below are average moving costs based on thousands of moves booked through HireAHelper and their affiliates*.


California Moving Costs in 2023

an illustration of people wandering along a path that winds through huge redwood treesIf you’re moving cross-country from the East Coast to California, you can expect to spend between $2,182 and $10,329 on your move, according to a recent PODS article. The main factors affecting this cost are distance, the moving service you choose, and the size of your move. A shorter move, such as one between Phoenix and L.A., would cost between $328 and $5,300, while the cost of a move from NYC to San Francisco could cost over $10,000

  • Avg. Timeframe for a California Move – 3.4 Hours
  • Avg. Distance of a California Move – 35 Miles

The average time spent on a move that features an origin, destination, or both within California is just shy of three and a half hours, while the average distance traveled is 35 miles.

How Do These Figures Compare to Other States?

The average cost of California moving labor services is $16 more expensive than the national average. Across all move types and services, it costs an average of $396 to move locally anywhere within the country.

 

“Contrary to popular belief, not everything’s more expensive in SoCal versus NorCal. When comparing the cost of moving in Northern California versus Southern California, there’s virtually no statistical difference. Moving labor costs are roughly $443 in both regions, on average.”

 

The national average timeframe for moving is three hours (24 minutes shorter than the average California move), and items are transported an average of 74 miles (39 miles farther than the average California move). The specific moving service you use will make a difference, though.

The Current State of Moving to California in 2023

Between April 2020 and July 2022, California lost over 700,000 more residents than it gained, according to the Los Angeles Times. While the pandemic likely played a part in this exodus, the truth is that California residents have been leaving the Golden State for other, more affordable locales since 2000. California has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, and the highest sales tax rate. In San Francisco, for instance, the average home value is above $1.27 million. A family of four would need $112,903 in household income just to get by.

an illustration of a boardwalk next to a Pacific Ocean beach. Colorful homes line the street. With COVID-19 causing many to shift to remote work, employees who were once tied to a desk suddenly had the freedom to find somewhere more affordable to put down roots. 

Still, California has a very large population (over 39 million) and, despite having a net loss of hundreds of thousands of residents between 2020 and 2022, it still managed to rank as the third most moved-in state by volume last year with +3.6% move-ins.

While the cost of living and high taxes may be a turn-off for some, living in California comes with a gorgeous climate, breathtaking scenery, myriad job opportunities, and endless culture and entertainment. People are still moving to the Golden State and, with all of these perks, “California dreaming” isn’t likely going anywhere.

More 2023 California Moving Stats

Given the multiple moving options available to you, each has many pros and cons, including the price. The average California moving service costs in 2023 were as follows:

Transportation Type Avg. Labor Cost Avg. Transportation Cost Total Cost
Container $461 $2,762 $3,223
Truck $478 $345 $823
Freight Trailer $574 $1,500* $2,074**
**Expressed as a national average, as state-specific data is not available.

Avg. Cost of Labor-Only Moving Services in California by Job Type

Hiring labor-only saves people money, but which part of your move you hire the labor for makes a difference. Let’s compare the average costs of different labor-only moving services in California to the national averages.

Type of Labor-Only Moving Service U.S. Average CA Average
Moving with on-site help only $345 $353
Moving with unloading help only $395 $387
Moving with loading help only $400 $398
Moving with both loading and unloading help (booked together) $490 $608

Top 5 Least Expensive Cities for Moves Within California (Labor-Only)

City
(Origin or Destination)
Average Move Cost
(Labor-Only)
Huntington Beach, CA $290
Carlsbad, CA $303
Long Beach, CA $325
San Francisco, CA $336
Corona, CA $341

Top 5 Most Expensive Cities for Moves Within California (Labor-Only)

City
(Origin or Destination)
Average Move Cost
(Labor-Only)
Woodland Hills, CA $689
Camarillo, CA $655
Tracy, CA $595
Redwood City, CA $595
El Dorado Hills, CA $579
California moves in the above graphs are calculated using booked moves where the origin city, destination city, or both reside within California and are at least 50 miles apart.

Which Cities in California Are Growing and Shrinking?

A view of a vineyard that continues into the hills in the distance.
Livermore, CA

Californian City With the Greatest Population Increase*** – Santa Cruz, CA (+12.5%)

This mellow beach town is located in Northern California along Highway One. Among other things, it’s known for its surf culture, whale watching, and close proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Californian City With the Greatest Population Loss*** – Livermore, CA (-2%)

Located in the San Francisco Bay area and dating back to 1869, Livermore is the state’s oldest wine region. In addition to its thriving wine industry, the city also enjoys a rich arts and culture scene.

***Based on population increase or decrease between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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Most Affordable California Cities (Based on Cost of Living)

Here’s a closer look at six of the most affordable cities in California (according to Niche) and how their average household incomes and home values compare to the state averages.

City Average Home Value Median Household 

Income

Home Value to Household Income(Ratio)
Visalia, CA $361,827 $69,252 100:19
Bakersfield, CA $370,490 $69,014 100:19
Fresno, CA $359,344 $57,211 100:16
Victorville, CA $403,428 $61,206 100:15
Stockton, CA $419,631 $63,916 100:15
San Bernardino, CA $448,953 $55,372 100:12
California $728,121 $84,097 100:12
Sources: Average home values are based on Zillow data and median household incomes are based on U.S. Census data (expressed in 2021 dollars) available as of June 2022.

Cost of Moving Within California (NorCal Versus SoCal)

A beach in San Diego
San Diego, CA

Contrary to popular belief, not everything’s more expensive in SoCal versus NorCal. When comparing the cost of moving in Northern California versus Southern California, there’s virtually no statistical difference. Moving labor costs are roughly $443 in both regions, on average.

That said, Southern California is home to the most expensive city for moving in the entire country: Riverside. On average, state moves originating in Riverside totaled $538.

Least Expensive Moves in California by Origin City (Avg.)

City Average Move Cost Region
Oceanside, CA $383 SoCal
Long Beach, CA $395 SoCal
Huntington Beach, CA $402 SoCal
Roseville, CA $414 NorCal
San Diego, CA $415 SoCal
Sacramento, CA $423 NorCal
San Francisco, CA $432 NorCal

Most Expensive Moves in California by Origin City (Avg.)

City Average Move Cost Region
Riverside, CA $538 SoCal
Oakland, CA $487 NorCal
Santa Monica, CA $487 SoCal
Carlsbad, CA $477 SoCal
San Jose, CA $457 NorCal
Los Angeles, CA $454 SoCal
Irvine, CA $437 SoCal

What Are California’s 2023 Tax Rates?

The costs of moving to California aren’t just about hiring movers, buying packing supplies, or renting self-storage. If you’re moving from out of state, there’s a good chance the sales tax rates in California will be higher (possibly much higher) than you’re used to, affecting the final cost of moving-related expenses. Not to mention California’s high income taxes, which will almost certainly take a toll on your disposable income.

Below is a breakdown of California tax rates.

Sales taxes in California include:

  • California sales tax rate: 7.25% (highest in the U.S.)
  • Average local sales tax rate: 1.57%
  • California gasoline tax rate: 63¢
  • California cigarette tax rate: $2.87 (per 20-pack)

California income tax rates are as follows:

California Income Tax Brackets Based on Filing Status
Single or Married Filing Separately Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er) Head of Household Tax Rate
$0 – $10,099 $0 – $20,198 $0 – $20,212 1%
$10,100 – $23,942 $20,199 – $47,884 $20,213 – $47,887 2%
$23,943 – $37,788 $47,885 – $75,576 $47,888 – $61,730 4%
$37,789 – $52,455 $75,577 – $104,910 $61,731 – $76,397 6%
$52,456 – $66,295 $104,911 – $132,590 $76,398 – $90,240 8%
$66,296 – $338,639 $132,591 – $677,278 $90,241 – $460,547 9.3%
$338,640 – $406,364 $677,279 – $812,728 $460,548 – $552,658 10.3%
$406,365 – $677,275 $812,729 – $1,354,550 $552,659 – $921,095 11.3%
$677,276+ $1,354,551+ $921,096+ 12.3%
Source: H&R Block

If you’re considering moving to California, be sure to look at your new city’s cost of living compared to your salary. Keep in mind that even if you’re moving for a job, it may not be necessary to live in one of the big, expensive cities listed above. There are plenty of affordable California suburbs — which aren’t necessarily in the middle of nowhere — including Morada, Desert Edge, and Golden Hills.

And, when you’re ready to book movers in California, use Hire A Helper’s moving calculator to understand what your own unique moving costs might be.


*Unless otherwise indicated, the previous statistics are based on thousands of moves carried out by the halfway point of 2021. These data points are calculations of average and median costs of “labor-only” and/or “Mover + Truck” moving services booked through HireAHelper.com, as well as “Long Distance Move” moving services from MovingPlace.com, and may also include additional related moving data from industry partners and affiliates collected between 2020 and 2021.

Illustrations by Naomi Ann Clarke
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