Studio vs 1-Bedroom Move: Costs and Planning Tips

Moving in NYC? Here's what you need to know: Studio moves are cheaper and faster, while 1-bedroom moves require more planning and a bigger budget. Studios typically cost $480–$700, while 1-bedrooms range from $700–$1,100. Time, movers, and NYC-specific challenges like building rules and parking fees also play a role.

Key Differences:

• Cost: Studios are cheaper; 1-bedrooms require more movers and time.
• Time: Studios take ~3 hours; 1-bedrooms take ~4–6 hours.
• Packing Needs: Studios need fewer boxes; 1-bedrooms require more packing materials.

Quick Comparison Table:

Factor	Studio	1-Bedroom
Cost Range	$480–$700	$700–$1,100
Time Needed	~3 hours	~4–6 hours
Movers Required	2 movers	2–3 movers
Packing Materials	~16 boxes	~40 boxes

Tip: Save money by moving mid-week and decluttering before packing. Always check your building's moving rules to avoid last-minute issues.

Moving Costs: Studios vs 1-Bedrooms

Standard Moving Rates by Apartment Type

Moving costs vary depending on the size of your apartment. For studios, typical costs range from $420 to $1,300, while 1-bedroom moves usually fall between $500 and $1,550 . These estimates include standard moving services. In New York City, movers generally charge between $60 and $150 per hour per mover, with a minimum of two movers required .

Here's a snapshot of what a typical move might look like:

Apartment Type	Number of Movers	Hours Required	Estimated Final Cost
Studio	2 Movers	2–4 hours	$278–$599
1-Bedroom	2 Movers	3–6 hours	$389–$750

These numbers give a baseline for understanding the factors that influence moving costs.

What Drives Cost Differences

Several factors contribute to the differences in moving costs:

• Volume and Packing Time: Larger apartments require more time to pack and move items.
• Additional Labor: Heavy or bulky furniture may need extra movers, which adds $50–$75 per hour per mover .
• Access Fees: Fixed fees, usually between $50 and $100, can apply depending on the building or location .

Price Breakdown Chart

Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical expenses for studio and 1-bedroom apartments in NYC:

Expense Category	Studio Apartment	1-Bedroom Apartment
Base Moving Rate	$480–$700	$700–$1,100
Packing Services (Optional)	$120–$180	$180–$300
Travel/Access Fee	$50–$100	$50–$100
Additional Labor (If needed)	$100–$150	$150–$225

To save money, consider scheduling your move on a weekday when rates are often lower . Sticking to basic services - like skipping packing or furniture assembly - can also help keep your costs closer to the lower end of these ranges. With this information, you can make informed choices to fit your budget in NYC’s moving market.

Space and Moving Setup

Packing Space Requirements

Packing for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment requires different approaches. Studios, typically 300 to 600 square feet, combine living, sleeping, and cooking areas, making efficient use of space essential.

To pack a studio effectively:

• Stack boxes to maximize floor space.
• Set up designated packing zones.
• Pack by area, starting with items you use the least.
• Keep essentials within easy reach.

For 1-bedroom apartments, the separate rooms make packing more straightforward. You can pack one area while maintaining functionality in others, ensuring clear paths for movers. Larger spaces may require more packing materials.

Apartment Type	Small Boxes	Medium Boxes	Large Boxes
Studio (Average Belongings)	5	9	2
Studio (More Belongings)	9	16	4

Once packed, selecting the right storage solutions can make the moving process smoother.

Storage Options by Apartment Size

After packing, think about storage solutions that fit your apartment's size. Storage expert Cynthia Kienzle explains:

"There's a lot of dead space -- if you know where to look for it" .

For studio apartments:

• A single U-Box container (257 cubic feet) usually works well .
• Temporary wall-mounted shelves can keep packing supplies organized.
• Door and wall racks make use of vertical space .
• Slim hangers help maximize closet capacity .

In compact spaces like NYC apartments, making the most of every inch is crucial.

For 1-bedroom apartments:

• Use multifunctional furniture for temporary storage.
• Storage beds and ottomans can help keep items organized during the move .
• Wall hooks placed strategically add extra storage options.

"Every square inch is important in a small apartment, so you need to constantly tweak." – Cynthia Kienzle .

Both studio and 1-bedroom moves can benefit from specialized packing supplies like dish saver kits, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, and furniture pads for added protection . Temporary storage units can also be a practical solution to keep things organized during the move.

Required Time and Workers

Time Needed for Each Move Type

Professional movers can usually handle a studio move in about 3 hours, while a 1-bedroom move takes closer to 4 hours, thanks to the added furniture and belongings involved . On the other hand, DIY moves take much longer - packing alone for a studio might take several days, with an additional 2–4 hours for loading and 2–3 hours for unloading .

Several factors can stretch the timeline, including elevator availability, stairs, building layout, furniture assembly needs, truck access, and even weather conditions.

Number of Movers Needed

The time required for the move often determines how many movers are necessary. For both studio and 1-bedroom moves in NYC, two professional movers are typically sufficient for a smooth relocation .

Apartment Type	Movers Needed	Average Hours
Studio	2	3
1-Bedroom	2	4

Most moving companies in NYC charge $70–$90 per hour per mover . However, extra movers may be required for challenges like narrow hallways, multiple flights of stairs, heavy furniture, or delicate items .

For a smoother and potentially cheaper move, it's often recommended to schedule during mid-week or off-peak seasons when rates are lower . Buildings with freight elevators can also save a lot of time compared to those with only small passenger elevators .

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Move Planning Steps

Moving Schedule Template

Start planning 4 weeks ahead for studios and 6 weeks for 1-bedrooms. Here's a helpful timeline to keep things on track:

Weeks Before Move	Studio Tasks	1-Bedroom Tasks
6 weeks	–	Inventory your items
4 weeks	Inventory your items	Book movers and order supplies
3 weeks	Book movers and order supplies	Pack non-essential items
2 weeks	Pack non-essential items	Pack main living areas
1 week	Pack remaining items	Pack bedroom and kitchen items
Moving day	Prepare an essentials box	Prepare an essentials box

Once your schedule is in place, shift your focus to organizing and downsizing your belongings.

Pre-Move Item Reduction

Decluttering is key to saving time and money. On average, a studio apartment requires about 16 boxes, while a 1-bedroom move may need 40 boxes . Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Use the "one-year rule" to decide what to keep - if you haven’t used it in a year, let it go .
• Start with bulky furniture to free up space and make truck loading simpler.
• Fewer items mean less to pack, which reduces both effort and moving costs.

Box Packing Methods

Tailor your packing approach to your apartment size. For studios, take advantage of vertical storage by stacking boxes in tall furniture . For 1-bedroom apartments, pack room-by-room to simplify unpacking later.

Box Type	Studio Needs	1-Bedroom Needs
Small	5 boxes	10 boxes
Medium	9 boxes	20 boxes
Large	2 boxes	10 boxes

To avoid injuries, keep box weights under 30 lbs. For clothes and bedding, vacuum-seal bags can help save space.

Once your packing is done, double-check NYC building rules to avoid any last-minute surprises.

NYC Building Moving Rules

"Many people underestimate the amount of work that goes into a move, especially when it comes to packing and heavy lifting."

NYC buildings often have strict moving guidelines. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Coordinate elevator reservations with building management.
• Secure parking permits for your moving truck.
• Confirm insurance requirements for movers.
• Protect common areas like hallways and lobbies.
• Follow building-specific time restrictions for moves.

For studios, plan to reserve elevators for about 2 hours, while 1-bedroom moves may require 3 hours . Make these arrangements early - many NYC buildings have limited moving windows. Sticking to these rules will help you avoid delays and extra fees.

Moving from Studio to 1-Bedroom Apartment: NYC Guide

Conclusion: Choosing Your Moving Plan

Now that we've covered cost breakdowns and planning steps, it's time to finalize your moving strategy.

Key Factors to Consider

The size of your apartment plays a big role in determining costs and logistics. For example, moving a studio apartment is simpler, with average costs around $500 for local moves . On the other hand, a one-bedroom apartment requires more effort, with costs typically averaging $800 for local moves .

Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Time Required: Studios often take 2-4 hours, while one-bedrooms may take 3-6 hours.
• Team Size: Studios usually need 2 movers, while one-bedrooms may require 2-3 movers.
• Access Requirements: Check for parking or elevator needs.
• Insurance: Protect your belongings with the right coverage.
• Building Rules: Confirm any restrictions or requirements for moving day.

These considerations will help you decide whether a full-service or hybrid moving option is the best fit.

Moving Service Choices

When it comes to moving services, you have two main options:

• Full-Service Moving: This option covers everything - packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. It's perfect if you want a hands-off experience.
• Hybrid Moving: You handle the packing, while movers take care of transportation. This strikes a balance between cost and convenience.

For better prices, aim to schedule your move mid-week or mid-month .

Finally, don’t overlook insurance. Harrine Freeman of H.E. Freeman Enterprises advises:

"Some moving companies offer a temporary insurance policy, or you could ask your home or renters insurance company if they do as well. The great thing about it is that it reduces stress because you know that if something does happen to your belongings, you will have the money to replace them without a long-term commitment to a policy. It's a policy meant for this move, specifically."