How Much Does It Cost to Move a Three-bedroom Apartment in the Bay Area?

Are you wondering about the cost to move a three-bedroom apartment in the Bay Area? Moving is a daunting task. It worsens when you have not budgeted to cover every associated cost. Furthermore, Bay Area movers do not offer a one-size-fits-all moving fee, as various factors influence pricing.

Nevertheless, the average cost of hiring movers for a three-bedroom apartment in the Bay Area is $2,700. Since this amount is not standard, here is what most movers consider before giving you a quote.

Table of Contents

• Factors Influencing the Cost to Move a Three-bedroom Apartment
  • Type of Pricing
  • Moving Distance
  • Labor Complexity
  • Packing Services
  • Carrying Insurance and Permits
  • Special Equipment Packing
  • Storage Services
• Call Joshua’s Moving for Your Next Bay Area Move

Factors Influencing the Cost to Move a Three-bedroom Apartment

A 3-bedroom apartment move cost varies between movers in the Bay Area with certain variables that all boil down to time, labor intensity, and resource utilization. These variables are never the same between any two movers. Hence, the reason prices fluctuate across the board. You can make feasible cost estimations by understanding these factors and how they affect your move.

1. Type of Pricing

The cost to move a three-bedroom apartment also depends on the type of pricing. In the Bay Area, some movers offer a flat rate or an hourly charge which can average at $2,767. The average hourly rate is $150. However, the cost varies depending on the number of movers handling the relocation. Remember, hourly billing begins as soon as the moving truck pulls up to your parking lot.

2. Moving Distance

Top on the list of charges in every mover’s calculator is distance. Moving companies calculate fees based on the distance involved, as mileage affects fuel consumption, travel time, and hourly labor costs. Thus, local moves are much more affordable than long-distance moves because they cover fewer miles.

3. Labor Complexity

Various factors influence labor complexity, which in turn influences pricing. A labor-intensive move will necessitate more movers and take longer to complete.

i. Parking Availability

Does your apartment have a designated loading and unloading area or a designated parking space? Many buildings in the Bay Area, especially downtown, lack parking spaces due to apartment density. Movers must obtain a special parking permit, which costs $400 for 3 days and allows for 80 feet of space.

For metered locations, you will pay an additional $12 per meter head per day. Ensure to obtain the permit on time because rushed permits cost an additional $20 while permitted changed dates will cost you an additional $100. The obtained parking slot could be several blocks from your apartment block, adding to labor intensity.

ii. Accessibility

Movers also inquire about the accessibility of your current and new apartment to gauge labor. Moving from a top-floor apartment without a working elevator can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming, as movers must use the stairs. Additionally, some apartments in the Bay Area charge for elevator reservations for movers, adding to the moving costs.

Apartments with narrow corridors also make hauling and carrying challenging. It consumes more time navigating angles to ensure the safety of your belongings and preserving the structural integrity of your apartment’s corridor walls.

iv. Service Package

Door-to-door moving services are more expensive than a basic service package, which only covers transportation. On the other hand, a full-service moving package covers packing, unpacking, furniture assembly and disassembly, hauling, and transportation.

v. Possession Density

How many belongings do you have? A heavily cluttered apartment will take longer to pack and unpack as there will be more items to move. The same amount of time applies to unloading and placing items in the new apartment. More household items increase labor intensity and, consequently – the cost to move a 3-bedroom apartment locally or outside the Bay Area.

4. Packing Services

While some companies provide packing as a complimentary service, others charge for this service. Full packing costs for a three-bedroom home can cost between $500 and $2,500. Professional moving services keep prices low by using reusable plastic packing boxes, saving 35% to 50% of packing costs. The plastic boxes are similar in size, easily stackable, and fitted with secure locks.

5. Carrying Insurance and Permits

Moving companies require insurance to secure your belongings during transit and cover movers in case of work-related accidents. Several insurances exist, with basic coverage costing between $100 and $500. Comprehensive insurance is more expensive but offers extensive coverage for your possessions during transit.

6. Special Equipment Packing

Movers offer specialized services for packing, hauling, and loading heavy, fragile, or valuable equipment. This service charge includes additional labor to secure the items. It also covers packing materials and equipment, such as custom crating, extra padding with blankets or wrappers, or specialized lifting equipment. Services for special items like a grand piano, safe, or chandelier can cost between $250 and $500.

7. Storage Services

Moving companies in the Bay Area provide storage services at subsidized rates for people requiring storage solutions. The storage facilities are ideal if you are moving to a smaller 3-bedroom apartment and require a place to store your belongings. You may also need a temporary storage solution as you maneuver the logistics of your move.

Call Joshua’s Moving for Your Next Bay Area Move

The cost to move a three-bedroom apartment in the Bay Area is much more subsidized when you hire professional movers. At Joshua’s Moving, Packing & Storage, we offer comprehensive moving services, covering packing, loading, hauling, and everything in between. We will get you from your current 3-bedroom apartment to your new abode at affordable rates compared to the industry average. Let us handle the logistics and labor for you. Call us today to request a detailed quote.