Why Choosing the Right Apartment Movers Makes All the Difference

Apartment movers are professionals specializing in the distinct challenges of relocating from apartments, condos, and other multi-unit buildings. Their expertise goes beyond simple lifting; they are masters of navigating tight stairwells, coordinating elevator access with building management, and adhering to property rules. A professional team will protect both your old and new spaces using floor runners and padding, efficiently handle furniture disassembly and reassembly, and provide flexible services with transparent pricing, making them indispensable for urban relocations.

Moving an apartment, especially in a city like Chicago, involves complex logistics. Movers must contend with downtown high-rises requiring reserved freight elevators, historic walk-ups with narrow staircases, and specific building rules about move-in times, parking, and insurance. These unique hurdles are why specialized movers are so important. With apartment relocations making up a significant portion of the 70% of U.S. moves that are local, selecting a company equipped to handle these challenges is crucial for a smooth transition.

The average cost for a local apartment move ranges from $450 to $1,500, while long-distance moves can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more. These prices are influenced by several key factors: the size of your apartment, which floor you are on (a fifth-floor walk-up costs more than a ground-floor unit), the travel distance, and the level of service required. Additional charges may apply for specialty items, so it’s vital to get a detailed quote.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. For nearly three decades, my team and I have helped people with apartment moves throughout Chicago, Melrose Park, and Illinois. We’ve handled thousands of relocations, from studio walk-ups to downtown high-rises, and we know how to make your move smooth and stress-free.

Navigating Your Relocation: A Guide to Hiring Apartment Movers

Moving from an apartment involves navigating tight hallways, stairs, and specific building rules. But with the right apartment movers, your relocation can be straightforward. This guide will help you understand services, vet companies, and prepare for moving day, whether you’re in Chicago, Melrose Park, or elsewhere in Illinois.

The moving industry is a significant part of the economy, with local apartment moves being a major driver. Choosing reliable, experienced partners is the first step to a successful move. For help with your local relocation, learn more about our services as Local Movers Chicago.

Unique Challenges of Moving Apartments in Chicago

Moving an apartment in Chicago and its suburbs presents a unique set of problems. After nearly three decades, we’ve mastered them all.

• Building Regulations: Many high-rises require reserving a freight elevator for a specific time slot, often weeks in advance, and may restrict moves to certain hours. They often mandate protective padding in elevators and hallways. Missing these details can lead to delays or fines, so an experienced mover confirms all rules beforehand.
• Parking Permits: Securing a legal parking spot for a large moving truck in dense urban areas is a major hurdle. Professional movers are experienced in obtaining city permits or coordinating loading dock access to avoid tickets, towing, and wasted time.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Most managed buildings require a COI, which proves your movers have liability insurance to cover potential damages to common areas. Without the correct COI, movers may be denied entry. A reputable company can provide this document promptly. As Licensed Insured Movers, we always provide the necessary COI.
• Physical Obstacles: Chicago’s older walk-ups and modern condos feature narrow hallways, tight corners, and steep stairs. These require skill and specialized equipment like dollies and straps to move large furniture without damaging your belongings or the building.

What to Look for in Reputable Apartment Movers

Choosing the right movers is the most critical decision for your relocation. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Licensing and Insurance: Verify the mover’s credentials. In Illinois, they need an ILCC license for in-state moves and a USDOT number for interstate moves, which you can check on the FMCSA website. Also, ask about valuation coverage options for your belongings, like Full Value Protection, which offers more coverage than the basic legal minimum.
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Look for movers with a strong history of positive feedback on sites like Google and Yelp. Read recent reviews to check for consistency in professionalism and care. As one of the top-rated Chicago Movers, we pride ourselves on our reputation.
• Experience with Similar Moves: An experienced company is good, but one with experience in your specific type of building (e.g., high-rise, walk-up) is better. They will anticipate challenges and work more efficiently, saving you time and stress.
• Transparent Pricing: Reputable movers provide clear, detailed quotes. They should explain their hourly or flat rates and outline any potential additional charges for things like stair carries or specialty items. Ask for a binding estimate for price certainty.

Understanding Services and Costs

Apartment moving services can be custom to your needs and budget.

• Full-Service Moving: We handle everything—packing, loading, transport, unloading, and even unpacking. Our Full Service Moving option is the most comprehensive, stress-free choice.
• Labor-Only Help: If you prefer to pack and rent a truck yourself, our team can provide the muscle for loading and unloading.
• Packing and Unpacking Services: Save time and protect fragile items by letting our professionals handle the packing. Learn more about our Packing and Unpacking Services.
• Storage Solutions: We can help coordinate storage if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.

Local apartment moves are typically priced at an hourly rate, while long-distance moves often receive a flat-rate quote. The average local move costs between $450 and $1,500, and long-distance moves range from $1,500 to $5,000+. For a clear breakdown, request a Moving Estimate.

We are currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. Get an estimate for your apartment move to take advantage of this offer.

Ensuring a Smooth Move Day

On moving day, all your planning comes to fruition. A smooth relocation depends on knowing what to expect and being prepared. With decades of experience in Chicago, Melrose Park, and across Illinois, we turn careful organization into a successful move. Our Moving Tips can guide you through every stage.

How to Prepare Your Apartment for Movers

Proper preparation before the truck arrives is the secret to a successful move. It saves time, protects your belongings, and reduces stress.

• Declutter and Inventory: Before packing, sort your belongings into keep, donate, or discard piles. Moving fewer items saves money. Create a simple inventory list as you go to keep track of your possessions and for insurance purposes.
• Pack and Label Smart: Use sturdy boxes and don’t overpack them—heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones. Label every box on the top and sides with its contents and destination room. This makes unpacking much more organized. If you need help, consider our Packing and Unpacking Services.
• Protect Valuables and Pack an Essentials Box: Keep important documents, medications, and irreplaceable items with you personally. Pack a separate “first-day box” with essentials like toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and basic tools so you have them immediately upon arrival.
• Clear Pathways: Ensure hallways, doorways, and stairs are completely clear in both apartments. This allows movers to work safely and efficiently, which is especially important when you’re paying by the hour.
• Notify Your Landlord: A week before the move, re-confirm your move-out date, elevator reservation, and any parking or insurance requirements. This final check-in prevents last-minute surprises. For more guidance, see our 7 Steps for Apartment Moving guide.

What to Expect on Moving Day

When our professional apartment movers arrive, here’s how the day will unfold:

Arrival and Walkthrough: The crew will arrive, introduce themselves, and do a quick walkthrough with you. Use this time to point out fragile items and confirm any special instructions.

Property Protection: Before moving anything, our team will protect your home. We lay down floor runners, install door jamb protectors, and pad corners and banisters to prevent damage.

Disassembly and Loading: Our crew will efficiently disassemble large furniture, bagging and labeling all hardware. They will then strategically load the truck, placing heavy items first and securing everything to prevent shifting during transit.

Transport and Unloading: Our experienced drivers will transport your belongings to your new home. Upon arrival, we unload boxes into their designated rooms and place furniture where you want it.

Reassembly: Finally, we reassemble any furniture we took apart, like beds and tables, so your new space is functional from day one. This ensures you can settle in more quickly.

Final Steps for a Successful Relocation

You’re almost done! A few final steps will wrap up your move smoothly.

Final Walkthrough: Before the crew leaves, walk through your new apartment to confirm everything has been delivered and assembled correctly.

Tipping: While not required, tipping is a great way to show appreciation for a job well done. A common guideline is $5-$10 per mover per hour or 15-20% of the total cost for exceptional service.

Unpacking: Start with the essentials—the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Then, tackle the rest one room at a time. Your “first-day box” will be a lifesaver.

At Bernard Movers, we’ve perfected the apartment moving process over nearly three decades. We handle the unique challenges of urban moves with professionalism and care.

If you’re planning a move to Georgia or Florida, take advantage of our special offer: a 20% additional discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.

Ready for a stress-free relocation? Get an estimate for your apartment move today.