2025 Cost of Hiring Movers for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Phoenix

Thinking about moving out of your 2-bedroom apartment in Phoenix? You’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost to hire movers. Whether you're relocating across town or heading to a new state, knowing the price upfront helps you plan your budget without surprises.

At Budget Movers, we've spent over 40 years helping Phoenix residents move without the stress (or the sky-high prices). In 2025, local moves for a 2-bedroom apartment can range from $550 to $2,250, while long-distance moves typically fall between $1,800 and $8,000, depending on the destination.

This guide breaks it all down — local and long-distance costs, what affects the price, and how to save money on your move.

Local Moving Costs for 2-Bedroom Apartments in Phoenix

A local move in Phoenix (anything under 100 miles) is usually billed by the hour. Here’s what you can expect when hiring professionals for a standard 2-bedroom apartment move:

• 3–4 movers: Expect to pay around $85 per hour per mover.
• Total moving time: Around 5–7 hours (includes packing, loading, driving, and unloading).
• Truck fees: Often included in the hourly rate, but some movers charge separately.

Most moving companies in Phoenix have a minimum charge of 3–4 hours, even for quick moves. When you factor in labor and time, you’re looking at an average of $1,530 for a local 2-bedroom apartment move — based on 3 movers working for 6 hours.

Getting the right number of movers is key. Too few, and the job drags on, costing more in the long run. Too many, and you're paying for extra hands you don’t need.

Long-Distance Moving Costs for 2-Bedroom Apartments From Phoenix

If you’re leaving Phoenix for a new city or state, the pricing structure changes. Instead of an hourly rate, long-distance moves are calculated based on:

• Weight of your belongings: Typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound.
• Distance traveled: The farther you go, the higher the cost.
• Average weight of a 2-bedroom move: 3,500–5,000 lbs.
• Fuel charges: Varies based on current gas prices.
• Interstate fees: Permits for crossing state lines.

A long-distance move from Phoenix will generally cost between $1,800 and $8,000, depending on how far you're going. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Looking at specific popular routes from Phoenix, here are the typical costs for a 2-bedroom apartment move:

• From Phoenix to Los Angeles, CA: $1,830–$4,970 (approximately 400 miles).
• From Phoenix to New York City, NY: $4,230–$7,560 (approximately 750 miles).
• From Phoenix to Denver, CO: $3,020–$6,825 (approximately 850 miles).
• From Phoenix to Dallas, TX: $3,020–$6,825 (approximately 1,100 miles).
• From Phoenix to Seattle, WA: $3,545–$7,028 (approximately 1,400 miles).
• From Phoenix to Chicago, IL: $4,070–$7,231 (approximately 1,800 miles).

Factors That Influence 2-Bedroom Apartment Moving Costs

Moving costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence how much you’ll pay when relocating your 2-bedroom apartment in Phoenix. Understanding these variables helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises.

1. When You Move Matters

Phoenix’s desert climate plays a major role in moving prices. Some months are more expensive than others, so timing your move wisely can save you hundreds.

• Summer (June–August): The busiest season for movers. High demand means rates are 20–30% higher than usual.
• Winter (December–February): Fewer people move during this time, making it the cheapest season to relocate.
• Weekday vs. weekend: Movers charge 10–15% more for weekend moves due to higher demand.

Want to cut costs? Book a mid-week, mid-month move during winter. Movers have more availability, and prices tend to be lower.

For maximum cost savings and availability, consider scheduling a mid-week, mid-month winter move when companies typically have more flexibility and lower rates.

2. Distance and Location

Distance is a major factor, especially for long-distance moves. The farther you need to travel, the higher the cost.

In Phoenix, moving from central areas like downtown Phoenix to its best neighbourhoods or suburban areas like Glendale or Scottsdale will be relatively affordable, but a move to another state or across the country can substantially raise your costs due to higher mileage.

3. Size and Volume of Items

The quantity and types of possessions in your 2-bedroom apartment directly affect your moving costs. Professional moving companies evaluate your belongings based on both weight and space requirements.

A minimalist 2-bedroom apartment typically contains around 3,500 pounds of items, while a fully furnished space with numerous possessions could reach 5,000 pounds or more. Each additional 500 pounds typically adds $200–$300 to a long-distance move, while bulky furniture like sectional sofas or king-sized beds requires additional space in the moving truck, potentially increasing costs even if these items are relatively lightweight.

4. Additional Services

Beyond basic transportation, moving companies offer services that add convenience but increase costs:

• Packing services: Professional packing services for a 2-bedroom apartment typically costs $200–$400, including labor and materials.
• Furniture disassembly/reassembly: While often included in base rates, complex items may incur extra charges of $50–$100.
• Loading and unloading: Hiring movers just for loading/unloading typically costs $250–$450 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
• Specialty items: Moving pianos, safes, artwork, or pool tables? Each requires special handling, adding $100–$500 per item.
• Storage solutions: Short-term storage generally costs $100–$300 per month, while long-term storage for larger items ranges from $400–$1,000 per month.

5. Accessibility and Special Conditions

Some locations in Phoenix make moving more complicated — and more expensive.

• High-rise apartments (Downtown Phoenix, Tempe): Movers may charge $50–$150 extra for elevator scheduling and limited parking.
• Gated communities (Scottsdale, Chandler): Some neighborhoods restrict moving hours, which can affect scheduling and increase costs.

If your home has stairs, tight hallways, or limited parking, let your movers know in advance — this prevents unexpected fees on moving day.

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Movers for a 2-Bedroom Apartment Move

Deciding how to move your 2-bedroom apartment is a big decision. Do you tackle it yourself to save money, or find professional movers for a smoother experience? Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, schedule, and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

The True Cost of a DIY Move in Phoenix

Moving yourself seems like the cheaper option at first glance, but the costs add up fast — especially when you factor in time and effort. Here’s what you can expect to spend for a DIY move in Phoenix:

Beyond these numbers, there are hidden costs that can take a toll:

• Time off work: Packing and moving can take days, costing you lost wages.
• Physical strain: Lifting heavy furniture comes with a risk of injury.
• Unexpected setbacks: Coordinating logistics, renting equipment, and handling last-minute issues can be stressful.

If you’re up for the challenge, a DIY move can save money. But if time, effort, and stress are concerns, hiring movers might be the better route.

Professional Moving Advantages

Yes, hiring professional movers costs more upfront — but the benefits often outweigh the expense. Here’s what you get when you bring in the pros:

• Expertise in handling heavy items and furniture.
• Efficiency, completing the move faster and more safely.
• No heavy lifting for you, reducing physical strain.
• Proper equipment like dollies, padding, and trucks.

For many Phoenix residents, particularly those with busy schedules, physical limitations, or valuable furniture, the additional cost of expert residential movers represents an investment in peace of mind and security.