Apartment Moving Services
Apartments Are Tricky.
We Handle Them Every Day.
Security deposits are substantial, and wall scratches can cost hundreds in deductions. Our efficient crews pad elevators, protect floors, and handle COIs so the move stays organized and your belongings are handled with care. We work to keep move-related damage off your deposit.
Moving + Storage under one roof, one company, one point of contact Plus complimentary moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, and floor protection with every move.
How much do apartment movers cost in the Bay Area?
As of August 2026, Ontrack Moving® charges from $175 per hour for two movers and a truck on local apartment moves in the Bay Area and Phoenix metro, with distance, access, and season affecting the final rate. We are an asset-based carrier, USDOT #2551548, with a DOT inspection record that exceeds the national average and a 4.9/5 rating from 2,847+ reviews. Crews pad elevators, protect floors and door frames, and coordinate Certificates of Insurance with building management. Every move carries a $10,000,000 Combined Protection Tower for building liability, with standard $0.60/lb cargo liability per article. Studio or one-bedroom job that looks like a two-hour task? Read can you hire movers for just one hour.
Apartment Moving: Quick Facts
- Unit Types: Studios, 1-3 bedroom, lofts, condos, high-rises, walkups
- service areas: San Francisco Bay Area (40+ cities) and Phoenix Metro (15+ cities)
- What's Included: Floor runners, elevator padding, furniture protection, COI documentation
- Pricing: Contact us for a free estimate tailored to your apartment size and building access
- Credentials: USDOT #2551548 | CA License CAL-T190721 | A+ BBB
- COI Turnaround: Certificate of Insurance with fast turnaround
Why apartment moves require specialists
Your Building Has Rules. We Know Them.
Property managers have seen plenty of amateur movers scratch walls, jam elevators, and leave debris in hallways. That is why buildings require insurance certificates, reserved elevators, and move-window compliance. We handle the COI, elevator reservation, and move-window paperwork, which helps you avoid deposit deductions and stay on good terms with management.
Fast COI Turnaround
Most buildings require a Certificate of Insurance naming them as additional insured. We provide fast COI turnaround so your building management has documentation before move day.
Floor and Wall Protection
Floor runners, corner guards, door jamb protectors, and elevator padding come standard. Our protection measures minimize the risk of damage to your apartment.
Move-Window Compliance
Buildings assign move times for a reason. We arrive on schedule, work efficiently, and plan crew size to fit your reserved window.
Apartment challenges
Six Problems We Solve Every Day
Elevator Coordination
We coordinate freight elevator reservations in advance and install padded blankets on the elevator walls before loading the first box. Your building manager will thank you.
Walkup Expertise
Third floor with no elevator? Our crews train for multi-story carries and use shoulder straps, furniture dollies, and proper lifting techniques. We add crew members to keep the pace up on multi-story carries.
COI Documentation
Send us your building's insurance requirements and we deliver a Certificate of Insurance with fast turnaround, naming management as additional insured. No extra charge.
Tight Spaces
Narrow doorways, tight corners, and small hallways require skill and patience. Our crews measure furniture and doorways, disassemble when needed, and maneuver pieces carefully through tight clearances.
Parking Logistics
Urban apartments mean limited loading zones and permit requirements. We help you understand what is needed, arrive at reserved spots, and work efficiently to minimize parking costs.
Building Rule Compliance
Every building has its own move-in/move-out rules. We follow time windows, use designated entrances, protect common areas, and leave the premises clean. That helps keep your deposit off the line for move-related damage.
Worth the investment
DIY Truck Rental vs. Professional Movers
Renting a truck seems cheaper until you factor in fuel, insurance, equipment, and the risk of damaging your apartment. Professional movers cost more per hour but typically finish faster and reduce the deposit risk from move damage.
| DIY Truck Rental | Ontrack Moving | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cost | Rental + fuel + insurance | Hourly rate, truck and crew included |
| Heavy Lifting | You + friends | Trained crew |
| Floor Protection | Not included | Included |
| Elevator Padding | Not included | Included |
| General Liability | Your risk | $10M building liability |
| Cargo Valuation | None | Options available |
| COI for Building | N/A | Fast turnaround |
| Deposit Risk | High | Reduced |
Transparent pricing
What's Included in Your Hourly Rate
Included at No Extra Cost
- Moving truck and fuel
- Floor runners and corner guards
- Elevator padding and protection
- Furniture blankets and padding
- Basic furniture disassembly/reassembly
- COI documentation for your building
- $10M Combined Protection Tower (building)
- Basic $0.60/lb cargo liability + upgrade options
- Workers compensation insurance
Available Add-Ons
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, paper)
- Full packing service
- Short or long-term storage
- Piano or specialty item moving
- Junk removal and donation drop-off
- Additional cargo liability ($0.60/lb basic, upgrades available)
Add-ons quoted separately based on your needs.
How it works
Four Steps to Your Apartment Move
Request a Quote
Tell us your apartment size, floor level, elevator access, and move date. We respond quickly with a detailed estimate.
Building Coordination
We handle the paperwork. COI for your building, elevator reservation confirmation, and parking logistics at both locations.
Moving Day
Uniformed crew arrives with floor runners, elevator pads, and moving blankets, and lays protection from the hallway to the unit.
Final Setup
We reassemble furniture, place items where you want them, and do a final walkthrough. If something needs shifting, we adjust placement before we leave.
4.9/5 Average Rating from 2,847+ Reviews
Yelp
BBB A+
Second-floor to third-floor apartment move
Francisco and Aaron did a great job moving me from a second floor apartment to a third floor apartment. They were very professional and efficient. Pricing was very good.
Verified on Google
Third-floor apartment to Glendale house
Francisco and Jose are absolutely amazing. They took very good care of my belongings and their communication was great. They moved my furniture from a 3rd floor apt to a house in Glendale AZ. I highly recommend them!
Verified on Google
Efficient and organized
Had a move from scheduled between 8-10am and they showed up exactly at 8am. Our lead was Hugo and he was extremely thorough in explaining the process. Hugo and Jose wrapped everything super speedy and were very careful with our items. Unfortunately, it started to pour when we arrived to our new apartment. They still were super efficient! I can't...
Verified on Google
Service areas
Two Markets, One Trusted Mover
San Francisco Bay Area
Our Hayward headquarters serves 40+ cities. High-rise experience in SF, Oakland, and San Jose.
- Berkeley Movers
- Palo Alto Movers
- Walnut Creek Movers downtown high-rise condos near Broadway Plaza
- Hayward Movers
- Concord Movers
- Union City Movers Union Landing apartments, BART station district
Phoenix Metro Area
Our Peoria office serves 15+ cities. Expertise in Scottsdale condos and Phoenix high-rises.
Built for apartment dwellers
Who We Help Move
First-Time Renters
Moving out of your parents' house or first apartment? We handle the logistics so you can focus on setting up your new place.
Relocating Professionals
New job in a new city? We coordinate with both buildings, handle the COI, and get you settled before your first day.
Downsizers
Moving to a smaller apartment? We help you prioritize what to bring and can arrange senior-focused moving services.
Common questions
Apartment Moving FAQs
Apartment moving rates typically start at $525-$700 for a Studio and $700-$1050 for a 1-Bedroom local move. These Bay Area figures assume the three-hour local minimum; Phoenix Metro studio moves can start lower under the two-hour Arizona minimum. Each includes a 2-man crew, truck, and basic $0.60/lb cargo liability per article. Third-floor walkups or long carry distances may add time to the final cost. Final charges will be based on actual labor time, materials used, access conditions, scope changes, waiting time, and any additional services requested or required to complete the move. Contact (888) 914-8787 for a free estimate.
Yes. We provide Certificates of Insurance with fast turnaround at no extra charge. Most apartment buildings and condo associations require a COI naming them as additional insured before allowing movers into the building. Send us your building management contact and their insurance requirements, and we handle the paperwork directly with them. Read our full Insurance and Protection guide →
Walkups are our specialty. Our crews train specifically for multi-floor carries and use proper lifting techniques, shoulder straps, and furniture dollies to carry heavy items like sofas, mattresses, and dressers up multiple flights of stairs. We recommend a 3-person crew for third-floor walkups so the carry stays controlled and efficient.
We bring floor runners for hallways, corner guards for walls, door jamb protectors, and padded blankets for elevator walls. This protects the building common areas, while your items are padded and wrapped under standard $0.60/lb cargo liability per article. Many buildings require this protection, and we work to the building rules provided to us to help you avoid damage charges from property management.
Yes. We handle elevator reservations, loading dock scheduling, COI paperwork, and move-window compliance. Our crews arrive during approved times, use designated entrances, and follow the building rules provided to us. This supports a smooth relationship with management and helps you avoid fines or deposit deductions.
We offer flexible solutions for unexpected delays. Your belongings can stay on the truck while you sort things out, or we can move items into managed storage at our Hayward or Peoria warehouse for short-term or extended periods. We charge by the hour beyond the local minimum, billed in 15-minute increments, with labor time, any materials, and waiting time itemized in writing.
All moves include basic liability coverage at $0.60 per pound per article, which is the basic cargo liability included with every move. Because this may not fully cover high-value items like electronics, antiques, or artwork, we strongly recommend additional valuation protection. Before your move, we provide additional protection options so you can choose coverage that fits your needs. If any damage occurs, report it on moving day and we process claims promptly.
