Can I Hire a Mover for Moving Within the Same Building

You know what they say—moving is one of the most stressful life events. And while it might sound dramatic, it’s actually true.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the country or just moving within the same building; moving from one place to another can be a pain in the neck.

But what if you could make it easier?

What if you could skip all that heavy lifting, awkward maneuvering in tight hallways, and risk of breaking something valuable?

Did you know that millions of Americans move every year, and a large chunk of those moves happen within the same building?

While many people think they can handle it on their own, hiring movers for short-distance moves within the same building is actually a stress-buster.

When it comes to moving within the same building, it’s all about how much you want to stress over it, how much time you want to spend on it, and what it’ll cost you.

A simple question arises: Can I hire a mover for moving within the same building?

 And the short answer is, absolutely!

But let’s get into the details to see why hiring a moving company for internal moves can be one of your smartest decisions.

Why You Should Consider Hiring Movers for a Same-Building Move

You might be thinking, “Why do I need professional movers for a move within the same building? It’s just up a few floors!”

Even if you're not going across town, moving within the same building can still be a hassle.

So, let's talk about why bringing in the pros is a good idea.

Heavy Lifting

You’ve probably got some big, bulky furniture that is impossible to get through the door.

Movers are trained to handle these tricky situations, and they bring equipment like dollies, straps, and furniture blankets to make sure everything stays in one piece.

Save Time

Moving from one apartment to another in the same building might seem like something you could do in a few hours.

But those hours will add up. A professional team can complete it in half the time (or less). They know how to pack, move, and unpack quickly.

Avoid Damage

You might think, "It's just a few steps; what could go wrong?"

Well, things can get tricky—especially with fragile items or the building’s hallways and elevators.

Movers for short-distance moves are professionals at handling awkward corners, narrow staircases, and delicate furniture without leaving a scratch on your items.

Not sure which moving company to choose? Let us help you find the best movers in your area with real customer reviews!

Do You Really Need to Hire Movers for Moving Within the Same Building?

The big question—should you hire movers for a local move?

Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here’s a quick breakdown of when it might be worth it and when you could skip the pros:

When You Should Hire Movers:

• If you have heavy, bulky items (e.g., a large sofa or entertainment center)
• If you don’t have the time to do it yourself
• If you’re dealing with tight spaces or tricky furniture
• If you’re not physically able to lift heavy things

When You Could Skip Movers:

• If you have just a few boxes and small items
• If you have help from family or friends and can move quickly
• If you’re comfortable with the time and effort it’ll take

If you're still unsure about the movers, check out our guide on how to hire movers for just 2 hours to make your move even smoother!

What's the Cost of Hiring Movers to Move Within the Same Building?

You’re probably wondering: How much is this going to cost? 

You’re moving to a new place, but it’s just across the hall or a few floors up.

Why would you need to spend money on movers? Isn’t it just a short move? 

Well, while it might seem like a small move, the cost of hiring movers to move within the same building can vary.

Moving within the same building is generally cheaper than moving long distance, but that doesn't mean it's free.

You’re still paying for the time, labor, and equipment to get your stuff from one place to another, even if it’s just across the hall.

However, when compared to other types of moves, the costs can be significantly lower.

How Much Does It Actually Cost?

So, on average, if you're hiring two movers for a couple of hours, expect to pay between $160 and $300.

For larger moves or if you're hiring extra movers, the cost will be around $400 or more.

Now, let’s compare that with long-distance moves to give you some perspective.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Moving Within the Same Building

Want to save up to 20% on moving costs? Use our cost calculator to find out how much you could save on your move!

How to Plan an Internal Move Within Your Building

Now, how do you plan your internal move within your building so everything goes smoothly?

Notify Building Management

Before you even think about moving, let your building management know. Some buildings have specific rules about move-in hours or require elevator reservations to prevent disruption to other tenants.

Get the Right Supplies

You can’t just throw everything in trash bags and expect it to work out. You’ll need some packing materials.

Here’s a list:

• Boxes for general stuff
• Wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers
• Packing tape to seal everything
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Furniture covers for large items

Label Everything

It’s crucial to label your boxes with both their contents and the room they belong in. You'll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack!

Schedule the Move

Plan your move for a time that’s convenient for you and the building. As mentioned earlier, weekday moves are generally cheaper and less stressful, but make sure you’re not disrupting your neighbors.

Prepare for the Move

Before the movers arrive (if you’re hiring them), do a final sweep of your apartment. Clear any paths, remove obstacles, and make sure everything is packed and ready to go.

If you're doing it yourself, get your friends or family ready to help!

Moving to a higher floor with no elevator? No worries! Check out our tips for moving to a building without an elevator to make those stairs a breeze!

What to Keep in Mind When Hiring Movers for Moving Within the Same Building

Keep these things in mind if you are hiring movers to move within the same building:

Choose a Reliable Company: Look for a residential moving company with good reviews and experience in same-building moving services. Make sure they’re insured in case anything goes wrong.

Check for Hidden Fees: Some movers charge extra for things like stairs or long carries (if your place is at the end of a long hallway). Make sure to get a clear quote upfront.

Be Prepared to Tip: If the movers do a great job, don’t forget to show your appreciation! A tip of around $20-$40 per mover is standard if you’re happy with their service.

Insurance: Most movers offer basic insurance, but you might want to inquire about additional coverage, especially if you’re moving high-value or fragile items.

Before you hire those movers, make sure you're asking the right questions! Check out our important questions to ask before hiring movers to avoid any surprises.

Is it worth hiring movers to move within the same building?

After reading through all this, you might wonder, "Is it worth hiring movers to move within the same building?”

If you have a lot of stuff, limited time, or simply want to avoid the headache of heavy lifting, hiring movers for a local move is totally worth it.

It’ll save you time, reduce stress, and probably even cost you less than you expected, especially when compared to a long-distance move.

If you are still on the fence about hiring movers, read all the benefits of hiring a moving company.

Recommended Resources

• How to Find The Moving Companies Near Me

• Flat Rate Movers vs Hourly Movers – Which One to Choose

• How to Check a Moving Company's USDOT Number

• How To Declutter Before a Move