How to Ship a Studio

Moving out of a studio apartment? You're probably wondering: "How much will this actually cost me?" Unlike larger moves where traditional moving companies make sense, studio apartments fall into an awkward middle ground—too much for you to handle alone, but not enough to justify a full-service mover's minimum fees.

The truth is, most people overpay for studio moves because they don't understand their options. In this guide, we'll break down the real costs of shipping a studio apartment, compare your options, and show you how to save money without sacrificing quality.

What Counts as a Studio Apartment Move?

A typical studio apartment contains:

• One bed (frame and mattress)
• Small sofa or futon
• Desk or work table
• Dresser or wardrobe
• TV and entertainment unit
• Kitchen table and 2 chairs
• 10-30 boxes of personal belongings

Total weight: Usually 500-1,500 pounds

This is what's called a "small move" in the industry—anything under 2,000 pounds. And here's the problem: traditional moving companies aren't designed for small moves.

Why Traditional Movers Are Expensive for Studios

Big moving companies have minimum charges, typically $1,500-$3,000, regardless of how much you're actually moving. Why? Because they're optimized for moving entire houses—3-4 bedrooms worth of furniture.

When you call a traditional mover for your studio apartment, you're essentially paying them to move air. You might only fill 1/4 of their truck, but you're still paying for the whole thing.

Here's what you're actually paying for with traditional movers:

• Full truck and crew (whether you need it or not)
• Minimum hourly charges (usually 3-4 hours minimum)
• Travel time to and from your location
• Fuel surcharges
• Various "administrative fees"

For a studio apartment, this pricing model makes no sense.

Studio Apartment Moving Costs: Your Real Options

Let's compare the actual costs of different moving methods for a typical 1,000-pound studio apartment move going 800 miles:

Option 1: Rent a Truck and DIY

Estimated Cost: $800-$1,200

What you're paying for:

• Truck rental: $200-$400 (depends on distance)
• Gas: $200-$400 (current fuel prices)
• Tolls: $50-$100
• Insurance: $40-$80
• Hotels (if multi-day): $100-$300
• Food on the road: $50-$100
• Your time and labor: Priceless (and exhausting)

Hidden costs:

• Risk of injury moving heavy furniture yourself
• Potential damage from amateur packing
• Missing work for 2-3 days
• Physical exhaustion

Bottom line: The "cheap" option isn't that cheap once you add everything up.

Option 2: Traditional Moving Company

Estimated Cost: $1,800-$3,500

What you're paying for:

• Minimum charge (even though you don't need a full truck)
• Labor and crew
• Insurance (usually minimal coverage)
• Fuel and travel time

Problems with this option:

• You're subsidizing empty truck space
• Minimum charges don't reflect actual work needed
• Your items get blanket-wrapped and mixed with other shipments
• Multiple transfers increase damage risk

Bottom line: You're overpaying for services designed for much larger moves.

Option 3: Specialized Small Load Shipping

Estimated Cost: $600-$1,400

What you're paying for:

• Actual weight of your shipment only
• Professional packing and crating
• Door-to-door service
• Insurance options
• No hidden minimums

Why it's different:

• You only pay for what you ship
• Items are individually packed and palletized
• Designed specifically for studio and small apartment moves
• Professional handling reduces damage risk

Bottom line: Best value for studio apartments. You get professional service without paying for unnecessary extras.

Option 4: Shipping Pods/Containers

Estimated Cost: $1,200-$2,400

What you're paying for:

• Container rental and delivery
• Transportation
• Storage time (if needed)
• Return pickup

Considerations:

• You do all the packing and loading
• Container sits outside (weather exposure, potential theft)
• Limited flexibility on pickup/delivery dates
• Often overkill for studio apartments

Bottom line: Better for larger moves or when you need temporary storage.

Breaking Down Small Load Shipping Costs

Since specialized small load shipping offers the best value for studios, let's break down exactly what affects your cost:

Weight (Primary Factor)

Small load shippers charge by weight, typically $0.50-$1.50 per pound depending on distance and services.

Typical studio apartment weights:

• Minimalist studio: 500-800 lbs = $400-$1,000
• Average studio: 800-1,200 lbs = $600-$1,400
• Full studio: 1,200-1,800 lbs = $900-$2,000

Pro tip: Selling or donating items you don't need can significantly reduce your cost.

Distance

• Under 500 miles: $0.60-$1.00 per pound
• 500-1,500 miles: $0.80-$1.20 per pound
• 1,500+ miles: $1.00-$1.50 per pound
• Cross-country (coast to coast): $1,200-$2,200 for average studio

Packing Services

DIY packing: Save $200-$400

• You buy boxes and materials ($100-$150)
• You pack everything yourself
• Good for: Clothes, books, kitchen items
• Risk: Potential damage if not done properly

Professional packing: Add $200-$500

• All materials provided
• Expert packing techniques
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Good for: Furniture, electronics, valuables
• Benefit: Significantly reduces damage risk

Hybrid approach (recommended for studios):

• Pack your own boxes: clothes, linens, kitchen items ($100 savings)
• Professional packing for furniture and electronics ($200-$300)
• Total savings: $100-$200 while protecting valuable items

Delivery Type

Curbside delivery: Base price

• Items delivered to your building entrance
• You handle moving items inside
• Best if: You have help available

Inside delivery: Add $100-$200

• Crew brings items inside
• Placed in main room only
• Best if: You're moving alone

White glove delivery: Add $200-$400

• Full unpacking service
• Furniture assembly
• Placement in specific rooms
• Debris removal
• Best if: You want zero hassle

Insurance

Basic coverage: Usually included

• Typically $0.60 per pound (industry standard)
• Your $1,000 TV = $30 reimbursement if damaged
• Not adequate for most people

Full replacement value: Add $50-$200

• Items replaced at current market value
• Actual protection for your belongings
• Required for electronics, furniture, valuables
• Worth every penny

Timing

Standard delivery (7-14 days): Base priceExpedited delivery (3-5 days): Add 20-30%Guaranteed delivery date: Add 30-50%

For most studio moves, standard delivery is fine unless you need furniture immediately.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Some companies advertise low rates but add fees later. Watch for:

Stair fees: $50-$150 if no elevator accessLong carry fees: $75-$200 if truck can't park closeShuttle fees: $100-$300 in areas where large trucks can't accessStorage fees: $50-$100 per day if delivery can't be completedRedelivery fees: $100-$200 if you're not availableWeekend/holiday fees: 20-30% surcharge

How to avoid surprises:

• Get a binding estimate in writing
• Disclose all details: stairs, narrow streets, parking restrictions
• Confirm delivery dates and be available
• Read the fine print before signing

How to Reduce Your Studio Moving Costs

Strategy 1: Downsize Before You Move

The less you ship, the less you pay. Studio apartments force minimalism—embrace it.

Items to sell or donate:

• Furniture that won't fit your new space
• Clothes you haven't worn in 6+ months
• Books you won't read again (keep favorites)
• Kitchen items you rarely use
• Decorations that don't match your new style

What to keep:

• Quality furniture pieces you love
• Electronics and essentials
• Sentimental items
• Things more expensive to replace than ship

Pro tip: Sell items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist 2-3 weeks before moving. Use that money toward shipping costs.

Strategy 2: DIY Pack Non-Fragile Items

Professional packing for everything is expensive. Save money by packing items that can't break:

Pack yourself:

• Clothing (use wardrobe boxes for hanging items)
• Linens and towels
• Books (but don't make boxes too heavy)
• Kitchen non-breakables
• Office supplies

Let professionals pack:

• TV and electronics
• Lamps and light fixtures
• Artwork and mirrors
• Glass furniture or tables
• Anything you'd be devastated to lose

Packing tips to save money:

• Get free boxes from liquor stores (sturdy dividers for glassware)
• Use towels and linens as padding (dual purpose)
• Shop sales at Home Depot or U-Haul for materials
• Don't overbuy—you need fewer boxes than you think

Strategy 3: Be Flexible with Dates

Moving during off-peak times can save 15-25%:

Peak season (expensive):

• May-September (summer moves)
• End of month (lease transitions)
• Weekends
• Holidays

Off-peak season (cheaper):

• October-April
• Mid-month
• Weekdays
• After holidays

Pro tip: If you can move in early October or late April, you'll get better rates and availability.

Strategy 4: Choose the Right Delivery Option

Don't pay for services you don't need:

Choose curbside if:

• You have friends who can help move items inside
• You're young and physically able
• Your new place has easy access
• Savings: $100-$200

Choose inside delivery if:

• You're moving alone
• You have heavy furniture
• You have limited time/energy
• Worth it for: Convenience and avoiding injury

Strategy 5: Compare Multiple Quotes

Always get at least 3 written estimates. But don't just pick the cheapest—compare what's included:

Compare these factors:

• Weight-based pricing (not cubic feet)
• What services are included
• Insurance options and coverage
• Company reputation and reviews
• Delivery timeframes
• Payment terms

Red flags:

• Quotes dramatically lower than others (scam warning)
• Vague pricing without weight calculation
• Pressure to decide immediately
• No DOT number or licensing
• Cash-only payment demands

Studio Moving Costs by Distance

Here's what you can expect for an average 1,000-pound studio apartment:

Local Move (Under 100 miles)

Best option: Small local movers or truck rentalAverage cost: $300-$600Note: For local studio moves under 100 miles, sometimes DIY makes sense

Medium Distance (100-500 miles)

Best option: Small load shippingAverage cost: $500-$900Includes: Professional packing, transport, basic insurance

Long Distance (500-1,500 miles)

Best option: Small load shippingAverage cost: $800-$1,500Includes: Full packing services, insurance, inside delivery

Cross-Country (1,500+ miles)

Best option: Small load shipping with full serviceAverage cost: $1,200-$2,200Includes: White glove service, full insurance, guaranteed dates

International

Best option: International furniture shippersAverage cost: $2,000-$5,000+Includes: Customs paperwork, overseas shipping, delivery abroad

Real Studio Move Cost Examples

Let's look at actual scenarios:

Example 1: College Student Moving Home

Route: Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA (300 miles)Items: Bed, desk, dresser, 15 boxesWeight: 700 poundsChoice: Small load shipping, DIY pack boxes, professional pack furnitureFinal cost: $520Savings vs. traditional mover: $900

Example 2: Young Professional Relocating for Work

Route: Seattle, WA to Austin, TX (2,100 miles)Items: Full studio with quality furnitureWeight: 1,400 poundsChoice: Full service small load shipping with white glove deliveryFinal cost: $1,850Savings vs. traditional mover: $1,200

Example 3: Minimalist Moving to New City

Route: Denver, CO to Portland, OR (1,300 miles)Items: Just essentials after major purgeWeight: 550 poundsChoice: Small load shipping, standard delivery, DIY packingFinal cost: $650Savings vs. truck rental: $450

When DIY Actually Makes Sense

Truck rental and DIY can work for studios in specific situations:

Choose DIY if:

• Moving under 300 miles
• You have free help from friends/family
• You own minimal furniture
• Everything fits in a cargo van or small truck
• You're physically able and have time
• You're comfortable driving a truck

Avoid DIY if:

• Moving over 500 miles
• You have valuable or fragile items
• You're moving alone
• You have no truck driving experience
• Your time is valuable
• You have back/physical limitations

Small Load Shipping: The Best Value for Studios

For most studio apartment moves over 300 miles, specialized small load shipping offers the best combination of cost, convenience, and safety.

Why it makes sense:

Cost-effective: You only pay for actual weight, not truck minimums. An average studio costs $600-$1,400 for long-distance moves—far less than traditional movers.

Professional handling: Furniture shipping services pack items individually using retail-shipping standards. Your furniture is boxed or crated and palletized, not just blanket-wrapped and tossed in a truck.

Less damage risk: Individual packing means your items aren't touching other people's belongings. No mixing, no shifting, no damage from other shipments.

Door-to-door convenience: Pickup at your studio, delivery to your new place. No truck rental, no driving across states, no hotel costs.

Flexible options: Choose your level of service. DIY pack and save money, or go full white glove and do nothing yourself.

Proper insurance: Access to full replacement value coverage, not just the inadequate $0.60/pound industry minimum.

Choosing the Right Studio Moving Company

Not all shipping companies are created equal. For studio apartments, look for:

Specialized small load experience: Companies that focus on moves under 2,000 pounds understand your needs better than general movers.

Transparent weight-based pricing: Should charge by pound, not cubic feet. Get binding estimates in writing.

No minimum weight requirements: Some companies have 500-750 pound minimums. Find ones without minimums for maximum flexibility.

Proper licensing: Verify DOT number and FMCSA registration for interstate moves. This ensures they're legitimate and regulated.

Multiple insurance options: Should offer both basic coverage and full replacement value options.

Positive reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (A+ rating), Trustpilot, Google Reviews. Look for consistent positive feedback.

Clear communication: Responsive customer service that answers questions directly and doesn't use pressure tactics.

Nationwide coverage: Companies with 300+ locations offer more convenient pickup and delivery options.

At Ship Smart, we specialize in studio and small apartment moves. No minimums, no hidden fees, just straightforward weight-based pricing. With over 20 years of experience and 300+ locations nationwide, we've perfected the art of shipping studios affordably and safely.

Your Studio Moving Cost Checklist

Use this checklist to estimate your real costs:

Base Shipping Cost:

• ☐ Estimate weight (500-1,800 lbs for studios)
• ☐ Measure distance
• ☐ Get 3 written quotes
• ☐ Verify weight-based pricing

Services to Add:

• ☐ Professional packing ($200-$500)
• ☐ Custom crating for valuables ($50-$200)
• ☐ Inside/white glove delivery ($100-$400)
• ☐ Full replacement insurance ($50-$200)
• ☐ Expedited delivery ($100-$300)

DIY Costs if Going That Route:

• ☐ Truck rental
• ☐ Fuel
• ☐ Insurance
• ☐ Tolls
• ☐ Packing materials
• ☐ Hotels and food
• ☐ Your time (2-3 days)

Cost-Saving Opportunities:

• ☐ Downsize and sell items
• ☐ Pack non-fragile items yourself
• ☐ Choose off-peak moving dates
• ☐ Opt for curbside delivery
• ☐ Choose standard vs. expedited delivery

The Bottom Line on Studio Moving Costs

Here's what you need to know:

Average studio apartment shipping costs:

• 500 miles: $500-$900
• 1,000 miles: $700-$1,300
• 1,500+ miles: $1,000-$1,800
• Cross-country: $1,200-$2,200

Best value for studios: Specialized small load and furniture shipping services designed for moves under 2,000 pounds.

Biggest savings opportunity: Downsize before moving. Every 100 pounds you eliminate saves $50-$150.

Worth paying extra for: Full replacement insurance and professional packing of furniture/electronics.

Not worth paying for: Traditional mover's minimum fees, excessive packing services for items you can pack safely yourself.

Ready to Move Your Studio?

Moving a studio apartment doesn't have to drain your bank account. With the right approach and the right shipping partner, you can move professionally and affordably.

The key is understanding your options and choosing services that match your actual needs—not paying for extras designed for 3-bedroom houses.

Get a free, no-obligation quote online in minutes. See exactly what your studio move will cost based on your actual items, distance, and service preferences. No minimums, no pressure, just honest pricing.

Your studio move should be exciting, not expensive. Make the smart choice and save money for furnishing your new place instead of wasting it on overpriced moving services.