How long does a studio move take and what does it cost?
A studio move usually takes 3-4 hours. With 3 movers at $175/hr that is about $525-$700, plus materials used and any double drive time.
A studio in a morning
Plan on 3 to 4 hours for most studio apartments. With our standard team of 3 movers at $175 an hour for the crew and truck, that comes to about $525 to $700 before any packing materials.
Studio cost by crew size
| Crew | Hourly rate | 3 hours (minimum) | 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 movers (standard) | $175 | $525 | $700 |
| 2 movers (very small loads, on request) | $145 | $435 | $580 |
After the 3-hour minimum, time is counted in 15-minute steps. Weekends cost the same as weekdays. Mileage, fuel, stairs and the elevator carry no surcharge; they show up only as time.
What can push a studio past 4 hours
- A studio packed like a one-bedroom, with a loft bed, a sleeper sofa and a full kitchen
- Boxes not yet taped when the crew walks in
- A long hallway or a fourth-floor walk-up
- Addresses in different cities, where double drive time applies
When a customer asked about a studio-to-studio move from Santa Clara to Morgan Hill, David estimated 3 to 4 hours, double drive time included, because the load is small.
Two movers or three?
Three is our standard, because three people load a truck noticeably faster than two. For a genuinely light studio, a 2-mover crew is available on request and lowers the hourly rate. Beyond the hours, the only extras are materials you actually use, such as a $15 mattress cover; blankets, tape and returned wardrobe boxes cost nothing. Our moving cost page walks through how crew size and hours interact, and local moving lists what every hourly move includes.
Compare with other sizes
We also move people in Moving Cost, Local Moving, Residential Moving, Ask How Much Does a One Bedroom Move Cost, Ask Is There a Minimum Charge and Ask Can I Hire Just 2 movers.
Questions and answers
Will a studio move ever be less than $525 with 3 movers?
No, that is the 3-hour minimum. If the job wraps up in two hours, the minimum still applies.
Do I pay for the truck separately?
No. The hourly rate covers the whole team and the 26-foot truck.
Can I save by packing myself?
Yes. Being fully packed and ready when the crew arrives is the single biggest time saver on a small move.
Is it the same price on a Saturday?
Yes. Our hourly rates do not change between weekdays and weekends, so pick whichever day suits you and the studio costs the same.
