Is there drive time for a move in the same building?
No. A job at one location has no drive time or double drive time.
Moving to another unit in the same building
Moving to another unit in the same building: no double drive time, elevator time billed, COI requests, and why the 3-hour minimum still applies.
The shortest move there is
Moving from a studio to a two-bedroom on another floor, from a unit facing the street to one facing the courtyard, or between buildings in the same complex is common in Bay Area apartment and condo buildings. It is the shortest move there is, but not always the quickest: the elevator, the building rules and the hallway set the pace, not the distance.
No drive time at all
When the job is at one location, there is no charge for drive time and no double drive time; the double drive time rule only applies when two addresses are more than 10 minutes apart. Within a single building that is clear-cut. Between two buildings of one complex, if the truck is used to shuttle between them, the drive is a few minutes and well under the 10-minute line.
The elevator decides
Every load goes down a hallway, into an elevator and back out. Elevator waiting time is part of the job time, so a reserved elevator, padded and on independent service if the building offers that, makes a real difference. Ask management for a move reservation for both units. Many buildings also require a certificate of insurance even for an internal move; we provide COIs free with the management company name, mailing address and email. Some buildings already have our certificate on file; if yours does, we will tell you. See condo and HOA moves and moving into an HOA building.
Do you even need a truck?
Within one building, furniture can often be carried straight from one unit to the other through the hallway and elevator, without loading the truck at all. The crew still brings the truck for blankets, tools and supplies. Within a complex where the buildings are separated by a parking lot or a street, the truck is the faster way. The foreman will choose on the day.
The 3-hour minimum still applies
Short moves are where the minimum matters. Every local job has a 3-hour minimum, then 15-minute increments. For 3 movers at $175 per hour, the minimum is $525; for 2 movers, which we send mainly for very small moves, it is $435. Many in-building moves of a studio or one-bedroom fit inside or close to the minimum; a full two-bedroom with a slow elevator can run longer. Rates are the same on any day of the week.
Protecting hallways and the new unit
Buildings care about their hallways and elevators as much as you care about your floors. Our crews protect floors with carpet runners and moving blankets, with shoe covers on request. Many buildings also pad the elevator for move days; ask management when you reserve it. Walk both units before the crew arrives so you can point out any existing marks on walls or doors.
Make it quick
- Reserve the elevator for both units if the building allows it.
- Request the COI early.
- Pack everything in boxes; small loose items take the most trips.
- Get the keys to the new unit before the crew arrives.
- Decide where furniture goes in the new unit before move day.
Questions and answers
Is the elevator wait billed?
Yes. Elevator waiting is part of the job time, so reserve the elevator if you can.
Is there a minimum for a short move?
Yes. Every local move has a 3-hour minimum, then 15-minute increments.
Does my building need a COI for an internal move?
Many do. We provide COIs free with the management name, mailing address and email.