Apartment Moving Cost Calculator – Lynn and North Shore

Apartment moving costs in Lynn and the North Shore

Apartment moves have their own cost factors — floor level, stairwell width, elevator availability, and building requirements all affect the final price. Our crew specializes in apartment moves across the North Shore. Use the calculator below for a quick estimate based on your apartment type and floor level.

Apartment moving pricing table

The table below shows standard flat-rate ranges for local apartment moves on the North Shore. Prices cover the truck, crew, blankets, dollies, floor runners, and stairwell protection. No hidden fees.

Walk-up apartments on the 3rd floor cost more because of the additional labor time. Elevator buildings match 2nd-floor walk-up pricing because we still need to coordinate elevator access and protect shared hallways.

Extra costs to watch for in apartment moves

Apartment moves come with costs that house moves do not. Here is what to budget for beyond the movers themselves:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI) — Most buildings require a COI from your moving company before they allow the move. We issue these same-day at no charge. But if your building charges a move-in/move-out fee on top of the COI, budget $100–$300 for that fee directly to the building.
• Elevator reservation — High-rise and mid-rise buildings often require a freight elevator reservation. Some charge a refundable deposit ($200–$500). We coordinate the reservation, but the deposit is between you and the building.
• Long carry — We do not charge long carry fees ourselves. But if the truck must park more than 75 feet from your door (no driveway, loading dock on the far side of the building), expect the job to take slightly longer, which is reflected in the flat rate.
• Parking permits — In Lynn, temporary no-parking permits cost $25 per day through the city. In Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville the fee varies ($25–$75). We handle the application process — just give us 72 hours notice.
• Packing materials — If you need boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, we sell them at cost. A typical 1-bedroom packing kit runs about $75. We also offer full packing service starting at $300 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

September 1 lease turnover — peak apartment pricing

If you live in Greater Boston, you already know: September 1 is the most chaotic moving day of the year. Nearly 65% of Boston-area leases turn over on September 1, and every moving company in Massachusetts is fully booked weeks in advance.

Here is what September 1 moves look like for apartment movers:

• Pricing premium — Expect rates 15–25% above standard pricing during the last week of August and first few days of September. This is industry-wide, not unique to us.
• Booking window — We recommend booking your September 1 move by mid-July. By August 1, most prime time slots are gone.
• Midweek advantage — If your lease allows it, moving on August 29 or 30 (rather than September 1 itself) is significantly easier to schedule and usually avoids the peak premium.
• Double moves — Many September 1 tenants need to move out of one apartment and into another on the same day. We handle these as single-day double moves with a dedicated crew. It costs more than a single move, but less than hiring two separate companies.

Apartment buildings we move frequently

Our crew is familiar with the access requirements, parking situations, and building rules at apartment complexes across the North Shore. Some of the buildings and neighborhoods we handle regularly:

• Lynn triple-deckers — The classic three-family homes along Western Avenue, Broad Street, and the Diamond District. Narrow stairwells, tight turns at the landings, and street parking only. We bring stairwell runners and door jamb protectors on every triple-decker job.
• Revere Beach condos — High-rise and mid-rise buildings along Revere Beach Boulevard. Elevator reservations required. We coordinate with building management ahead of time.
• Salem walk-ups — Historic buildings in downtown Salem with character and charm — and very narrow hallways. Furniture sometimes needs to come through windows. We carry the equipment to handle hoisting if needed.
• Peabody and Saugus garden-style apartments — Ground-level or second-floor units with good truck access. These are typically our fastest and most affordable apartment moves.

Frequently asked questions about apartment moving costs

Do you charge extra per flight of stairs?

No. We do not add per-staircase surcharges. The floor level affects the overall flat-rate quote because it takes more time to carry items up and down stairs, but there is no line-item stair fee. The price we quote is all-inclusive.

What if my building requires insurance?

We carry $1M in general liability and workers compensation coverage. We issue Certificates of Insurance (COI) same-day to your property manager, HOA, or building management at no charge. Just give us their contact info when you book.

Can you handle a move-out and move-in on the same day?

Yes. We schedule same-day double moves regularly, especially during the September 1 turnover. We plan the route and timing so your crew loads at the old apartment, drives to the new one, and unloads the same day. Mention both addresses in your quote request.

How do I get a parking permit for the moving truck?

In Lynn, temporary no-parking signs can be arranged through the city’s traffic department for $25/day. We handle the paperwork — just let us know your move date and address at least 72 hours before the move. In Boston and Cambridge, permit fees and lead times vary; we will walk you through it.

Do you move items up or down from balconies or through windows?

When interior stairwells are too tight for large items — which happens regularly in older Lynn and Salem buildings — we use exterior hoisting equipment to move furniture through windows or over balcony rails. This is included in your quote when we know about the situation ahead of time.