Moving a one-bedroom apartment yourself can range from $150 to more than $1,500, depending on distance, the amount of belongings you have, and more. On the other hand, the cost of hiring movers for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,850 on average. You’ll save money with the DIY route, but the process is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Hiring professional movers is usually worth the investment. These moving pros have the expertise and experience to get the job done quickly and safely, saving you time and potentially avoiding damage to your belongings. Professionals are especially a good idea if you’re moving long distances or large, bulky items, like furniture, pianos, or vehicles. Pros will also know when you need moving permits based on where you live and whether or not the moving truck will block traffic. 

Start by removing any obstacles in the moving path, such as side tables, lamps, or other furniture. If your couch has legs, unscrew them. Measure the couch and the stairway to ensure you have enough room; if it seems unlikely, examine the shape and size of the couch and decide whether it might fit better up the stairway and through doorways on its side, held diagonally, or moved in an upright position.

Consider putting the sofa on a dolly to go up the stairs. It should be able to fit upright on a standard dolly with wheels. You’ll still need to lift the dolly—with the couch on it—up the stairs, but it will reduce the physical strain. The person holding the dolly should pull the couch up, while the helper should be on the other side, keeping the couch secure and steady.

If you don’t have a dolly, the person in front should lift the couch slightly higher than the person in the back to create more stability. The person in the back should also be the stronger mover, as most of the weight will be distributed there.

Moving a shed costs between $200 and $1,000, with a national average cost of $500. The exact cost will depend on the shed size, the move distance, and whether you hire professional movers or tackle the move as a DIY project.