Will A Moving Company Move A Single Piece of Furniture?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Most moving companies can move a single item, but it’s usually more cost-effective to use specialized services like MiniMoves or ShipSmart for long-distance moves, or HireAHelper and on-demand movers for local relocations.
At moveBuddha, we’ve evaluated over 3,500 moving companies, including services tailored to small moves. Read on for more information on how to move a single piece of furniture and use our moving cost calculator to compare ballpark estimates.
Our track record
Options for moving individual items, long-distance
Need to move a couch, piano, refrigerator, or another bulky item? You don’t need a full house of boxes to hire help. Single-item movers specialize in these jobs, whether it’s across town or across the country.
Quick reference: Single item movers at a glance
| Service type | Cost (local/short distance) | Cost (long distance) | Best for | Booking platforms | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving labor only | $100–$300+ | Rare | Loading/unloading, in-home moves | Moving Help®, HireAHelper, TaskRabbit | Same/next day possible |
| Full-service single item movers | $200–$400 | $400–$1,200+ | Transporting large or fragile items | MiniMoves, ShipSmart, Thumbtack | Advance booking recommended |
| On-demand movers | $80–$200/hr | Limited | Last-minute or urgent moves | Lugg, Dolly, GoShare | Same-day/scheduled |
| Truck rental + labor | $75–$200 (DIY) | $200–$600+ | Self-move, budget-friendly | U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot | Flexible |
*Moving costs depend on distance, item, urgency, and location. For tailored quotes, use our moving cost calculator.
What are single item moving services?
Single item movers are professional moving companies that focus on transporting just one large or heavy object. This could be a couch, piano, safe, appliance, or any other oversized item that’s too much to handle solo.
- Furniture marketplace pickups: Bought or sold a couch, bed, or table on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? Movers can handle the heavy lifting, protective wrap, and curb-to-room delivery so you don’t have to borrow a truck.
- Specialty items: Need to get a piano, safe, or large appliance across town or to another state? Single item movers bring the right dollies, straps, and know-how to prevent damage at doorways and on stairs.
- Upgrades and deliveries: Replacing a fridge or washer and dryer? Movers can help with delivery and placement, and they’ll protect your floors and walls along the way.
These services offer an affordable alternative to full-service moves, and you won’t have to wrangle friends or risk injury doing it yourself.
Single item movers: Local vs. long-distance
The process and pricing can be very different for a local move versus a long-distance one. Here’s how they compare.
Local single-item moves
Local moves are typically under 50 miles and are much easier to schedule on short notice.
- Flexible scheduling: Same-day or next-day options are common, especially mid-week or outside peak hours.
- Lower minimums: Many movers offer hourly rates with low minimums for local jobs, so you pay only for the time you need.
- Great for quick pickups: Ideal for online furniture purchases or in-town deliveries where speed matters more than packing.
Long-distance single-item moves
Moving a single item hundreds of miles is trickier (and pricier) due to logistics and fewer available companies.
- Specialized movers needed: Companies like MiniMoves or ShipSmart focus on small long-distance moves and partial loads.
- Higher costs: Expect to pay more due to minimum shipment sizes, mileage, and routing constraints.
- Advance notice required: Plan ahead for booking and delivery windows; consolidated shipments may take longer to arrive.
Tip: For long-distance moves, always confirm minimum charges, transit time, and delivery timeframes before booking.
How much does it cost to move a single item?
Prices for single item moves depend on distance, the item’s size/weight, urgency, and how easy it is to access (think stairs or tight hallways). Sharing photos and measurements will tighten your estimates.
- Minimum charges: Many movers have a two-hour minimum, even for one item, to cover drive time and crew costs.
- Hourly rates: Budget $50–$150 per hour for local jobs, plus travel or fuel fees depending on your area.
- Flat rates: Long-distance or specialty items often use flat pricing (commonly $300–$1,200+) based on size, weight, and route.
- Extra fees: Stairs, long carries, elevator restrictions, or urgent service can increase your total. Ask for these in writing.
Sample price ranges
- Couch (local): $100–$250 when access is straightforward and distance is short.
- Piano (local): $250–$600 (more with stairs or for a baby grand that needs special handling).
- Appliance: $120–$300, not including disconnect/reconnect services.
- Long-distance, one item: $400–$1,200+ depending on item, distance, and timing.
The more info you provide — like dimensions, weight, and photos — the more accurate your quote will be.
How to book single item movers
Booking help for a single item is easier than ever thanks to online platforms and marketplaces. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough.
Step 1: Choose your booking platform
Start by picking a platform that fits your move type and location.
- Moving Help® — Great for local labor-only jobs (no truck included); you select the date, crew size, and hours.
- Thumbtack — Compare local movers, read reviews, and get quotes in one place.
- TaskRabbit — Book helpers for small moves, furniture assembly, or rearranging with flexible scheduling.
- uShip — Best for long-distance or specialty shipping where carriers bid on your job.
- MiniMoves, ShipSmart — Ideal for interstate or cross-country jobs with small loads.
Step 2: Submit your move details
Be ready to share a few key details so movers can quote accurately.
- Item info: Provide the size, weight (estimate is fine), value, and any fragile parts or assembly requirements.
- Pickup/drop-off: List addresses, stairs/elevators, parking, building access contacts, and preferred timing windows.
- Photos: Upload clear photos of the item and tight spaces (hallways, stair turns) to prevent surprises.
Step 3: Compare quotes and services
Once you receive quotes, look at more than just the price.
- Included services: Confirm whether padding, shrink-wrap, and basic insurance are included or extra.
- Customer reviews: Prioritize movers with strong ratings and recent, detailed feedback on similar single-item jobs.
- Extra fees: Ask about stairs, long carries, assembly/disassembly, and short-notice surcharges before you book.
- Licensing: For interstate moves, verify USDOT/MC numbers; for local moves, check state licensing where applicable.
Step 4: Book securely and confirm details
Booking and paying through the platform protects you if anything goes wrong.
- Written confirmation: Get all the details in writing, including the arrival window, services, item list, and any special instructions.
- Open communication: Share gate codes, elevator reservations, and contact numbers to keep things moving smoothly.
What items can single item movers handle?
Most movers can handle almost anything, but some items require special experience or equipment. Here are the most common one-item moves.
- Couches and sectionals: Bulky, often require door removal, protective wrap, or a second helper to navigate stairs.
- Beds and mattresses: King, queen, or custom beds may need disassembly and careful packing for hardware.
- Refrigerators and appliances: Movers may not disconnect or reconnect for liability reasons; secure cords and shelves ahead of time.
- Pianos: Uprights or baby grands require specialized crews, skid boards, and stair plans.
- Safes and gun cabinets: Extremely heavy; expect special gear and additional crew to move safely.
- Exercise equipment: Treadmills and home gyms are awkward; measure doorways and consider partial disassembly.
- Large TVs and electronics: Delicate screens can benefit from original packaging or custom boxes.
- Artwork and antiques: Crating, glass protection, and valuation coverage are a must for fragile or high-value pieces.
- Specialty items: Arcade games, marble tables, motorcycles, and other unique items may require carriers who handle niche freight.
“I moved a full-size arcade game from New York to Texas. A few items were damaged but United paid my claim quickly, and their communication was excellent. If you’re moving something valuable, make sure your mover’s insurance covers it.”
— Amy, moved with United Van Lines
Key questions to ask your mover
Before booking, ask these questions to avoid surprises and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
- Are you licensed and insured? For interstate jobs, request the mover’s USDOT and MC numbers; for local companies, verify state licensing and active insurance.
- What does your insurance cover for single-item moves? Clarify limits, deductibles, and whether you can purchase full-value protection for high-value pieces.
- Will you pack or wrap my item for transport? Confirm what materials are included (pads, shrink-wrap, crates) and whether there’s an extra charge.
- Are there extra fees for stairs, assembly, or heavy items? Ask for a written list of access fees, long carries, and special handling surcharges.
- How do you handle fragile or high-value pieces? Look for documented procedures, crew experience, and clear claims processes.
Packing tip: For valuable or delicate items, consider custom crating or professional packing. Keep original boxes if you have them, and take photos before pickup for documentation.
“Some of my glass tables and family heirlooms needed extra care. I asked about insurance and short-term storage. Everything arrived safely, but always check what’s actually covered.”
— Daniel, moved with Bold Moving and Storage
Need it fast? Same-day and last-minute single item movers
If you’re in a hurry, on-demand movers and labor marketplaces can help, but expect to pay a premium for urgent service.
- On-demand apps: Lugg, Dolly, and GoShare offer same-day help for local moves, often with real-time tracking.
- Labor marketplaces: Moving Help®, TaskRabbit, and similar apps display urgent availability and have transparent hourly rates.
- Local movers: Calling local moving companies directly can uncover last-minute cancellations or short windows you can snag.
- Premium pricing: Evenings, weekends, or short notice moves often cost more, so be sure to confirm rates and minimums.
Have your item size, photos, and access info ready to speed up booking.
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Moving labor vs. full-service movers: What’s the difference?
Not all movers handle single-item jobs the same way. Here’s what to expect from each option.
Moving labor only
- What you get: Movers handle loading, unloading, or rearranging, but no truck is included, keeping costs down.
- Best for: DIY truck rentals, small apartments, or moving items within the same building where you just need muscle.
- Popular platforms: HireAHelper, Moving Help®, TaskRabbit.
Full-service single item movers
- What you get: Movers bring a truck, handle transport, loading/unloading, and often packing for door-to-door service.
- Best for: Heavy, fragile, or long-distance moves when you want a hands-off experience.
- Popular companies: MiniMoves, ShipSmart, and local moving companies that accept small jobs.
Which should you choose?
- Labor-only: Best for budget moves, in-home rearranging, or when you already have a vehicle or container booked.
- Full-service: Best for valuable, heavy, or cross-country items where professional transport and packing matter most.
How to choose the best single item movers (reviews & checklist)
Why reviews matter
Customer reviews reveal how a mover really handles one-item jobs. Look for more than just a low price.
- Consistently high ratings: Aim for 4+ stars with a steady track record over many recent reviews, not just a few perfect scores.
- Positive feedback: Comments about care, timeliness, and professionalism indicate reliable crews and management.
- Transparent pricing: Clear quotes and quick resolution of issues are signs of a company that stands behind its work.
Vetting checklist for single item movers
Use this checklist to avoid common pitfalls before booking your move.
- Licensed & insured: Verify credentials and active insurance; ask for documentation before you pay a deposit.
- Relevant experience: Make sure the crew has handled your specific item (piano, safe, art) and can explain their process.
- References or verified reviews: Look for third‑party reviews and, if possible, recent references for similar single‑item jobs.
- Clear, written quotes: Insist on a written estimate that lists access conditions, materials, and any potential surcharges.
- Professional communication: Fast, detailed responses are a great predictor of day‑of reliability and problem‑solving.
- Red flags: Beware of large cash deposits, vague answers, unclear insurance, or pressure to book immediately.
For instant price comparisons, try our moving cost calculator — it can help you find trusted movers in your area.
Frequently asked questions: Single item movers
Can I hire movers for just one item?
How much does it cost to move a single item?
Can I hire movers to move something within my home?
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