5 Best Short-Distance Moving Companies (Updated Review)
Bottom line: For short-distance moves, consider full-service movers, packing and truck loading, rental trucks, or moving containers. Mayzlin, American Van Lines, North American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and Budget Truck Rental are some of our top recommendations.
We’ve analyzed quotes, interviewed moving customers, and compared services and features to compile a list of the best short-distance moving companies.
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When most people consider hiring professional moving services, they think of long-distance moving companies. But movers can also be a big help when making a short-distance move. Whether you move out of a large home or a one-bedroom apartment, the best moving companies can make moving day run smoothly.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top 5 short-distance moving companies
Here are our picks for the best moving companies for local moves, based on their services, customer experience, cost, and reputation:
- Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best for last-minute moves: American Van Lines
- Best for specialty items: North American Van Lines
- Best for customization: Allied Van Lines
- Best for DIY moves: Budget Truck Rental
Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Availability: 50 states
- Our rating: 4.45 out of 5
- BBB rating: A-
Mayzlin Relocation is a family-owned business that directly handles all of its local moving requests, rather than using third-party partner companies.
We like that Mayzlin gives you a personalized moving experience with a designated relocation consultant. Mayzlin also provides the same full-service offerings as industry giants, including packing, unpacking, and storage.
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
Pros and cons
- Assigns a designated relocation consultant to every customer
- Provides 30 days of free storage with moves
- Offers 24/7 customer service
- Has a flexible cancellation policy
- May be limited on short-distance moves, depending on location
- Does not provide instant quotes online
Read our full Mayzlin Relocation review.
Best for last-minute moves: American Van Lines
- Availability: 48 states
- Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- BBB rating: A
When you need to book a short-distance move at the last minute, American Van Lines is worth considering because it doesn’t charge extra fees for last-minute moves and offers flat-rate pricing.
We appreciate that American Van Lines operates exclusively as a carrier, meaning all of its movers are in-house. Its widespread availability and reputation within the industry make it one of our best military movers, as well.
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Pros and cons
- No extra fees for last-minute moves
- Full-service moving options
- Employees are background-checked and drug-tested
- Quick, flat-rate quote system
- Upfront deposits can be up to 50% of your move cost
- Doesn’t service Hawaii or Alaska
Read our full American Van Lines review.
Best for specialty items: North American Van Lines
- Availability: 50 states
- Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- BBB rating: A+
If you need to move specialty items like a piano or pool table, we recommend North American Van Lines as it offers excellent support for packing valuable items.
To protect your items, North American Van Lines offers specialty supplies like mattress boxes, stand-up wardrobe units, and custom crating for large pieces of furniture.
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Pros and cons
- Fragile-only packing available
- Offers appliance installation and furniture assembly
- Custom crating for heavy/specialty items
- Employees are background-checked and undergo intensive training
- Services are sometimes brokered to a third-party, so quality can vary
- Storage may not be available in all locations
Read our full North American Van Lines review.
Best for customization: Allied Van Lines
- Availability: 50 states
- Our rating: 4.45 out of 5
- BBB rating: A+
With its Personal Moving Plans, Allied Van Lines customizes each move, with a la carte options including furniture disassembly and reassembly, packing and loading, 90-day temporary storage, and packing supplies.
We’re fans of Allied Van Lines’ virtual in-home estimates, which let you use your phone or tablet to do a video call with an agent for quick and accurate quoting.
- 85+ Years of International moving experience
- Moving presence in over 130 countries around the world
- High standard of quality
Pros and cons
- Personal Moving Plans ensure highly customizable service
- Virtual moving estimates available
- Can help you donate unwanted items to the Salvation Army
- May require booking six to eight weeks in advance
- Can be more expensive than other options
Read our full Allied Van Lines review.
Best for DIY moves: Budget Truck Rental
- Availability: 48 states
- Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
- BBB rating: A+
In our comparison of movers, we found that the company lives up to its name by providing low-cost truck rentals for budget-minded movers.
Budget Truck Rental offers 12-, 16-, and 26-foot moving trucks, giving you plenty of space. However, like with other moving truck rental companies, you’ll need to provide your own labor, packing materials, and moving supplies.
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Pros and cons
- More affordable than other short-distance moving options
- Round-trip and one-way rentals are available
- Discounts for students, AAA members, military, and more
- More than 2,800 locations in the U.S.
- No loading ramp on 12-foot trucks
- Some booking details aren’t guaranteed
- Add-ons can be more expensive than other truck rental companies
- Doesn’t service Hawaii or Alaska
Read our full Budget Truck Rental review.
Compare the best short-distance moving companies
Here’s a quick breakdown of our picks for the best short-distance moving companies:
| Company | Best for | Services | Average cost | Our rating | BBB rating | State availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayzlin Relocation | Customer service | Full-service mover (packing, loading, storage, personal moving consultant) | $$ | 4.45/5 | A- | All 50 states |
| American Van Lines | Last-minute moves | Full-service mover (packing, loading, storage) | $$ | 4.5/5 | A | 48 states |
| North American Van Lines | Specialty items | Full-service mover (packing, loading, furniture assembly, custom crating) | $$$ | 4.25/5 | A+ | All 50 states |
| Allied Van Lines | Customization | Full-service mover (packing, loading, furniture disassembly, storage) | $$$ | 4.45/5 | A+ | All 50 states |
| Budget Truck Rental | DIY moves | Moving truck rental, packaging supplies | $ | 4.3/5 | A+ | 48 states |
More of the best companies for short-distance moves
We’ve researched and compared dozens of national brands, specialty providers, and local movers. Here’s how the top options stack up:
National full-service movers
- Mayzlin Relocation: Personalized, family-owned, and known for strong customer service. Good for both short and small moves.
- American Van Lines: Reliable flat-rate pricing. Great for last-minute needs.
- North American Van Lines: Custom packing and strong handling of specialty items.
- Allied Van Lines: Highly customizable “Personal Moving Plans.”
- United Van Lines & Mayflower: Both offer special small-move programs called Snapmoves and SimpliCity for loads under typical minimums.
Specialized small-move companies
- MiniMoves: Dedicated to small loads and moves under 2,000 pounds, with flexible national coverage.
- Zippy Shell: Container-based company that’s ideal for small and flexible moves.
- U-Pack: Pay only for the space you use in a trailer or ReloCube. Great for budget/DIY hybrid moves.
Local movers and niche providers
Some smaller, local moving companies offer flexible minimums and hourly rates that are perfect for short moves within the same city. Labor-only platforms like Bellhop or HireAHelper can connect you with vetted help for just a few hours.
Compare your options: Service types for small & short moves
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the main moving service types for small and short moves:
| Service | Best for | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Entire apartments, hands-off moves | $$$ | All-inclusive, less work for you | Has minimums, pricier for small loads |
| Small-move specialist | Few items, small apartments, single rooms | $$ | Flexible, tailored, lower minimums | Limited coverage, may book up fast |
| Labor-only | Loading/unloading, rearranging | $–$$ | Budget-friendly; pay only for help needed | Doesn’t include transport |
| DIY/hybrid | Budget moves, control over schedule | $ | Cheapest, most flexible | More work for you |
| Container | Flexible timing, storage needs | $$ | Pack/unpack on your own time, storage add-ons | Parking, HOA/permit issues |
Still not sure which route is right? Use our moving cost calculator to compare personalized quotes and options in seconds.
Small moves vs. short-distance moves: What’s the difference?
It’s easy to get these terms mixed up, but they’re not the same. Here’s what you need to know:
- Short-distance moves: Short-distance moves are relocations under ~50 miles (usually within your city or metro area), typically handled by local moving companies and billed hourly.
- Small moves: Moves with a limited number of items—think a studio apartment, dorm room, or just a handful of boxes or furniture, regardless of distance.
Types of small and short-distance moving services
You have several options for moving a short distance. Here’s how they compare:
Full-service movers
These companies handle everything—packing, loading, transport, unloading, and sometimes storage. They’re best if you want a hands-off experience, but may be pricey for small jobs due to minimums.
Specialized small-move providers
Companies like MiniMoves, United Van Lines and Mayflower’s small moves divisions, and Zippy Shell focus on jobs that don’t meet traditional mover minimums. They use smaller trucks and vans, have flexible pricing, and often include packing help for just a few items.
Labor-only moving services
You can hire professional movers for just the heavy lifting, including loading, unloading, or rearranging. You supply the truck or container. This is perfect for DIYers who want help with the grunt work but don’t need a full-service package.
DIY & hybrid options
Combine a truck rental (like U-Haul or Budget) with hired help or do everything yourself. Many customers use a rental truck for transport and hire labor-only movers just to load and unload. Others ask friends for help to save money.
Container moving services
Moving container companies like PODS, U-Pack, and U-Haul U-Box drop off a portable container. You load it, they move it, then you unload.
Short-distance moving costs
Short-distance and small moves don’t have to break the bank, but costs can add up fast if you’re not careful. Here’s what to expect for different service types when you’re moving up to 50 miles away:
| Service type | Average cost (0–50 miles) | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $500–$2,500+ (minimums often apply) | Entire apartment/home, minimal DIY |
| Small move specialist | $350–$1,500 | Few items, small loads, apartments, single furniture pieces |
| Labor-only | $100–$400 per mover (2–4 hour minimum) | Loading/unloading a truck or container |
| DIY (truck rental only) | $50–$200 + fuel (local move) | Studio, 1BR, or moving a few boxes/furniture |
| Moving container | $150–$600 (local); $1,000+ (longer, storage included) | Flexible timing, hybrid moves, storage needs |
How to save money on short-distance moves
A short-distance move can be inexpensive if you’re resourceful. Here are a few ideas you can use to save money on your move.
1. Get free moving supplies from local businesses
Instead of shelling out money for essentials such as moving boxes, tape, and bags, consider reaching out to businesses in your area. Local businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores often have unwanted cardboard boxes and bags.
They might give you free boxes or charge a small fee. Make sure the boxes don’t have holes or water damage to protect your items while moving. You can also use storage bins, suitcases, or trash bags to pack items for a short-distance move to cut costs.
2. Ask family and friends to help
Reach out to your network if you can’t afford a professional short-distance moving company. Getting help is generally easier with short-distance moves because it’s more convenient for your loved ones to lend a helping hand.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t provide compensation. Depending on who you’re working with, offering a little money or buying a coffee or pizza will go a long way in showing gratitude and incentivizing people to help.
3. Downsize and declutter
Downsizing doesn’t just make moving day easier—it also makes it cheaper. The less stuff you have, the cheaper your move will be, regardless of whether you DIY or use full-service movers.
If you declutter before your move, you can rent a smaller truck or moving container, which will cost less. Moving labor will also go much faster, further lowering your expenses. Better yet, if you sell your unwanted items, you can use the proceeds to help cover moving costs.
4. Bring along perishable food
When you’re moving locally, you might not have to throw away perishable food items. While these items shouldn’t be packed in a moving truck, you could use your vehicle to transport them to your new place.
Just be sure to keep them cool throughout the journey and put them in the fridge or freezer right away. Saving food will help you save money on groceries, plus it’s ready to use your first night in your new place.
How to choose a short-distance moving company
Here are a few key factors for finding reputable movers for any move:
- Moving quote: Requesting free moving quotes is a given, but make sure you understand each company’s process for providing an estimate. A binding or “not to exceed” moving estimate provides peace of mind by setting a maximum price for your move.
- Years of experience: The more years of experience a company has, the more confidence you can have in its customer service and quality. That added experience also suggests a higher level of expertise in dealing with unique moving situations.
- References and reviews: Online reviews are a valuable reference point in choosing the best short-distance moving company. Reviews often offer firsthand insights into a company’s customer service, fees, and how well it handles customers’ possessions.
- Insurance and licensing: Always make sure a short-distance mover is properly licensed and insured. Moving companies with insurance and proper state licensing lower your financial risk in case something were to go wrong with your move.
- Your moving needs. Do you need packing services or do you just need someone to load and unload the truck? List out the type of moving assistance you need, then see which national or local moving companies provide these services.
- Availability. When working with local movers, make sure they’re actually available on the day of your move. Having some flexibility in your moving schedule can ensure that your preferred mover is available to help.
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Add-on and related services for small/short moves
Moving is more than just getting boxes from point A to point B. Many companies offer helpful extras to smooth out the process:
- Junk removal: Clear out unwanted items before moving. Some movers offer junk removal as an add-on, or you can book a service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK.
- Furniture rearranging: Hire labor-only movers to help move heavy items inside your home, even if you’re not moving out.
- Temporary storage: If you need a gap between move-out and move-in, many movers and container companies offer storage solutions (from a few days to several months).
- Delivery & setup: Some full-service and specialty movers will help assemble/disassemble furniture and set up your new space.
How short-distance moves work (step-by-step)
- Inventory your items. Count boxes; list bulky pieces; note stairs, elevator, and parking needs.
- Pick your model. Choose between a full-service, small-move specialist, labor-only, container, or hybrid option.
- Get 3+ written quotes. Confirm minimums, travel time, supplies, and potential add-on fees.
- Book and confirm. Lock in your date or window, reserve elevators if needed, and arrange parking permits.
- Prep smart. Disassemble simple items; label by room; stage near the door, and protect corners and floors.
- Walkthrough & sign-off. Take stock of your items at pickup and delivery and note issues before signing.
How to book a small or short-distance move
Booking the right service is key for a smooth move. Here are the main steps:
- Inventory your items. Make a list or take photos—knowing exactly what you’re moving helps you get accurate quotes.
- Research service types. Decide if you want full-service, labor-only, containers, or a hybrid solution.
- Request quotes. Get written estimates from at least three companies. For small moves, ask about minimum charges required to book.
- Check availability. Local movers may book up quickly, especially around weekends or the end of the month. Some labor-only services and small-move specialists offer last-minute bookings.
- Confirm details. Double-check pick-up/drop-off times, payment terms, and cancellation policies. For small moves, clarify what’s included (labor, truck, supplies).
- Book your move. Reserve your move as early as possible, but note that many labor-only and specialty small-move providers can accommodate tight timelines.
Booking tip: Be upfront about your needs. If you’re just moving a couch and a few boxes, tell them! Many companies appreciate the detail and can match you with the right crew or service.
FAQs
What’s the minimum charge for short-distance moving companies?
It varies widely. Full-service movers may have 2–4 hour minimums or a minimum weight requirement (1,500–2,000 pounds). Small-move specialists often waive weight minimums. Labor-only movers usually book by the hour (often a 2-hour minimum) and may charge one hour of travel time.
Are short-distance moving companies licensed and insured?
Reputable movers should be licensed and insured—always ask for proof. If your building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI), request it at least a few days before move day.
What are the benefits of hiring professional movers for a short-distance move?
Full-service moving companies help provide a stress-free moving experience by doing all the work for you. When you hire movers, they take on the hassle of doing the heavy lifting for your move.
They’ll load, drive, and unload the moving truck. Many professional movers also offer white-glove add-on options like packing services and furniture disassembly and reassembly.
What is the average cost of a short-distance move?
We’ve found the average cost to move a four-bedroom house a short-distance ranges from $1,550–$3,600 when using a moving company.
Moving costs can vary based on a number of factors, including which local moving services you use and how much stuff you need to transport.
What is the cheapest way to move short-distance?
The cheapest way to move short-distance is a DIY move. When you hire full-service moving providers, you pay a lot more for their time and labor.
With a DIY move, you usually only have to pay for a moving truck rental and packing supplies, since you’ll be doing all the work yourself. Check out our list of the cheapest moving truck rental companies to compare options.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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