The Best Small Load Moving Companies

Most major national moving companies aren’t set up to handle small moves.

In fact, many large moving companies will turn down shipments that don’t meet their 3,000-pound minimum shipment size.

That said, there are moving companies that specialize in small loads like MiniMoves. These companies typically offer better service, lower prices, and less hassle.

Here’s our list of the best small moving companies for both local and long-distance moves:

• Interstate (long-distance) small move companies
• • MiniMoves – The best option for small shipments
  • Uship – An online marketplace that’s perfect for customers with small moves
  • ShipSmart – Best for single item, micro moves
  • U-Pack – Rent a shipping container
  • ZippyShell – A great option for moving multiple items
• Local moving companies
  • Rent a Moving Truck – A DIY option that’s easy on the wallet (but hard on the back)
  • Moving Labor Services – Apps like Hire-A-Helper and TaskRabbit
  • On-Demand Movers – Last-minute move specialists

What’s considered a small move?

It’s a relative term, but you probably have a small move if –

• You’re shipping a single item
• You live in a studio or moderately furnished 1-bedroom apartment
• Your new home will be a college dorm room
• You’re moving a few specialty items
• You’re temporarily moving a few items during a home renovation
• You’re shipping an item or two from an estate sale

Options for Small Long Distance Moves

MiniMoves – The best option for long-distance moves

MiniMoves specializes in moving small shipments from one state to another, like a few pieces of furniture up to a small 1 bedroom.

Their services are perfect for sending a recent high school graduate off to college or shipping a few family heirlooms long distance.

With MiniMoves, you’ll get a free quote, and an experienced customer service representative will help determine which move options will work best for you.

The benefits of using MiniMoves –

• Reasonable prices and a large service area
• They pick up, transport, and deliver your items door-to-door
• They provide loading and unloading labor
• Professional packing services (and unpacking) are available
• There’s no minimum shipment size – you only pay for what you move

For a small move quote on your items, check out their website

ShipSmart – Another great long-distance shipping option

ShipSmart is another leader in the cross-country small move sector.

Unlike some competitors, they’re equal parts delivery service and traditional moving company.

ShipSmart is particularly good at moving small shipments that may be too large for parcel companies like FedEx and UPS.

So, if you’re shipping an antique curio cabinet and a marble statue from Wisconsin to Arizona, they’ve got you covered.

Why use ShipSmart?

• They’re affordable, flexible, and convenient
• They offer seamless door-to-door service.
• Customers can choose an in-home or curbside drop off
• Professional packing and unpacking services are available
• They specialize in shipments under 2,000 pounds
• Multiple insurance options

Call the ShipSmart phone number at (866) 333-8018 to get a quote for free. Mention moveBuddha and get 10% off your move.

uShip – An online shipping marketplace

Small shipments make up a huge chunk of the overall moving business.

And not surprisingly, online marketplaces that connect customers and service providers are all the rage.

They can be great resources, but there’s one big catch.

They’re essentially intermediaries or, dare we say it…brokers.

In other words, they don’t have their own trucks and moving crews.

Instead, they provide a platform for which companies and contractors with equipment and workers can bid on moving and transportation jobs.

This competition keeps prices low, but it can open the door to poor service and big headaches down the road.

Many customers have great experiences with companies like uShip.

However, it’s important to vet the service providers you’re considering.

Thankfully, uShip makes it easy by providing real customer reviews through its verified vendor system.

Browse their site to check out more of their services and see if they’re the right option for you.

Options for Small Local Moves

Rent a moving truck

With adequate time and help, small local moves can be inexpensive and relatively painless.

However, for the elderly, the handicapped, and busy families with tight schedules, DIY moves just aren’t feasible.

This is especially true for long-distance moving.

When weighing the pros and cons of renting a truck versus doing your move yourself, be sure to factor in fuel, insurance, tolls, and additional fees for returning the truck late.

Also, think about the items you’re moving.

If your shipment consists of a riding mower and a motorcycle, you might be better off with a flatbed trailer.

On the contrary, when moving antiques, electronics, and artwork, you’ll need lots of moving blankets, good packing supplies, and an enclosed truck for safe transit.

Use Moving Labor Services

Even if you’re renting a moving truck, you may not have to do the heavy lifting yourself.

If you’d rather not, day-laborers are a good option

HireAHelper is a marketplace that allows you to hire movers on an hourly basis.

Apps like HireAHelper are great for moving from one home to another, but they’re also perfect for –

• In-home assembly (like after you buy furniture from IKEA)
• Rearranging furniture inside your home or apartment
• Clearing items from basements and garages before a yard sale
• Getting items into and out of mini-storage units

Labor providers are generally less expensive than professional movers, and they’re often more flexible too.

We especially recommend hiring moving labor services, like HireAHelper over traditional movers for in-home and local moves.

Did You Know?

Not all moving labor companies provide assembly and disassembly services, so be sure to ask in the initial stages of the moving process.

On-Demand Movers

On-demand movers have become increasingly popular in recent years.

They’re generally smaller and have less overhead than larger competitors, so they’re often less expensive and more flexible.

They also specialize in last-minute shipments.

This is great for those who don’t have time for the drawn-out screening and planning associated with larger moves.

On-demand movers are typically better options for in-home and local moves, but some offer interstate service as well.

While they’re not specifically furniture movers only, they’re popular with customers who’ve purchased bulky items and have no way to get them home.

What are Van Line and Moving Company “Minimums”?

Local Move Minimums

Local move charges are almost always based on an hourly labor rate, plus –

• Optional valuation (insurance)
• Additional services like packing and unpacking, appliance disconnects and reconnects, and storage

Many local movers have 3 or 4-hour minimums, and some tack on travel time and fuel surcharges.

In other words, on really small moves, you may end up paying way more than you should have.

Interstate Moves

For out-of-state moves, most van lines have minimum weights between 1,000 and 2,100 pounds.

As a result, if your items weigh much less, you’d be better off hiring small shipment movers that charge based on actual weight.

We suggest having in-home estimates whenever possible.

But, if you’re only moving a dresser, loveseat, and a kitchen table and chairs, a company representative won’t need to see them in person.

Not quite ready to book a move? See the steps for hiring movers

Insider’s Tip

Many small load movers don’t provide in-home estimates, but if you’ve vetted them carefully, it shouldn’t deter you from using their services.

Small Move Tips

• Ask friends, coworkers, and family members for referrals
• Get multiple moving quotes
• Check out companies using the American Moving & Storage (AMSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) websites.
• Book MiniMoves weeks before your move date, especially during the peak summer months.
• For extra savings, consider moving during the fall or winter
• If possible, combine your shipment with someone else’s for additional savings
• Don’t forget to ask about insurance options

How to Reduce Small Move Cost

Do a cost-benefit analysis

Only move items that are worth the trouble. If the things you’re considering shipping are replaceable and their cost exceeds the cost to move them, it’s just not worth it. On the other hand, this may not apply to family heirlooms and other items with sentimental value.

Do the packing yourself

DIY packing is one of the best ways to reduce move costs. Ask friends, family members, and local businesses for used boxes, and use old towels and blankets to wrap items instead of pricey newsprint and bubble wrap. However, if you’re transporting fragile and/or high-value items, it may be best to let professionals pack and insure them.

Do the assembly and disassembly yourself

If you have the tools and skills, disassembling beds and tables yourself may lower your total move cost. This is usually the case on local moves, but not necessarily on interstate moves, so make it a point to ask.

Downsize

The less you ship, the less you’ll pay. Start discarding, donating, and selling little-used items weeks before your move to get the most bang for your buck.

Opt for curbside instead of in-home delivery

Some small move specialists offer convenient curbside delivery for customers looking to save money. They may offer reduced rates for curbside delivery or give you the option of picking up your items from a nearby terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are small moves priced?

With so many small move options, figuring out pricing can be tricky. Most companies charge by the hour on local moves and weight and mileage on long-distance moves. Also, ask about additional charges for packing and unpacking, long carries, elevators, and accessibility issues.

Will my moving estimate be accurate?

Estimates on small shipments are usually more accurate than they are for larger ones. Unless you ship more than originally planned, your final charges should be very close to the estimate, and you can always ask for a flat rate for a fixed price.

What are the cons of moving a small shipment?

With big van lines, small shipments usually aren’t top priorities. In addition, on small long-distance moves, you may not get your items for weeks after pick up.