6 Best Small-Load Moving Companies

Most major national moving companies aren’t set to handle small moves. So what should you do if you only need to ship a few items across town — or cross-country?

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  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
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  • 34+ yrs experience
  • Online chatbot
  • Car shipping
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  • Single item quotes
  • Bidding system
  • Secure payment platform
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
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Full-service movers and long-distance moving companies are great, but for a small move like this, you will likely need to look into other options.

Large moving companies may turn down shipments that don’t meet their 3,000-pound minimum shipment size. Fortunately, there are some moving companies that specialize in small moves, offering better service, lower prices, and a more stress-free moving experience.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best companies for small moves available, even if you only need to move a single piece of furniture!

What is considered a small move?

In general, long-distance moving companies consider a small move to be one where less than 2,000 pounds of items are moved. That’s typically the size of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. These movers price based on weight, so even if you move less stuff, you’ll have to pay the price for the minimum weight of their shipments.

Here are some examples of small moves:

  • You’re moving just one item
  • You live in a studio apartment or a moderately furnished one-bedroom apartment and are moving most of your belongings
  • You’re moving into a furnished college dorm and don’t need to bring big furniture like a bed, desk, or dresser
  • You’re only moving a few fragile or specialty items like a piano, pool table, or hot tub
  • You’re temporarily putting a few items into storage during a home renovation
  • You’re shipping an item or two from an estate sale — like an antique grandfather clock or a special appliance

In addition to size and weight, many local moving companies have “minimums” in terms of time. For local moves, moving companies charge by the hour and they’ll set thresholds to make sure the job is worth their while. These vary from company to company, but are typically from two to six hours. Even if your move goes faster than the minimum, you’ll have to pay the rate for their hourly threshold.

The best moving companies for small loads

The following companies for small moves are good places to find assistance for your moving needs:

Best overall: MiniMoves

MiniMoves specializes in moving small shipments — from just a few pieces of furniture up to the contents of a small one-bedroom apartment — and is available in most major cities . Their moving services are perfect for safely sending a recent high school graduate off to college or for shipping a few family heirlooms long-distance.

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89% of users select this mover

With reasonable prices and a large service area, MiniMoves could help minimize the stress of moving. Their moving crews will pick up, transport, and deliver your items door-to-door. If that’s not enough, you also have the option to add professional full-service moving services like packing (and unpacking).

Plus, there’s no minimum shipment size —you only pay for what you move. MiniMoves can provide you with a free quote and an experienced customer service representative, who can help determine which moving options work best for you.

MiniMoves can even help with international moves.

best for small moves
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At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
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93% of users select this mover

Pros/Cons

  • No minimum move size
  • Top-quality packing materials to protect your items
  • Background-screened and drug-tested moving crews
  • Full-service packing and unpacking available
  • Has a global network of movers for international moves
  • Contracts with third-party providers for some projects, which could result in lower-quality service
  • Only offers ballpark estimates online (must speak to a representative for a binding quote)
  • Not available in some states (North Dakota, South Dakota, and Vermont)

Check out our full MiniMoves review.

Best for shipping container moves: U-Pack

U-Pack is one of the largest moving container companies in the country and one of our top picks for moving companies for small moves. They’re readily available in major cities and smaller towns alike. They drop off shipping containers to your home, after which you have three days to load them. They’ll then pick up the container and transport it to your new home, where you’ll have three days to unpack, or to a short-term storage facility.

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89% of users select this mover

U-Pack stands out as one of the best companies for small moves because you only pay for the space you use in a container. Another bonus — if you order more storage containers than you actually need, you won’t have to pay for the unfilled containers.

You can follow shipment progress through an online tracker. This ability to see where your belongings are at all times while in transit to your new location makes small long-distance moves more stress-free and offers some priceless peace of mind.

Not only does U-Pack offer moving containers (container dimensions: 6 X 7 X 8 feet), they also rent moving trailers, which are slightly larger. The trailers may be a great solution if you have a few larger pieces of furniture as part of your small-load move that won’t fit in the moving container.

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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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93% of users select this mover

Pros/Cons

  • You don’t have to worry about driving
  • Online shipment tracking
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • Instant online quotes for every move
  • Storage services available
  • No local moves
  • ReloCubes must be stored at a U-Pack storage facility
  • Only three business days to load or unload your container

Read our full U-Pack review.

Best for large items: TSI

TSI (formerly Transit Systems, Inc.) is a Pennsylvania-based shipping and moving company that brokers small moves for residential and commercial customers. Its website is one of the more well-built platforms in the moving industry, with tons of checklists and resources to help you prepare for your move, in addition to a free moving estimate.

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89% of users select this mover

It offers everything from professional packing to organizational services, and it even has a branch of its business, Moves for Seniors, that helps older people prepare for their golden years by downsizing and distributing family heirlooms to their new homes.

We’d recommend TSI as one of the top moving companies for small moves to anyone within the contiguous United States.

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At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
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93% of users select this mover

PROS/CONS

  • Offers expedited and last-minute options
  • Can purchase additional insurance coverage like full-value protection
  • No minimum move size
  • Delivers items within 20 business days
  • Provides car shipping
  • Offers white-glove moving services, including packing, loading, and organization
  • No local moves
  • Doesn’t offer online quotes
  • Not available in all states (doesn’t service AK or HI)

Read our full TSI review.

Best for white-glove shipping: Ship Smart

If you just need help moving a piano, fine art, or antiques, you might want to consider Ship Smart. While the company specializes in small moves — including assisting seniors, college students, and small business owners —  we like its attention to detail when it comes to moving high-value furniture and heirlooms.

Using Ship Smart’s free online calculator, you can compare the cost to ship your fragile pieces versus handling it on your own through a DIY moving company. Ship Smart has assisted with museum relocations and is experienced in using a careful touch in packaging and moving treasured items across the U.S. They can help with international moves, as well. ShipSmart can also handle small moves involving electronics, providing onsite full-wood crating and full-value protection insurance options.

If you have a particularly bulky piece of fitness equipment or furniture that won’t fit in your moving container or truck, Ship Smart will come to your house to crate and move those large items for you.

Pros/Cons

  • User-friendly online cost calculator
  • Onsite crating for electronics and bulky pieces
  • Full-coverage insurance available for high-value items
  • Some customers report higher final pricing than estimated
  • White-glove delivery costs extra

Best online marketplace: uShip

Small shipments make up a huge chunk of the overall moving business, so it makes sense that online marketplaces like uShip, which connect customers with service providers, are hugely popular.

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They can be great resources, but there’s one big catch — they’re essentially intermediaries. In other words, they aren’t full-service movers that offer things like packing, moving services, or storage services (either long- or short-term).

Instead, they provide a platform where companies and contractors with equipment and moving crews can bid on moving and transportation jobs. This competition keeps prices low, but it means service could vary depending on the contractor you hire.

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At A Glance
  • Online marketplace that connects people with movers and transporters
  • Multiple providers compete for your move by offering bids or name your own price
  • Make complex moves simpler and more organized
  • Secure payment methods once you choose a driver
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93% of users select this mover

uShip makes it easy to find a good match by providing real customer reviews through their verified vendor system. This way, you can have confidence when selecting a service provider who has submitted a bid for your move.

Pros/Cons

  • Can get quick quotes for single items
  • Bidding system can help you find low quotes
  • uShip lets you check out contractor reviews
  • Provides a secure payment platform
  • No guarantee you’ll get competitive bids
  • You might not find a driver who fits your needs
  • Contractor quality can vary significantly

Read our full uShip review.

Best for moving labor: HireAHelper

If you just need some help getting items in and out of your rented moving truck for a small move, HireAHelper is a great place to look. HireAHelper is an online marketplace that allows you to hire movers on an hourly basis.

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

  • 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
  • Loading items into and out of mini storage units

Labor providers are generally less expensive than professional movers and they’re often more flexible, too, especially for local moves. One flight of stairs and standard repair coverage are included in your quote.

Best Labor Only
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93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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93% of users select this mover

However, there is a two-hour minimum for moving labor help — which might be longer than you need for a small move.

Pros/Cons

  • Can choose full-service movers or loading/unloading help
  • One flight of stairs and standard repair coverage included in quote
  • Real-time availability for last-minute moves
  • Rates tend to be 20%–40% below industry averages
  • Easy online quoting process with upfront pricing
  • Doesn’t provide packing supplies or furniture pads
  • Two-hour minimum for professional movers
  • Helpers can’t drive your moving truck
  • Will need to hire multiple sets of helpers for long-distance moves

Read our full HireAHelper review.

Comparing the best moving companies for small loads

Here’s an overview of our picks for the best moving companies for small moves:

Moving company Best for Moving services Types of moves Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating State availability
MiniMoves Overall Small moves, storage, furniture shipping Local, long-distance, and international A+ 46 states (not available in AL, ND, SD, or VT) + Washington, D.C.
uShip Online marketplace Marketplace to connect with moving services Local and long-distance A+ 50 states
TSI Large items Residential moves, office moves, storage unit moves, auto shipping Long-distance A+ 48 states (not available in AK or HI)
U-Pack Shipping containers Shipping containers and freight trailers Long-distance A+ 50 states + Puerto Rico and Canada
HireAHelper Moving labor Full-service moving labor, packing/loading and unloading assistance Local and long-distance B+ 50 states

Why van lines aren’t your best option

When preparing for a small-load move, many movers consider hiring a van line to help with their move. While this might seem like a good alternative to a full-service moving company, there are many issues that come with choosing a van line for a small-load move:

  • Minimum weight requirements: Many of the larger van line companies, like North American Van Lines, have a minimum weight requirement to book a move. For North American Van Lines, it is 500 pounds, meaning even if your move weighs less than that, you will be charged at the 500-pound minimum rate. This can add extra costs to especially small moves.
  • Minimum size requirements: While not all van lines have a weight requirement, some do require that your items be a certain square-footage. With a small move, some van lines may turn down your move for not taking up enough space in the truck.
  • Charge minimums: Even if some van lines don’t have weight minimums, some have charge minimums. For example, International Van Lines has a long-carry minimum of $400. For those making a small move of just household goods from apartment to apartment, it is likely you will need to book a moving company that offers long carry, meaning the truck has to park more than 75 feet from your door. Even if you only have two pieces of small furniture, you will need to pay at least $400 for this service when working with International Van Lines.
  • Extra built-in fees: One of the benefits of using a full-service van line like United Van Lines is that you don’t have to worry about buying moving blankets or straps to keep your items secure during transit. These items are part of the flat fee you pay when you book your move with United Van Lines. The problem is, if you are just moving household items and no furniture, you are still paying for these items in the base cost, even though you won’t be using them.
  • Lost or damaged items: Many van lines, like American Van Lines, require customers with smaller loads to share trucks with other customers. As a result, it is more likely that your items could be mixed with another customer’s items upon delivery. Even if you have a truck to yourself, all that empty space could cause your items to knock against the sides of the truck, damaging them during transit.

Of course, the items we mentioned above don’t apply to all van lines because some companies, like Allied Van Lines, also offer a line of portable storage containers, which could be helpful if you’re making a move that is too small to meet their size requirements or only want to ship an item or two.

Either way, anyone making a small move should ask many questions of a van line before booking their move. Ask about size and load minimums, as well as whether or not your items will be sharing a truck with another customer, to ensure you have all the available information before coming to a decision.

Small-load moving options: How to move your things

If you don’t have a lot of stuff, there are tons of different ways to handle your move. Here are some options for how to handle a small move.

Rent a truck and move yourself

Many small moves are easy to do on your own. Choose between a van rental, large SUV, or pickup truck, depending on how much you’re moving. Some moving truck rental companies like U-Haul make it easy to rent a small trailer for those moving a studio apartment or similarly sized household.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to pay gas, mileage, and tolls with this moving method and ensure your vehicle has a hitch capable of pulling a trailer. Small truck rentals are well-suited for studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Move in your own car

Depending on your vehicle size and type, you can pack your vehicle and move everything yourself. It’s the cheapest way to move on this list, but it also means you’ll have to focus on fitting everything you own into your car or truck.

Rent a moving container

You can use a moving container company like U-Pack, PODS containers, or 1-800 Pack Rat to get your items to your new home with flexibility.

Container sizes vary, but typically, containers range from eight to 16 feet. All moving containers are ground-level for easy loading and weather resistant, so you won’t have to worry if you need to leave them in your driveway for a few days. U-Haul also has a small moving container option called U-Box that is recommended for those who will need storage solutions with their small-load move.

No matter which company you choose, they will drop off their container in your driveway or parking space, giving you time to load it at your leisure. Most container rentals also include 30 days of free storage with long-distance moves, and you can often purchase short-term or long-term storage space so you can take your time moving.

Hire professional movers or labor-only movers

The most expensive but least labor-intensive way to move is to hire professionals. Choose a mover that specializes in small moves or hire one of the best moving labor companies to pack and load your items for you — whether it’s into a container or a rental truck.

What to look for in a small-load moving company

So, what factors matter most when choosing a small-load moving company? Aside from the initial pricing you get when you receive a quote, here are a few things to be mindful of when shopping for companies for small moves:

  • Minimums: Many moving companies have what they call minimums, referring to the minimum size move they will perform. If your move is smaller than their minimum (usually based on weight or household size), they won’t handle your move. Look for companies that don’t have minimums or who specifically offer small moves.
  • Availability: Make sure a preferred mover is available on your desired move date. When possible, being a little flexible about your exact moving day can make it easier to coordinate with a moving company.
  • Type of estimate: The moving industry uses many different types of estimates. For example, a binding estimate offers flat-rate pricing that represents the maximum cost for your move. A ballpark estimate, on the other hand, is really more of an educated guess, and can vary significantly from your final total cost. Make sure you know what type of estimate you’re getting.
  • Years of experience: Small moves often involve transporting fragile objects. Make sure that, in addition to proper licensing, a potential mover has ample experience transporting the type of items you need moved.
  • Reviews and referrals: Ask a mover for referrals or check out their reviews online to get an idea of the pros and cons of working with them before you commit to anything.
  • Cancellation policy: Your situation can change quickly with a small move. Be sure you understand a mover’s cancellation policy and fees before you make a reservation.
  • Storage needs: If you will need storage at some point in your move, you’ll want to ask if the moving company offers storage solutions and whether or not they can pick up and deliver at self-storage facilities, as many companies have trucks that are too large to do so.

Small-load moving costs

Whether you’re working with local moving company or having your items shipped across the country, the cost of a small move can vary widely. It should come as no surprise that a DIY move in which you rent a moving truck and do all the heavy lifting will be much cheaper than a full-service moving company.

Regardless of how you want to handle your small move, there are several factors that will come into play for your moving estimate.

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Factors affecting small-load moving costs

The following are some of the most important factors that will influence your moving quote for a small move:

  • Total size and weight: Some movers charge an hourly rate for small moves, while others charge a minimum fee based on the size and weight of your move.
  • Move date: Moves will be more expensive on weekends and from May through September, when there is more demand for moving services. Similarly, many movers charge extra for last-minute moves due to the increased logistical challenges of coordinating these moves.
  • Distance: The farther you need to transport your items, the more your move will cost due to mileage, gas, tolls, and other expenses incurred by the mover. For small moves, there is usually a flat-rate fee for different mileage amounts.
  • Special handling requirements: Expect to pay extra for fragile items or items that require crating or some other kind of extra handling. Many movers also charge extra for small moves that require going up or down flights of stairs (this is common in apartment building moves).
  • Storage options: If you’ll need temporary storage for your items, ask your mover what storage solutions they offer. Be mindful that this will increase your total quote, as will more customized options like climate-controlled storage units.
  • Add-on moving services: Some movers charge extra for related moving services like furniture disassembly and reassembly, while others include it in their base quote. Be sure to ask if you think about add-on services if you’ll need this kind of help.

Preparing for a small-load move

What should your moving checklist look like when prepping for a small move? Here are some key considerations for these types of moves:

  • Downsize. When your goal is to only move the essentials, it’s worth downsizing and decluttering before your move date. Start discarding, donating, and selling rarely used items weeks before your move to get the most bang for your buck.
  • Pack and prep your items. You can save a lot on your move by taking care of packing, furniture disassembly, and other related tasks yourself, especially for non-fragile items. You can often get packing supplies like boxes from neighbors or businesses, or you can buy boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other supplies from a store like Home Depot. You can also use your own towels or linens to pad fragile items inside boxes.
  • Keep essentials with you. Pack a bag of essentials that you can keep with you throughout the move. This should include important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, and anything else you might need if the rest of your shipment arrives late.
  • Get a quote. Last but not least, be sure to get moving quotes from multiple movers. Make sure the estimate covers all the moving services you’ll need, and ask if the company offers flat-rate pricing. Get at least three quotes so you can find the option that works best for you.

Not sure if your move is small enough for the companies on this list? You can also check out our picks for best moving companies and best interstate movers for more options.

FAQs about small load moves

What kind of moving companies do small moves?

Not all professional movers do small moves, in fact, many don’t. That’s why it’s important to do your research. Get quotes from several movers to see what it’ll cost to move a small amount of items. You can always use DIY options like a small rental truck for a small move or a container company to handle small shipments.

How do I tell if my move is a small move?

Movers use formulas to calculate the size of your move. You can also do this by measuring the length, width, and height of your times and multiply the numbers together to get cubic feet measurements. Then, use an online calculator to convert the cubic feet to pounds for a rough estimate. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to do a video walk through with a customer service agent. Alternatively, some movers will send someone to your home to take an accurate estimate.

What is the average cost of a small load move?

The average cost of a small move depends on the professional moving company you hire, what you are shipping, and how far you need to move it. Most companies charge by the hour for local moves and by weight and mileage for long-distance moves. You’ll also want to ask about additional charges for packing and unpacking, long carries, elevators, and accessibility issues, as well as the cost of any add-on services you might need. When using professional help, expect to pay between $400 and $2,300 for your move, depending on weight, mileage, and other factors.

What’s the cheapest way to move a small amount of furniture?

The cheapest way to move a small amount of furniture is always going to be to do it yourself. If you’re moving furniture, you’ll likely need to rent a small moving truck and get a few people to help you move it safely. You may also need to buy or rent furniture pads or moving blankets to protect your furniture while it’s in transit.

However, it’s important to note that while cheap, the DIY moving process can create some logistical headaches and increase the chance of damage to your belongings. Hiring a professional mover will take some of the legwork and worry off your plate, so it may be worth the extra money.

What are the cheapest days to hire small-load movers?

The cheapest days to hire movers for small loads is usually during the middle of the week, when there is less demand. Doing a midweek move instead of a weekend move can potentially result in significant savings.

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