The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Moving Companies for Small Moves

Moving can be overwhelming, even if you’re just moving small. Between packing, hauling, and dealing with challenges like furniture disassembly and storage, hiring a moving company will save you time, energy, and money – even if you’re just moving a studio.

There are a lot of moving companies to choose from. With so different many options and services, it can be tough to find the right small movers for the job.

Fortunately, Moving Feedback’s got you covered. In this in-depth guide, we’ll take a look at the top moving companies for small moves, and how you can make moving day easy.

What qualifies as a small move?

In the moving industry, a “small move” usually involves moving just a few items or a small apartment. There’s no real weight limit, but the general rule of thumb is nothing much higher than 1,000 pounds.

The benefits of hiring a moving company for small moves

We know what you’re thinking. “I’m just moving an apartment. Do I really need movers?”

Short answer: Yeah. Trust us.

Long answer: Packing is a pain, and whether you’re boxing up an apartment or boxing up a mansion, it’s still going to take more time than you expected. Plus, unless you have some really good friends, it’s a universal truth that everyone you know will suddenly find themselves oddly busy on the one day you need help moving.

Another hangup people usually have is the price. But look at it this way: Movers may seem pricey, but how many hours of work are you going to miss if you decide to DIY? If you’re going to lose some money, you may as well enjoy a stress-free move while you’re at it.

Hiring movers cut the stress out of the entire equation, and when you run the numbers, it may not be as expensive as you’d expect. Plus, movers can provide packing supplies, equipment, and insurance for greater peace of mind.

We’re not saying you should avoid DIY at all costs. In fact, there’s a lot to be said for trying to handle it yourself. But there are certainly cons.

DIY Pros:

• You have complete control over the process
• It can be cheaper than hiring a moving company
• You get to take some time off work

DIY Cons:

• It’s physically demanding
• You might not have the necessary equipment and packing materials
• You’ll be responsible for any damage to your belongings
• Unless you’re moving midweek, there goes your whole weekend
• You’ll miss out on work – and your paycheck will show it

“Oh, I’ll have plenty of energy to move after clocking out on Tuesday” Yeah okay good luck

Hiring a Moving Company Pros:

• Movers can save you time and energy
• Equipment and packing supplies are usually included
• Movers assume responsibility for damage
• Don’t have to sacrifice your schedule

Hiring a Moving Company Cons:

• It can be more expensive than doing it yourself
• You won’t have complete control over the process

A small move can cost anywhere between $200 and $1000, but the price you pay for a small move depends on a few different factors. Of these factors, the most important is the weight of your belongings (how much stuff you’re hauling) and how far everything has to move.

Aside from weight and distance, you’ll have to add up the costs of any extra services you may need.

Let’s take a look at how you can estimate the price ahead of time.

How to estimate the weight of your small move

The first step to estimating the price of a small move is to get a rough tally of how much your stuff weighs. You probably don’t have a scale big enough to fit your bed or your refrigerator, but you can get a bird’s eye view by doing some online searches for similar mattresses and appliances online.

You don’t need to tally up the weight of everything – just the biggest items. Remember, you’re going for a ballpark figure. Next, all you have to do is call up a mover and let them know how much you’re expecting to move. They’ll be able to provide a quoted price that reflects how much stuff you’re moving.

Sound like too much work? Don’t worry.

Fortunately, many movers (including the ones on our list) will provide either online utilities or in-home estimates for weighing out your move.

They’ll give you the option to plug in the items of furniture you’re moving, and in some cases, they can even send a representative to your place to sum everything up, with no obligation.

When it comes to choosing a moving company for your small move, it’s essential to find one that is reliable, affordable and offers the services you require.

Here are the top moving companies for small moves:

1. Moving APT
2. Adams Van Lines
3. iMoving
4. Native Van Lines
5. Pricing Van Lines

A small move can be stressful without the right help. Here are some tips to help you choose the right movers for the job.

What to consider when choosing a moving company for small moves:

1. Experience

One of the most important factors when choosing a moving company for small moves is their experience. You’ll want a mover that has plenty of experience with moves of all sizes, especially moves that are on the littler size.

This means they’ll know how to handle your move more easily, including navigating any tight spaces that might come with a smaller apartment.

2. Services

Another factor to consider is the services offered by the moving company. Make sure that your mover offers any additional services that you think you’ll need, such as packing, loading, and unloading.

Each extra service offered by a mover is one less thing for you to handle yourself, and that means a much smoother experience on your end when it’s finally moving day.

3. Pricing

Of course, you’ll need to keep pricing front and center when planning out your move – even if you’re just moving down the hall.

You’ll want to compare prices from multiple moving companies to make sure you’re getting a fair and reasonable price.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best, and some more expensive movers may offer some sweet discounts.

4. Reviews

Google and Yelp are great places to start, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg.

If you really want to do a deep dive into your movers, ask your family and friends about their own experiences with moving companies to see who you should consider, and who you should avoid. Don’t forget dedicated review websites (such as yours truly).

Once you’ve got a list of potential moving companies, it’s important to compare them to see what’s on the table. Here’s how:

• Get quotes from multiple moving companies to compare prices.
• Look at the services offered by each company to see which ones best meet your needs.
• Read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the company’s reputation.
• Ask for references and follow up with them to get a better understanding of the moving company’s services.

Before signing a contract with a mover, it’s important to read everything carefully.

You don’t want to sign anything without fully understanding what’s being offered, and what you’ll be paying for.

Here are some points to look for:

• Make sure the contract includes all the services you require, including packing, loading, and unloading.
• Ensure that the pricing is clearly stated and that there are no hidden fees.
• Look for information on insurance and liability to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move.

If you haven’t contacted professional movers before, you may be a little apprehensive. We get it – we would be, too. Here’s how you can make sure you’re dealing with a solid company.

• Research the moving company thoroughly before hiring them. Look for reviews from previous customers and check their ratings with the Better Business Bureau.
• Check their licensing and insurance information to ensure that they’re a legitimate moving company.
• Avoid companies that ask for a large deposit or cash upfront, as these are often signs of a scam.

Even a small move can be a stressful occasion. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you out.

How to pack for a small move:

You’re moving less stuff, and that’s a great start. But you can always make packing easier…

• Start packing early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Use proper packing materials, such as bubble wrap and packing paper, to protect your belongings.
• Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.
• Keep your packed boxes in a staging area to keep loading simple.
• If your move is going to take more than one day, pack some luggage or a backpack with your basic necessities, like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes.

Tips for loading and unloading a small move:

A TV is heavy and awkward, whether it’s coming out of a mansion or coming out of an apartment.

Here’s how to make loading easier:

• Make a plan for loading and unloading beforehand so you always know where things belong.
• Use dollies or hand trucks to move heavy items.
• Take breaks and stay hydrated to avoid injury.

How to protect your valuables during a small move:

Don’t break your back, and don’t break your stuff. Take a look at how to protect the goods:

• Use padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile items.
• Keep valuable items with you during the move.
• Take photos of valuable items before packing them to document their condition.
• If you’re booking pro movers, ask about insurance options.

How to prepare for moving day:

Moving day can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make it easier on yourself.

Here are some moving day tips:

• Pack a moving day essentials kit with items like snacks, water, and a first aid kit.
• Confirm your moving company’s arrival time and address to avoid any delays.
• Keep important documents with you, and move those yourself to avoid any mix-ups.
• Set aside some cash for the tip ahead of time.

By following these tips, you can make your small move stress-free and ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

How long does a small move take?

On average, a small move can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It all really depends on how much you’re moving, and how far your stuff has to travel.

Keep in mind, some movers will bundle multiple different moves in one truck to cut down on wasted space. Your move may take a little longer while the truck makes pickups or drop-offs along the way.

How do I avoid moving scams?

Research is the best weapon against scammers. Make sure you’re doing a deep dive into any moving company on your radar, and make sure you get multiple quotes from different companies before pulling the trigger and booking a move.

If a price seems too good to be true, or if a mover is requesting you pay a huge amount up front, it could be a bad sign.

Can I pack my own belongings for a small move?

You can definitely pack your own belongings if you’re moving small. However, moving companies can provide packing materials, and their moving teams can pack your belongings much more efficiently.

Additionally, full coverage insurance options are usually only available if your movers do the packing the first place. Speaking of insurance…

Do I need insurance for my small move?

It’s always a good idea to have insurance for your small move. Some moving companies offer insurance options, or you can purchase insurance through a third-party provider.

Moving companies are federally required to provide a minimum amount of coverage, but this minimum is only $0.60 per pound of items lost or damaged. If you want full compensation, you’ll need full coverage.

How do I estimate the weight of my small move?

There are a few ways to estimate the weight of your move: You can look up your belongings (or similar belongings) online to find their weight and crunch the numbers yourself. You can use an online moving cost calculator on a moving company’s website.

Or, you can contact a moving company that offers an in-home estimate, and they’ll send a representative to check out your place for an accurate estimate.

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

• Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
• Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
• Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
• Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
• Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
• Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

Get in Touch with the Top Moving Companies for Small Moves

A small move can be surprisingly stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ve seen the list of the top moving companies for small moves, and you’ve seen some tips and tricks to make the moving day even easier. Now, all you have to do is get in touch with one of our recommended movers.

If you’re ready to start your move, contact one of the movers on our list and let them do the heavy lifting. And don’t forget to keep checking in with Moving Feedback to get the latest info on how to make moving easy!

Recommended Resources

• Best Cross-Country Moving Companies
• Best National Movers
• Best Commercial Movers
• Best Local Movers
• Best Interstate Movers
• Best Coast to Coast Movers

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