Best Moving Companies for Small Moves in 2025

Best Moving Companies for Small Moves in 2025

Relocating, especially for a small move, can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you’re moving out of a studio apartment or a one-bedroom home, choosing the right moving company is crucial for a smooth transition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top-rated moving companies for small moves, compare their services and pricing, and provide practical tips to help you save money and reduce stress.

What Defines a Small Move?

A small move typically refers to relocating belongings that weigh less than 2,000 pounds, which is roughly the size of an average one-bedroom or studio apartment. Most moving companies categorize small moves based on the volume of items rather than the distance. If your move falls into this category, you have two main options: hiring professional full-service movers or handling the move yourself with DIY solutions.

Top Moving Companies for Small Moves

Based on industry experience, service offerings, and customer reviews, the following companies stand out as the best options for small moves in 2025:

American Van Lines

• Offers flat-rate pricing with all-inclusive services.
• Conducts background checks on employees.
• Provides price matching if you receive a better deal from another company.
• Only offers local moves in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
• Does not have a mobile app.

Allied Van Lines

• Available for local moves in all 50 U.S. states.
• Does not require a deposit to book a move.
• Offers 24/7 GPS shipment tracking.
• May charge more than other moving companies.
• Does not offer customer service hours on nights and weekends.

International Van Lines

• Provides 24/7 customer service.
• Offers 30 days of free storage with each move.
• Provides discount codes online and a 15% discount for senior citizens.
• Only offers local moves in Florida and Texas.
• Has a history of inaccurate estimates in customer reviews.

U-Haul

• More affordable rates than most competitors.
• Offers DIY options like rental moving trucks, portable moving containers, packing supplies, and self-storage services.
• Has a convenient mobile app for truck booking, check-in, drop-off, and more.
• Does not offer full-service moving options like loading, unloading, and packing.
• Requires refilling moving trucks with gas after usage, which can add to costs depending on the distance.

Zippy Shell

• Offers DIY-friendly portable storage units.
• More affordable than traditional full-service movers.
• Provides customer service hours on weekends.
• Only available in 36 U.S. states and Washington D.C.
• Does not offer full-service moving, but can recommend local movers to help with loading and unloading.

Cost of Small Moves

The average cost of a small move is $2,356, based on quotes collected for one-bedroom moves across various distances. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the moving company, distance, and additional services required. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for different moving methods:

*Penske rate does not include fuel costs.

Partial-Service vs. Full-Service Movers

When planning a small move, you can choose between partial-service and full-service movers:

• Partial-Service Movers: These movers handle the heavy lifting, such as loading and unloading, but leave the packing and preparation to you. This option is more cost-effective and ideal if you don’t need packing services.
• Full-Service Movers: Full-service movers handle every aspect of your move, from packing and unpacking to loading and unloading. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive.

DIY Moving Options

If you’re on a tight budget, DIY moving options can save you money. Here are some popular DIY solutions:

• Rental Moving Trucks: Companies like U-Haul offer affordable rental trucks for self-moving.
• Portable Moving Containers: Services like Zippy Shell and PODS deliver containers to your home, which you can pack and then have shipped to your new location.
• Self-Storage Services: Many moving companies offer self-storage options if you need temporary storage for your belongings.

Tips for Saving Money on Small Moves

Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your small move:

• Declutter and Downsize: The more items you have to move, the more expensive the move will be. Consider selling or donating unwanted items to reduce your moving inventory.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Ask for estimates from multiple moving companies to find the most competitive price. Collect at least three free quotes before making a decision.
• Hire a Container Company: Container companies like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT are a cheaper alternative to hiring movers, especially if you have extra space and time to pack.
• Reduce Moving Time: If you hire movers, you can reduce costs by cutting the time it takes for them to complete the job. For example, packing your own boxes can save you money on labor costs.

Benefits of Hiring a Moving Company

There are several benefits to hiring a moving company for a local move:

• Save time and effort.
• Reduce the risk of injury from heavy lifting.
• Ensure your belongings are handled with care.
• Get access to professional packing materials and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is considered a small move?

A small move typically involves relocating belongings that weigh less than 2,000 pounds, which is roughly the size of an average one-bedroom or studio apartment.

How much does a small move cost?

The average cost of a small move is $2,356, but costs can vary based on the moving company, distance, and additional services required.

What are the benefits of hiring a moving company?

Hiring a moving company can save you time and effort, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure your belongings are handled with care.

Are DIY moving options cheaper?

Yes, DIY moving options like rental trucks and portable containers are generally cheaper than hiring full-service movers, but they require more effort and time.

How can I find a local mover?

You can find moving companies near you by searching the internet or asking friends and family for recommendations. Make an informed decision by collecting quotes from several moving companies and reading their reviews.