Small Load Moving Companies: A Guide to Your Options

Small load moving companies offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for those with limited space or a small number of items to move.

These companies specialize in transporting small loads, often weighing less than 10,000 pounds, and can be a great option for college students, military personnel, or individuals with a small household.

They typically use smaller trucks, which can navigate through tight spaces and reduce fuel consumption.

Small load moving companies often have flexible scheduling and can accommodate last-minute moves.

Their services can be booked online or over the phone, making it easy to get a quote and schedule a move.

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Planning a move can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Most moving companies are designed to handle large loads, typically 2000 lbs. and above.

If you're looking to move a small load, you don't need to pay for a full truckload or a whole household of items. Ship Smart specializes in small moves, helping people with loads that are just a few boxes, some furniture, or a small apartment.

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Small moves usually consist of a studio or one-bedroom apartment's worth of belongings, which typically weigh under 2000 lbs. You only need to pay for what you're moving, not for a full truckload.

Our pricing is based on your actual inventory, so you can save money by only paying for what you need. We've been helping people with small moves for 20+ years, so you can trust us to get the job done efficiently.

Ship Smart offers a variety of services, including on-site packing, expedited delivery options, and curbside service, allowing you to tailor your pricing structure to fit your needs.

You can choose from services like U-Pack, which specializes in moving containers, or Bellhop, which provides labor-only services for loading and unloading.

MiniMoves offers small moves, storage, and furniture shipping, and is available in 46 states, including Washington, D.C.

Bellhop offers a pay-as-you-go service, with a 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute, making it a cost-effective option for local moves.

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Here's a comparison of the top 5 moving companies for small moves:

If you're moving a single item, like a piano or a large piece of furniture, you might qualify for small-move pricing.

A studio or small apartment with a total weight of less than 2,000 pounds is another example of a small move.

College dorm moves are often small moves since students typically don't need to transport large furniture.

Relocating fragile or specialty items, such as a pool table or a hot tub, requires extra attention due to their size, weight, and fragility.

Temporary storage during renovation can be a good option for protecting your furniture and belongings from damage during construction.

Here are some specific scenarios where small-move pricing might apply:

We offer a variety of services to accommodate your specific needs. Our pricing structure is flexible, allowing you to choose as much or as little assistance as you require.

You can opt for on-site packing, or save money by packing your own boxes. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, our expedited service options are available. Alternatively, you can choose our deferred service option for a more cost-effective solution.

We also offer full-service inside delivery at destination, or curbside service to cut costs. Our services are limitless, and we're here to help you find the best option for your budget.

Here are some of the services we provide:

Our services are designed to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you're moving a single item or a small apartment, we have a solution to fit your needs.

U-Pack is a great option for small moves, offering a "you pack, we drive" service model that provides more affordable moving options. They deliver a moving trailer or ReloCube to your location, and you're responsible for packing and loading your belongings or outsourcing the work to a third party.

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You can choose from a variety of services, including packing and loading, and they also offer online shipment tracking. U-Pack has a positive reputation for customer satisfaction, with an A+ rating from the BBB and an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 200 customer reviews.

Their containers are made of steel and aluminum, and they offer a range of container sizes, including 6 x 7 x 8 feet and 28-foot moving trailers. You only pay for the space you use, and there's no deposit or initial fees.

Here are some key benefits of using U-Pack:

Keep in mind that U-Pack has limited availability for local moves (under 150 miles), and they don't offer fragile-only packing, furniture assembly/disassembly, or appliance handling.

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If you're planning a small move, you have several options to consider. You can hire a professional moving company that specializes in small moves, or you can opt for a DIY move and rent a moving container or truck.

Some examples of small moves include sending a few items to a friend or family member, moving a small office or store, or helping your parents move to an assisted living facility. If you're moving a single item, like a large piece of furniture or a piano, you may be able to find a company that specializes in single-item relocations.

Here are some options for moving companies that specialize in small moves:

It's worth noting that some moving companies have minimum requirements for moves, such as a minimum weight or size requirement. If you're moving a small load, you may be able to find a company that specializes in small moves and doesn't have these requirements.

To save money on small moves, consider packing yourself, moving yourself and/or enlisting friends, purging items before packing, choosing less expensive moving dates, comparing quotes, and taking advantage of discounts.

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Customer Service is a top priority when moving, and you want to make sure your movers have good customer care in case any issues arise. Companies with high BBB ratings and quick response rates to customer complaints are a good indicator of good customer service.

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A BBB rating of B+ or above is a good starting point, but it's not the only factor to consider. Companies must pay membership fees to be accredited by the BBB, so a low or missing rating doesn't always paint the whole picture.

Online user experience is also crucial, as it shows the company's willingness to educate and help customers beyond their moving day. Look for companies with online tools like moving checklists and calculators, as well as clear and accessible USDOT information.

Moving APT stands out as the only mover to check all the boxes in this category, with a high BBB rating and quick customer complaint response rate. The company's online tools and USDOT information are also top-notch.

Here's a breakdown of the customer support scores for our recommended small-load movers:

Ultimately, a good customer service reputation is built on a company's ability to respond to customer complaints and provide helpful online tools and resources. Look for companies that check all these boxes to ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

MiniMoves offers small moves, storage, and furniture shipping services, with a BBB rating of A+ and availability in 46 states and Washington, D.C. U-Pack provides shipping containers and freight trailers for long-distance moves, with a BBB rating of A+ and availability in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

TSI specializes in large items, offering residential, office, and storage unit moves, with a BBB rating of A+ and availability in 48 states. Ship Smart focuses on fragile items, offering single-item relocations and crating services, with a BBB rating of A+ and availability in 50 states. uShip is an online marketplace that connects customers with moving services, with a BBB rating of A+ and availability in 50 states.

Here are our top 5 recommended moving companies for small moves, along with their BBB ratings and deposit requirements:

If you're looking for top-notch companies for small loads, you're in luck. MiniMoves is our top pick for overall performance, while U-Pack excels at moving containers. For those with a few large items, Transit Systems Inc. (TSI) is the way to go.

If you have fragile or high-value items, Ship Smart is the company to trust. For competitive pricing, uShip is the clear winner. For small local moves, HireAHelper is the perfect choice. And if you need labor help, Bellhop is the company to call.

Here's a quick rundown of the top companies for small loads:

These companies have been thoroughly vetted and offer a range of services to suit your specific needs.

Allied Van Lines offers specialized moving services for small moves and provides portable storage containers. Their Allied Express containers can be especially helpful if you're making a move that's too small to meet their size requirements or only want to ship an item or two.

One notable feature of Allied Van Lines is their comprehensive moving services for smaller moves up to two bedrooms. This includes guaranteed delivery windows and binding estimates.

If you're looking for a more flexible option, Allied Van Lines' portable storage containers might be the way to go.

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Small-load moving companies can vary greatly in terms of pricing, with costs ranging from $50 to $1,200 for a local move and more than $1,000 for a long-distance move.

The cost of a small-load move will ultimately depend on the size and weight of your belongings, the timing of your move, and how far you're moving.

DIY moves can be cost-effective, with moving truck rentals typically ranging from $50 to $300 and moving container companies usually charging an average of around $400–$1,200.

However, not everyone has the time or ability to pull off a DIY move, and hiring a pro mover can cost anywhere from $200–$500 for local moves and more than $1,000 for long-distance moves.

Some small-load moving companies offer competitive pricing, with uShip's online marketplace connecting people with movers and transporters and allowing multiple providers to bid on your move.

The cost of a small-load move can also be affected by additional services such as furniture disassembly and reassembly, special handling requirements, or temporary storage options.

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Here's a rough estimate of the costs associated with small-load moves:

Keep in mind that these estimates are based on 84 cost estimates from 11 moving companies and may vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances.

If you're looking to save money on your small-load move, consider hiring a partial-service mover, which can be more cost-effective for smaller relocations.

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You can choose from a variety of moving companies that specialize in small loads. Some popular options include MiniMoves, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT.

When selecting a moving company, consider factors such as minimums, type of estimate, years of experience, reviews and referrals, and storage needs.

Here are some things to look for in a small-load moving company:

For local moves, you've got a few great options to consider. HireAHelper is a fantastic choice for small local moves, offering hourly labor help with loading and unloading items from your rented moving truck. They're an online marketplace that connects you with local movers, and rates are typically 20-40% lower than industry averages.

One of the best things about HireAHelper is their fast and accurate delivery times, and they offer free damage coverage with additional coverage options available. They also have a $1,000 money-back service guarantee, which gives you peace of mind. If you're looking for additional moving services, HireAHelper can help with in-home assembly, rearranging furniture, clearing items from garages, and loading items into mini storage units.

If you're just moving across town, labor providers like HireAHelper can be less expensive and more flexible than professional movers. Their quotes include one flight of stairs and standard repair coverage, making them a great option for small local moves.

Here are some of the key benefits of hiring a moving company like HireAHelper for local moves:

Just keep in mind that HireAHelper doesn't provide packing supplies or furniture pads, and helpers can't drive your moving truck. They also have a two-hour minimum for professional movers.

When choosing a moving company, consider the type of estimate they offer. A binding estimate provides flat-rate pricing, while a non-binding estimate is more of an educated guess and can vary significantly from your final cost.

Some moving companies have minimum time or size requirements, so look for those that specifically offer small moves. Years of experience is also crucial, especially when transporting fragile objects.

It's essential to read online reviews and ask for referrals to get a balanced view of the pros and cons of working with different movers. You can also check honest customer feedback through the Better Moves Project.

If you anticipate needing storage at any point in your move, ask the moving company if they offer that option. It's also smart to ask if they can pick up and deliver at self-storage facilities.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a moving company:

Having multiple contact options can make the moving process more convenient and smooth. Look for moving companies that offer email, virtual chat, or phone contact, as well as mobile app accessibility.

If you're planning a small move, van lines usually aren't a good fit. Many larger van line companies have a minimum weight requirement, which can lead to higher costs for small moves.

This minimum weight requirement can be a significant issue, especially if you're moving from one apartment to another. The cost can add up quickly.

International Van Lines charges $400 for long carry services, which means the truck has to park at least 75 feet from your door. This is a standard service, but it's still an extra fee.

Built-in fees, like moving blankets and straps, are often included in the flat fee for full-service van lines. However, if you're not moving furniture, you'll still have to pay for these unused extras.

Sharing trucks with other customers can lead to lost or damaged items. This is a common practice for van lines, especially for small loads.

Scheduling and delivery windows can be a major issue with van lines. They specialize in large long-distance moves, so your small load isn't a priority. This can result in longer wait times for both pickup and delivery.

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional moving companies, consider renting a truck and moving yourself. This can be a cost-effective option, especially for small moves, and companies like U-Haul Truck Rental make it easy to rent a small trailer.

You can also move in your own car, which is the cheapest way to move, but it requires fitting everything you own into your car or truck and making multiple trips. This option is ideal for those who are short on space or have a small number of items to move.

Renting a moving container is another alternative to traditional moving companies. Companies like U-Pack, PODS, and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer this service, which allows you to load your items yourself and still get a professional driver to transport them.

If you're not comfortable with the DIY approach, consider hiring a professional moving company or labor-only movers. This is the most expensive option, but it's the easiest way to move, especially for those with a lot of items or heavy furniture.

Here are some alternative movers to consider for small moves:

In Los Angeles, small load moving companies often specialize in local moves, which can be a cost-effective option for those moving within the city. These companies typically have a smaller fleet of vehicles and a more personalized approach to moving.

The city's traffic congestion and parking challenges can make it difficult for larger moving companies to navigate, making small load movers a more practical choice. This is especially true for moves within the city's dense neighborhoods.

Los Angeles' unique geography, with its many hills and narrow streets, also makes it easier for small load movers to operate. They can often fit into smaller spaces and navigate tight corners, making them a better fit for the city's winding streets.

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If you're planning a move in LA, you're in luck because our team of professional LA movers can help with relocation services. Our team has experience handling small moves.

We specialize in transporting small loads, which we define as cumulative weights under one ton. This means we can handle moves of a few pieces of furniture, hot tubs, pianos, and more.

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Our services are perfect for relocating a small office, studio or 1-bedroom apartment, or even helping college students move into their dorms. We've got you covered whether you're moving locally in Los Angeles or across the U.S.

Here are some specific services we offer:

Hiring local movers in LA can be a game-changer for your move, especially for small relocations. Our size categories start from "room or less", making it perfect for small moves.

You can get a competitive pricing without needing a high minimum weight for small loads. Factors like walking distance from our truck to your door and narrow doorways can affect the total hours needed for your move.

We prioritize transparency, so there are no hidden fees or extra charges. Your time and satisfaction are our core values.

Our professionally trained Los Angeles movers are speedy, attentive, punctual, and friendly, specializing in small relocations. They'll wrap each item in blankets and carefully load them onto our truck.

For small moves, your belongings should weigh around 2,000 pounds or less, which can include a range of items like furniture, pianos, and household goods going to various locations.

Los Angeles is a bustling city with a diverse population, and when it comes to moving, you'll want a reliable and efficient service. MuraWay Moving specializes in little moves in the Los Angeles area, providing high-quality services without requiring high minimum poundage.

They charge customers at an hourly rate, making it a cost-effective option for small shipments. This means you can save money on your move, regardless of the size or weight of your belongings.

Their team of experienced and speedy movers will pack and remove all the items that need relocation from your house promptly, ensuring a stress-free relocation. They specialize in both local and long-distance small load movers, making them a great choice for your Los Angeles move.

Their professionally trained and friendly staff always show up on time and ensure the proper level of safety for your furniture and other household or office items during the shipment.

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