With many people from older generations downsizing for retirement and many from younger generations adopting a more minimalist lifestyle, living small or with fewer things is becoming increasingly common. Regardless of whether you’re moving out of a tiny house and into a studio, or out of a shoebox condo and into a houseboat, you may be on the fence about hiring a professional moving company due to the small size of your move. However, many people are surprised to find that a successful small move requires a similar amount of planning and care as a larger move.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
A great moving experience starts with an overview of the best moving companies and an assessment of your needs. Finding and booking the right mover takes time, but rest assured, you’re in the right place. Using Today’s Homeowner’s proprietary methodology, I’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you by narrowing it down to the top five best moving companies nationwide for small moves. I rated movers on reputation, cost, service offerings, and more to help you make an informed choice. I also included sample quotes to give you a realistic idea of standard pricing for each company — though it’s important to note that these prices will likely be lower for a small move. Your final moving cost will factor in things like distance, space or weight, and time of the year.
By partnering with a reliable moving company, you can save money, avoid scams, and ensure a smooth moving experience from start to finish. When choosing a provider, it’s important to look at your move from all angles to find the company that will best be able to meet all of your unique needs. Consider things like long-term storage, additional insurance coverage, higher-value items, and custom crates, just to name a few.With hundreds of movers to choose from, finding the right fit can seem like a major hassle. I’ve done some of the legwork for you by putting together the best moving companies, including a mix of brokers and carriers as well as full-service and self-service options. Read on to learn more about my top recommendations, and how to determine which one is right for your small move. Let’s cross “find a mover” off your list.
Top 5 Moving Companies For Small Moves
- My top recommendation for small moves goes to Moving APT. Thanks to an extensive network of 2,500 partners, this broker offers a wide range of services for moves of any size across a broad geographic area. Moving APT’s prices are a little higher than industry standard, but they make up for it with rare perks like price matching and home staging, as well as a quick and easy booking experience and a helpful app for all your moving needs. If you’re moving small on a small budget, you don’t mind doing some legwork, and you’re in a first-floor apartment or a small house, I recommend U-Pack. This is a DIY-friendly, affordable container company with a flexible cancellation policy, guaranteed fast delivery, and rainproof containers that hold the contents of a small apartment while fitting into a single parking spot.
- When we talk about small moves, we’re usually talking about the weight involved. A small move tends to have a household weight — of all of your furniture and other items — under 2,000 pounds. It’s not easy to guesstimate this weight, but a moving representative can help. You might be on the fence about hiring professional movers if your move is small, but it can be very stressful to try to take care of everything yourself, regardless of move size. If you’re moving a small apartment or a one-bedroom house — or maybe you’re a minimalist and you don’t own many things — looking for a moving company with small-move experience is a good idea (and you’re in the right place).
- Trying to figure out if a full- or self-service mover is right for your small move? Simply put, full-service companies handle all the big stuff, including disassembling, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, and reassembling. Many full-service movers also provide add-ons like piano moving, junk removal, and car shipping. Full-service movers are more expensive but take on more of the stress and planning inherently involved in moving. On the other hand, self-service movers — a popular choice for small moves and small budgets — handle transportation and delivery while leaving the rest to you. These are great for DIYers, but you should be aware that packing supplies can be expensive and you’ll have a lot more on your plate.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
My top recommendation for small moves is Moving APT. With a network of 2,500 partners, APT offers a wide range of moving services and negotiates some of the most competitive prices among carriers. No matter how small your move is or how unique your needs are, there’s a good chance one of Moving APT’s partners can help. From affordable white-glove services to the rare perk of home-staging, Moving APT has a lot to offer for small moves. A price-matching policy and a quick and easy quoting process are nice bonuses.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly mover — and you’re willing to do most of the legwork yourself — U-Pack is a solid DIY alternative and a popular choice for small moves. This self-service moving company’s containers are small enough to fit into a single parking space but large enough to hold the contents of a small apartment. This particular option doesn’t offer much in terms of customization or unique services, but it’s a flexible, affordable, and highly efficient alternative if you’re planning a small move on a small budget.
My top recommendation for small moves is Moving APT. With a network of 2,500 partners, APT offers a wide range of moving services and negotiates some of the most competitive prices among carriers.
Moving Companies for Small Moves I Didn’t Include
There are many quality moving companies with experience handling small moves, and a top-rated mover that didn’t make my list is JK Moving Services because they’re more expensive than most companies. They’re an excellent mover, but many small moves happen between apartments — and on tight budgets —and stair and elevator fees can add up fast.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies for Small Moves
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
American Van Lines (AVL) earned the distinction of “Most Transparent Pricing” here at Today’s Homeowner, standing out from other moving companies with small-move track records because of its commitment to clear pricing. Notably, AVL displays sample pricing and special deals prominently on its website, which offers city-specific blog posts and comprehensive details on services, expenses, and expertise. This is perfect if you’re planning a city-to-city apartment move and have a fixed budget. Moreover, AVL’s website provides a fairly accurate quick quote feature, which also helps to predict costs.
Similar to Safeway Moving, AVL maximizes reliability and service quality by acting as a carrier with its own fleet of trucks along with experienced, thoroughly vetted moving crews. AVL goes a step further by training all employees in-house.
American Van Lines doesn’t provide some additional services like car shipping, home staging, or junk removal, but these often aren’t needed with smaller moves. While AVL is a strong option for interstate moves within the contiguous United States, this mover only manages local moves in North Carolina, Dallas-Fort Worth, and South Florida. If you’re planning a local move, a long-distance move to Hawaii or Alaska, or an international move, I recommend checking out Moving APT instead.
It’s also worth noting that AVL usually requires a higher up-front deposit — around 50% — to secure a moving date. If flexibility is a priority, consider U-Pack, an overall affordable container company that doesn’t require a deposit.
American Van Lines is a reliable choice with experience moving homes of all sizes. We gave this mover an overall score of 8.5 thanks to the accessible sample pricing, customer support, strong reviews, and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). AVL has made an effort to create a helpful website and provide accurate sample quotes, which makes it easy to compare them with other companies to find the best fit for your small move. When I called for a quote, my representative assured me that AVL crews undergo twice-annual training sessions and boast an average of 10 years of moving experience per employee — a big plus in my book.
AVL operates exclusively within the lower 48 states, and lacks local services, similar to Safeway Moving. However, AVL is one of the best movers for antiques, and this provider offers specialized care for pianos as well as luxury amenities like climate-controlled personal storage facilities. With a proven track record of employing highly skilled teams to handle individual artworks and entire collections with care, AVL is my top recommendation if you’re an art collector.
We gave American Van Lines a 9 out of 10 in this category for providing most standard services along with some high-end options like climate-controlled storage vaults and specialized solutions for valuables. This is great if you’re moving from small to smaller, or just need temporary storage for your higher-value items. AVL is a top choice for small long-distance and interstate moves, with high-quality standard solutions like packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and secure storage. However, it’s important to note that this mover doesn’t offer international moving or local moving nationwide.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes (in select states) |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Getting a quote from American Van Lines was easy, and my full-service quote included 50 boxes and 30 days of free storage, plus disassembly, reassembly, padding, wrapping, loading, and unloading. My representative gave me a heads-up that the boxes alone for my mattress and TV would run me $300 — worth noting especially if you’re considering self-packing and purchasing your own packing materials. The quote for my two-bedroom, 760-mile move was as follows:
- Packing services only: $1,355
- Transportation without packing: $4,302
- Full service (transportation with packing): $5,455
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario for a single-family home from Omaha, NE to Nashville, TN, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary, depending on the required additional services and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
If you’re considering handling all the packing yourself, I recommend comparing the cost of packing materials from your chosen moving company with those available at local stores. As I mentioned, the boxes for my mattress and TV alone would cost about $300, and if you have a lot of large furniture or unique items that require custom crating, it can get expensive fast — even with a small move. AVL offers city-specific promotions and seasonal deals, including an annual spring promotion, so be sure to inquire about these offers when calling. As with most movers, fall and winter are the best times to move affordably, and you should ideally inquire two months before you’d like to move.
We gave American Van Lines a 7 out of 10 for its customizable options, as it offers most standard services needed for small moves, but not much beyond that. While AVL provides specialized services such as piano and antique moving, it lacks junk removal, car shipping, and home staging services. If you’re seeking a broader range of services for your small move, like professional home staging to help sell your condo faster, consider Moving APT — the only mover on this list to offer this rare service.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
We gave American Van Lines a perfect score in this category, thanks to an A+ rating with the BBB, a solid reputation, and mostly positive reviews across various platforms. Happy customers praise the mover’s outstanding customer service and punctual deliveries. Negative reviews mention unexpected costs and unreliable service. As with most other moving companies, a low Yelp score is standard, and American’s is better than most.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.1 out of 5 stars | 441 |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 59 |
| 4.2 out of 5 stars | 933 | |
| Yelp | 2.3 out of 5 stars | 446 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Positive reviews for American Van Lines emphasize reliable support with prompt responses, and customers praise representatives for their seamless coordination and efficiency. Satisfied customers especially praise AVL for its thorough communication and flexibility.
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
Unhappy customers express frustration over carelessness, leading to damaged items and shipments, and a common point of contention seems to be miscommunication around pricing.
Thanks to American Van Lines’s commitment to clear pricing, including sample costs on the website and detailed price breakdowns in estimates, this mover received a category score of 8.7 — one of the highest transparency scores out of all the companies we review — along with the title of “Most Transparent Pricing.” Points were lost only because of the lack of customer service hours and additional fees posted on the website.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
We gave Safeway the title of “Best Flat-Rate Pricing” thanks to prices being based on space rather than weight. This approach is different from most movers and increases transparency and accuracy in quotes. Add its own fleet of trucks and in-house crews, and Safeway is a solid choice for minimizing surprises on moving day. You know who’s showing up and how much it’ll cost you, which is greatly beneficial if you’re moving small on a tight budget. Because Safeway takes measurements during the price quote process, this mover delivers more precise estimates compared to the weight-based systems used by other companies. If you bring an organized, well-detailed inventory list for your small move to your call with Safeway, you can be sure you’ll get an accurate estimate with comparatively little room for negative surprises.
Similar to American Van Lines, Safeway’s commitment to quality includes climate-controlled trucks and specialized protection for pianos and valuables like art. AVL is another quality choice for people with particular moving needs that require extra attention and care. If you think the space-based system makes sense but you’re looking for a more DIY-friendly option for your small move, check out U-Pack — an affordable, efficient self-service container option that also prices by space.
Like American Van Lines, Safeway doesn’t cater to local moves, so if you’re moving between apartments in the same city, you’re better off looking at Moving APT for full-service local moving or U-Pack for a DIY move. Another important thing to note is that, despite operating as a carrier, Safeway only offers GPS tracking on select trucks, requiring manual tracking for trucks that don’t have it. If in-house tracking is a priority for your long-distance move, consider American Van Lines or Mayflower Moving.
Unfortunately, Safeway’s website is poorly designed and lacks essential features and information, such as an FAQ section, and provides only minimal insight into what services they offer, so you’ll need to call for more details.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy mover to help with specialized services for your small long-distance or international move, Safeway is an excellent choice. If your unique needs include moving higher-value items like art collections, check out American Van Lines, which has similar services along with highly vetted and trained crews for moving valuables. Remember, however, that both movers lack local moving services for small moves, so this is only applicable if you’re moving long-distance.
In-depth information about Safeway Moving’s services and pricing for small moves isn’t readily available on the company’s website, so you’ll need to speak to a customer representative for more details. If you choose to work with Safeway, note that you’ll need to call the truck driver directly for updates on the shipment or estimated arrival times. If the convenience of GPS tracking is a must, consider American Van Lines or Mayflower Moving.
We gave Safeway 8 out of 10 points in this category, thanks to providing a reliable option for small moves which includes free storage and a fairly wide range of basic services. However, this mover lost points due to the lack of local moving services. If you’re moving locally, Moving APT might be a good option. As opposed to American Van Lines, Safeway does offer international moving.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | No |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Similar to the other quotes in this article, my Safeway quote was for a two-bedroom house. Generally speaking, you can expect a lower price for a smaller move. My quote included assembly and disassembly, 30 days of free storage, basic packing materials, and smaller fees like fuel surcharges and origin and destination fees. It also included a $75 one-time elevator fee and one flight of stairs (up to 12 steps). Additional flights would cost $75 each. Getting the quote was pretty straightforward, but it did take four days after my initial phone call to receive the quote in my email.
Regardless of your chosen provider, if you plan to go with a self-packing option, I recommend comparing the price of packing materials from your mover with those at your local stores. With Safeway, my TV, mattress, and treadmill boxes alone would cost me around $425. So, there’s room to save on materials and packing if you’re moving small on a small budget. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, be sure to check out U-Pack, an excellent self-service option.
For my two-bedroom, 760-mile move, Safeway quoted me:
- Self-packing option: $4,533
- Full-service option: $5,318
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario for a single-family home from Omaha, NE to Nashville, TN, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary, depending on the required additional services and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
My Safeway representative didn’t offer me any discounts over the phone or via email, so I followed up and asked directly for a discount. I was offered a $250 first-time customer discount, but only if I booked that same day. I played it cool, and said I wasn’t ready to book yet. A few days later, my rep sent an update letting me know he’d been able to secure another $300 discount for me. It’s always worth asking your company rep for available discounts — chances are you’ll receive at least a small one. If you’re not in a severe time crunch, try laying low for a week to see if you can get them to lower the price even more. Additionally, Safeway’s website mentions discounts for a range of groups, including veterans, seniors, students, teachers, and first responders, so be sure to ask about any discounts you may be eligible for.
Safeway Moving received a strong customization score thanks to offering most common moving services needed for moves of any size, including car shipping and custom crating, but not home staging (check out Moving APT if that’s a priority). Standard furniture assembly and disassembly are included in pricing, and packing materials are available for purchase. Along with American Van Lines, Safeway is a top choice for piano moving, thanks to its use of climate-controlled trucks and an added protection option for valuable instruments. Each Safeway move includes basic valuation coverage at $0.60 per lb., which is standard in the industry, with a maximum cargo protection of $10,000.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
We gave Safeway a 9 out of 10 in this category despite this mover’s B- rating on the Better Business Bureau. This is largely thanks to its overwhelmingly positive reviews across various platforms. As noted previously, most moving companies have low Yelp ratings — suggesting potential limitations or biases within the platform itself rather than reflecting the quality of the companies reviewed.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B- / 4.01 out of 5 stars | 142 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 38 |
| 4.1 out of 5 stars | 252 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 out of 5 stars | 66 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Safeway Moving
Satisfied Safeway customers mention unexpected discounts, responsiveness during the quoting process, and the ability to reach friendly and helpful customer support at all hours — throughout the moving process.
Most Common Criticism for Safeway Moving
Displeased Safeway customers tell of broken furniture and inadequate packaging. Some customers mention outsourced moves despite Safeway’s claim of operating solely as a carrier. If you think Safeway could be a good fit for you, be sure to talk to your representative about valuation coverage for adequate protection against potential loss or damage during your small move.
We gave Safeway Moving a lower transparency score due to a lack of sample pricing on its website and limited GPS tracking availability. Tracking isn’t guaranteed at the time of booking and varies among trucks. Safeway does provide a quick quote feature online, but I recommend preparing a detailed list of items and measurements and calling customer service for an accurate quote, as this is the best way to take full advantage of Safeway’s space-based pricing structure. Safeway is transparent about being a carrier rather than a broker, but as I mentioned previously some customers still report instances of outsourced work.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT offers a comprehensive range of services for small moves, thanks to being a broker with 2,500 moving partners nationwide. Moving APT leverages its extensive network to negotiate the most competitive prices among carriers. With an easy and efficient quoting process, this mover avoids the lengthy calls and email exchanges many other movers require for an accurate quote. The company has a price-matching policy that matches any quote from another reputable moving company — a huge plus in my book. This is the only mover on our list to offer home staging for small moves.
Moving APT might negotiate the best price for your small move, but service quality may vary since it depends on the moving partner chosen to handle your move. This inconsistency — a common problem among brokers — can manifest in communication issues and unexpected estimate changes. Make sure you understand the difference between working with a carrier versus a broker before you make your choice. Moving APT’s website, like Safeway Moving’s, isn’t very user friendly. While it does contain a lot of helpful information, it’s too complicated and confusing to navigate.
Moving APT offers a wide range of services at affordable prices, including home staging. Thanks to having one of the nation’s largest networks of moving partners, Moving APT is a dependable choice that can cater to many specialized moving needs. With more than 20 years of experience, this mover has reliability, expertise, and a track record of success. Whether home staging is a necessity or simply an attractive option to alleviate your moving burden — however small in size — I recommend Moving APT for an affordable full-service package with lots of room for any unique needs you may have.
As Moving APT is a broker, its tracking services are limited, but as always, it’s worth asking your representative if you can opt to get matched with a company that offers it. If not, consider buying Apple AirTags to attach to a few of your items. You may or may not be able to get real-time updates like this, but you should be able to locate your shipment in case of accidental loss or a moving scam.
Watch the video below to better get to know this top-rated moving company.
We gave Moving APT a perfect score here for offering everything you could need for your small move, from local moving to storage solutions. APT provides industry-standard limited liability protection at $0.60 per lb., along with a full-value protection plan that includes a $500 deductible. If you choose to work with a broker, I recommend increasing your coverage, partly because your third-party moving partner might not uphold Moving APT’s values or commitment to service quality, and partly because brokers tend to put all the responsibility on said moving partner when it comes to any claims needing to be resolved. As always, talk to your representative about the best coverage option for your small move.
At the time of this writing, Moving APT offers all of the services below:
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Despite prices that are slightly higher than industry average, Moving APT is an affordable moving option, considering the nearly unparalleled range of specialized services they offer. An easy way to make moving with Moving APT more affordable is taking advantage of their same-day booking discount. In my quote, booking on the day of my call would save me a whopping $1,356. Like Safeway, Moving APT offers 30 days of free storage, but its packing services are expensive if you don’t choose full service and book on the same day. Without the same-day discount, packing alone would cost me around $2,000, which is a lot higher than the other movers on this list. If Moving APT is a top choice for you, be sure to call with a plan to take advantage of the same-day booking discount, and as always, ask your representative for additional discounts as well.
For my two-bedroom, 760-mile move, my quote with Moving APT was as follows:
- Packing services only: $2,047
- Transportation without packing: $6,000
- Transportation with packing: $7,856
- Transportation with packing using a same-day booking discount: $6,500
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Omaha, NE to Nashville, TN, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
To make your small move as affordable as possible with Moving APT, there are a few things you can do. The first is to provide your name and email after using Moving APT’s quick quote tool. This will automatically give you a 15% discount. The second is to provide your representative with a three-day moving window — this will give you an additional so-called flex discount. I like these types of discounts because they’re beneficial to both the company and its customers. In addition, this mover provides discretionary discounts for various groups, including seniors, military personnel, and early bookers. You’ll get the best savings with Moving APT by booking at least two months in advance.
We gave Moving APT another perfect score for customization, thanks to an extensive range of options made possible by its huge network of moving partners, and thanks to including the rare service of home staging. If you’re selling a condo or a small house, professional staging can be a great way to inspire buyers and sell your home faster. According to Moving APT’s website, they partner with licensed and insured auto shipping companies to safely and efficiently move your vehicle. They also sell packing materials and provide custom crating. However, it’s important to note that these tend to be expensive, so again, it’s worth comparing prices for materials.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
While Moving APT has a larger presence on review platforms than some other moving companies, such as Mayflower Moving, it lacks the large numbers of online reviews that larger companies have accumulated. Due to its absence on Trustpilot, but generally positive reviews on other platforms and a B+ on the Better Business Bureau, we gave Moving APT a 7.8 out of 10 for reputation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+ / 3.53 out of 5 stars | 15 |
| 3.7 | 244 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 171 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Happy customers praise this provider’s stellar customer service and reliability — both from representatives over the phone and on-site crews on moving day. From prompt responses to inquiries, to attention to detail and professionalism, Moving APT’s commitment to high standards of professionalism is clear from reading reviews.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Negative reviews mention unexpected charges, delivery delays, and generally poor moving experiences with unprofessional local crews. In a network of over 2,500 partners, I think it’s realistic that some partners will fail to uphold Moving APT’s commitment to quality. Brokers can be excellent companies and solid choices for moving. However, if you feel the need to have a little more control over who’s showing up on moving day, consider partnering with a carrier instead, and be sure to check out Safeway Moving — a carrier with an in-house team and its own fleet of trucks.
In the category where we feel this mover is lacking most, we gave Moving APT a 5.3 out of 10 for transparency — the lowest on this list. While Moving APT clearly states its status as a broker online, business hours, clearly listed pricing, and additional fees are largely absent on a poorly designed website. This mover also lost a point for a lack of GPS tracking. As is common with brokers, APT can’t guarantee tracking services because it doesn’t conduct the physical move itself, but contracts it to a third party. If you’re determined to use Moving APT for your small move but tracking is a priority for you, talk to your rep about the possibility of using a third-party tracking system, or check out my tip from a previous section on using Apple AirTags to track your belongings. If you’re hoping to find a different moving company with reliable GPS tracking, look into American Van Lines or Mayflower Moving.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
With U-Pack, a highly rated, BBB-accredited mover, you only pay for the space you use, and you don’t have to put down a deposit to secure a container. U-Pack is a smart option if you’re willing to handle most of the legwork to have more control over your small move and stick to a strict budget. While it’s important to note that U-Pack lacks the many services or customizations of full-service companies on this list, you may not require that many bells and whistles if yours is a straightforward, no-frills, first-floor small move.
U-Pack combines Safeway Moving’s straightforward space-based pricing system with American Van Lines’s pricing transparency, and I highly recommend this container company for all my DIY movers out there. Consistently topping our lists of best moving container companies, U-Pack offers trailers for rental and weatherproof steel containers available in three sizes.
U-Pack is a self-service option, meaning the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking is up to you. You’re responsible for making sure every item is securely packed, and you disassemble and reassemble furniture. U-Pack does partner with a third-party service to handle the labor, but at that point, you might as well consider other full-service options. U-Pack has other limitations, like not offering international moving, car shipping, or custom crating. This mover also has limited services for moving antiques and other highly valuable items. However, these are all limitations you’d expect to find with a self-service container company.
Moving small on a small budget and not afraid to put in some work? U-Pack is the budget-friendly DIY solution for you. We gave U-Pack a low overall score mainly due to the lack of international moving and customization options. However, U-Pack has a solid reputation and a strong transparency score. This mover partners with another company called Moving Staffers to service customers who want to outsource loading and unloading. However, as I mentioned, you should look at full-service movers like Moving APT if you’re not down with doing the legwork for your move.
U-Pack offers three sizes of weatherproof steel containers, and your customer service representative will help you determine which one is right for your small move. After the company drops off the container at your home, you have three days to load it, after which U-Pack delivers the container to your new location. You then have three days to unload the container before U-Pack retrieves it. A huge bonus is the option to make a free reservation and cancel with no penalty up to one business day before your container is scheduled to arrive. This stands in contrast to many other movers’ lack of flexibility. With U-Pack, you can lock in a quote without worrying about being out a small fortune if your plans change. Overall, U-Pack offers one of the most cost-effective moving strategies out there. If you’re seriously pinching pennies these days — and with the rising cost of living, I can’t blame you — this is the mover for you.
U-Pack is a stellar option for small moves that are local or long distance. Most small moves occur locally or within the United States, so the lack of international moving might not be a huge limitation for you. U-Pack offers the option of loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking for you but only through a third-party vendor, Moving Staffers, which isn’t covered by the liability options U-Pack offers.
This mover stands out among moving companies for small moves for providing storage options up to 120 days, which can be really helpful if you plan on traveling between moves. This is compared to the window of zero to 30 days that most other companies offer.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes* |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes* |
| Storage Services | Yes |
*U-Pack works with third parties for these services.
Cost
It was easy getting a quote over the phone from U-Pack. With pricing based on space rather than weight, it’s the ideal option for DIY moves that are small or heavy. The quote for my two-bedroom, 760-mile move was as follows:
- Transportation without packing: $2,365
- Transportation with storage: $3,487
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Omaha, NE, and Nashville, TN, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
U-Pack’s unique pricing system could potentially save you a lot of money, especially if you’re used to packing your car the Tetris way, and you know how to really stuff that container. It’s always worth asking your U-Pack moving consultant for advice on additional strategies to save, but neither my representative nor the U-Pack website offered much insight into potential discounts. Check out my cost-saving tip for some general advice.
We gave U-Pack the lowest customization score on this list because of its lack of industry-standard services like junk removal, car shipping, and custom crating. While this mover does offer valuation coverage, neither carrier negligence liability nor catastrophic liability covers damages resulting from poor packaging — even if the work was done by Moving Staffers, U-Pack’s partner.
| Customization Options | Availability |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | No |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
U-Pack is BBB accredited with an A+ score on the platform, along with generally strong reviews and a surprisingly high Yelp score. Satisfied customers mention excellent experiences with representatives during the quoting process, ongoing updates throughout the move, and competitive rates. Unsatisfied customers mention broken items and a poor experience with the mover’s third-party service partner. As I mentioned previously, I only recommend U-Pack if you’re willing to do most of the work yourself while letting a mover handle transportation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.38 out of 5 stars | 199 |
| Trustpilot | 2.6 | 223 |
| 4.1 | 41 | |
| Yelp | 4.3 | 36 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for U-Pack
Customer service is commonly mentioned, highlighting in particular the friendliness and attentiveness of representatives and crews. Customers with positive experiences say the pricing was reasonable and the process was smooth.
Most Common Criticism for U-Pack
Criticisms mostly highlight broken items upon delivery and miscommunication issues. There’s also frustration over the company’s poor coverage options and failure to take responsibility when accidents with trucks result in damage to or complete loss of shipments.
U-Pack scored an 8 out of 10 in this category, thanks to providing comprehensive information about their services, including sample pricing, a quick quote feature, and a tool indicating customer service availability and support wait time. U-Pack won an additional point for providing reliable GPS tracking options, but lost points due to the absence of clearly listed additional fees on its website, though I’m wondering if there simply aren’t many additional fees involved in its comparatively straightforward pricing model.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving is the only company on this list with a program explicitly dedicated to small moves. This mover consistently ranks in our top moving companies for apartments, and its Snapmoves program caters to small homes, apartments, dorm rooms, and storage units. Mayflower’s website has a dedicated page explaining the growing need for this service and how it’s tailored to the unique needs of small moves. Mayflower’s Snapmoves program offers a solid range of customization options, including car shipping, valuation coverage, full-service packing and unpacking, junk removal, cleaning, home theater setup, and antique moving. Mayflower also offers cleaning services as part of their Snapmoves offerings. Like most moving companies, they lack home staging services. Be sure to check out Moving APT if this is a priority for you.
We gave Mayflower the title of “Best Technology,” thanks to their MyMayflower portal — a comprehensive, customizable app that lets you easily book your move online, keep track of your moving milestones, and organize moving contacts. It also contains a wealth of helpful moving tips, including how to update your address, voter registration, and utility providers.
All long-distance moving companies legally have 21 days after your first available delivery date to deliver your shipment. However, Mayflower offers two levels of service to deliver your move in a timely manner: Standard, which guarantees delivery within a 5-day window, and Priority, which provides day-certain delivery for an extra fee.
The reason that I made Moving APT my top recommendation and not Mayflower, the mover with a program catering specifically to small moves, is because it’s hard to nail down Mayflower’s reputation. They’re absent from several key review platforms, and lack the number and quality of reviews of other companies on this list.
Mayflower’s quoting process is fairly involved compared to those of other movers on this list. With Mayflower, I was able to get a ballpark estimate, however, for an accurate and binding quote with a detailed breakdown of expenses commonly included with small moves — like stairs and elevator fees — I would have needed to do a virtual survey of my items. While I prefer movers that make it easy for customers to gather quotes and compare different companies, it makes sense for some to need a survey to enhance quote accuracy.
As I mentioned, Mayflower Moving offers most services you’d need for a small move, including local and international moving services, antique moving, and custom crating. The MyMayflower portal is a one-stop shop for all your moving needs, and a great way to handle your move from booking to move-in tasks. Snapmoves — Mayflower’s small-move service — is focused on apartments, condos, and small houses. It also offers services for other small moves like helping parents into assisted living, distributing family heirlooms, moving kids into college dorms, and moving small offices and businesses. Snapmoves includes full-value protection with every move and lets customers mix and match services and pay only for what they need. Mayflower says all Snapmoves crews have experience with small-move needs like small spaces, narrow stairs, and elevators.
While Mayflower lacks a presence on most review sites, its parent company Unigroup (which also owns another moving company called United Van Lines) does have a presence with low review scores and quite a few complaints that specifically mention Mayflower. Aside from the general lack of feedback, I’d say the amount of online criticism aimed at Mayflower is reasonable for this mover’s size. Mayflower’s website dedicates a detailed page to small moves, but finding information beyond that was challenging. My representative was reluctant to go into detail and provide a specific quote without a virtual survey.
Mayflower also offers the option to pay a small additional fee for a shorter-than-normal delivery window or a guaranteed delivery day, giving you more certainty over when your things will be arrive. This is something I really value, and it’s worth considering adding to your services.
Mayflower Moving got a full category score here thanks to a wide range of basic services. If you’re looking for a specialized moving program for your small move, and the lack of customer reviews doesn’t bother you, there’s a good chance Mayflower is a stellar choice. This mover offers full packing services, storage, and a wide range of other services. Snapmoves was created for small moves, so you can be at ease knowing Mayflower’s crews are aware of the potential complexities involved.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
With Mayflower Moving, I was only able to get a ballpark estimate. If this mover seems like a good fit for you, a customized quote is just a virtual survey away. According to my research, Mayflower’s prices are slightly below industry standard, so it’s worth getting a quote to compare.
The ballpark estimate I received for a 760-mile, two-bedroom home move:
- Transportation without packing: $2,500 – $3,300
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Omaha, NE, to Nashville, TN, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
My Mayflower representative didn’t offer any discounts over the phone, and without a virtual survey they were reluctant to give me more details about pricing. The website lacks information about potential discounts for seniors, veterans, or other groups. For the best savings, I recommend taking a similar approach with Mayflower as with most other movers — booking as early as possible, avoiding spring and summer, aiming for a weekday, and providing a flexible window. Mayflower doesn’t require a deposit.
With Snapmoves — Mayflower Moving’s program catered towards small moves — you can mix and match services to fully customize your move and pay only for what you really need. Mayflower offers a personal move coordinator, assembly and disassembly of basic furniture, full value protection with every move, and add-ons like junk removal, car shipping, and packing materials for purchase. Mayflower lost points in this category due to a lack of home staging but mainly because add-on services aren’t guaranteed to be available in every location.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Out of the movers on this list, Mayflower Moving has the smallest number of reviews available, and a low review score on Trustpilot. Also important to note is their lack of presence or reviews on Google and Yelp and the fact that they share a BBB page with other subsidiaries of their parent company Unigroup. Happy Mayflower customers said representatives and on-site crews were helpful and professional. Unhappy customers mention inconsistent customer service, issues with local crews, and a frustrating claims process.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 1.3 out of 5 stars | 33 |
| Trustpilot | 2.4 out of 5 stars | 6 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Mayflower Moving
Mayflower Moving’s own website contains testimonials from clients saying they had a great moving experience. With the general lack of reviews, it’s not surprising that there aren’t many positive reviews for Mayflower. Happy customers mention that customer service representatives and on-site moving crews alike were professional, responsive, and careful with items.
Most Common Criticism for Mayflower Moving
The majority of criticism aimed at Mayflower involves broken furniture, delayed deliveries, inadequate packaging for fragile items, and a lack of support from the claims department after items were damaged.
We gave Mayflower a fairly low score for transparency, and this mover lost points due to a lack of sample pricing and clearly listed additional fees. Mayflower does offer binding estimates, a quick quote feature, GPS tracking, an easy booking system, and posted customer service hours. The website clearly states that this company operates as a broker/carrier, which means you may end up working with one of their partners for your move.
What To Look for in a Reputable Moving Company for Small Moves?
While it may seem unnecessary to hire professional movers for a small, straightforward move, the process probably takes more time and is more stressful than you might imagine. Choosing the right company is essential, and with the sheer number of movers available, there are some important factors to consider when making this decision:
- Pricing: Try to gather detailed quotes from at least two or three movers. Compare prices, discounts, inclusions, and exclusions. Look for transparent pricing with additional fees listed, and be critical of companies with suspiciously low rates — this is usually a sign of scammy movers, subpar services, or hidden fees that will show up later in your moving process. A small long-distance move generally costs more than $500 but less than $5,000.
- Reputation and experience: Look for movers with explicit experience handling small moves. Read reviews, and give special attention to feedback about small moves. Most reputable movers are able to show track records, and both positive and negative reviews will give valuable insight into reliability, trustworthiness, and professionalism. The Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google are all good places to start looking.
- Customer service: The initial inquiry is often very positive and responsive, but this isn’t always an indicator of reliable customer service throughout the entire moving process. Pay attention to everything from your initial conversation, the time it takes to receive a quote, and the attention given to questions you ask before paying your deposit or starting your move. Look for clear communication and a representative who addresses your concerns in a timely manner. Responsiveness in several initial steps, along with positive reviews mentioning reliable customer service throughout the process, is a sign that the moving experience will be smooth.
- Services: Look for companies that offer services relevant to your small move, like storage options, fragile-only packing, extra insurance coverage, and flexible scheduling options.
- Insurance and licensing: Make sure your mover is licensed, insured, and compliant, by checking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to verify their status for intra- and interstate moves, and inquiring with your state’s transportation agency about specific licensing requirements.
How To Avoid Scams for Small Moves
Moving scams are common throughout the United States, and even the smallest moves can fall victim. This is especially true during the spring and summer months, when there’s an increase in moving crime. You need to be proactive to protect yourself from scams like moving companies overcharging you, holding items hostage, or disappearing with your shipment. I recommend getting quotes from at least two or three movers and being aware of these common red flags:
- A suspiciously low estimate or a lowball quote without an on-site inspection
- Requiring cash or suspiciously large deposits (more than 50%)
- Pressuring you into agreeing as quickly as possible
- Asking for signatures on blank or incomplete documents
- Not showing licensing information on their website
- Failing to provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” (federally required to provide to all customers)
With moving scams on the rise, the FMCSA created a free resource to help protect your move. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a moving scam, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General immediately.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost for Small Moves?
The average cost of a moving company for small move is $110 per hour, and the total move cost ranges from $500 to $3,000. For the best deal possible, check out our guide on negotiating with a moving company.
Do You Need a Moving Company for Small Moves?
You do need a moving company if you prefer to outsource most or all the work for your small move, or if you have a lot of specialty needs like fragile items, valuable art, or piano or car shipping. If your move is simple and you’re on a tight budget, consider doing some or most of the work yourself. For small moves without fragile items, I recommend using a container service like U-Pack. If you’re committed to a full-service move, consider selling or donating larger or heavier items you can buy cheaply in your new location, as well as items you’re no longer using.
Are Moving Companies For Small Moves Worth It?
A moving company is worth it for your small move if you’re looking to outsource the majority of the work and stress associated with moving. Read our article about the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional moving to find the perfect approach for you. For all our best tips on how to prepare for a move, check out our complete moving checklist and survival guide.
Other Resources for Prospective Movers
- Best Moving Companies
- Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
- Best Cheap Moving Companies
- Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
- Best National Moving Companies
- Best International Movers
- Best Apartment Moving Companies
- Moving Quotes Online
- Best Moving Container Companies
- Cheapest Moving Container Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Seniors
- Best Packing and Moving Companies
- Best Apartment Movers
- Best Pet Shipping Companies
- Best Junk Removal Movers
- Best Piano Moving Companies
- Best Full-Service Moving Companies
- Best Antique Moving Companies
