Compare Small Load Moving Companies

Small-load moving is the perfect solution for people who need to move a few boxes or furniture items. It's also great for those who want to avoid paying the high price of full-service moving companies but still want their stuff moved safely and efficiently. Fortunately, there are professional movers who can help you with your last-minute move! We're here to tell you about how to hire same-day movers, as well as how to organize a last-minute move and some tips for making sure your next move goes smoothly no matter when it happens.

Company Company Name Local and Long Distance Offers
Auto Shipping
Rating Details
Allied Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.8
North American Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.7
Bekins Van Lines
Yes
No
4.5
American Van Lines
Yes
No
4.3
Arpin Van Lines
Yes
No
4.2
Author: Helen McKenzie
January 25, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

What Does a Small Load Move Mean?

A small load move is a service typically used for smaller items, like furniture or boxes. It’s sometimes called a “mini-move” or “light load.”

The main difference between a small-load move and a full-service move is that you don’t have to hire movers for everything — you can just hire them to help with the things that are too heavy for you to move on your own.

Small-load moves are often cheaper than full-service moves because they require fewer people, less time, and less equipment.

Here Are Common Examples of Small Moves

Small moves may include:

Moving to a Dorm Room

Moving into a dorm room is one of the most common small moves people make. You’ll be moving into a room with furniture, so you don’t have to worry about packing it up or buying new items. Just make sure you have enough space in your new room for all your stuff!

One-Bedroom or Studio Apartment Move

Moving into a one-bedroom or studio apartment is another typical small move. Again, it involves a small amount of furniture, like a bed, dresser, and desk. The main difference between this type of move and moving into a larger space is that there is no need for storage space since you’re downsizing your belongings!

Moving Down the Street

This is a typical example of a small move.

When you move down the street, you’re moving from one house to another in your neighborhood. This is a small move because it involves little distance and it’s not very difficult to do — you don’t have to pack up all of your belongings and drive them somewhere else, for example.

Moving Only Specialty Items

If you’re moving only specialty items, like antiques or other valuables, it’s best to get in touch with a professional mover. Moving companies specializing in moving antiques will have the experience and expertise to ensure your items arrive at their new home safely.

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Is It Worth It to Hire Movers for a Small Move?

If you’re moving from one apartment to another, or even from your home to a storage unit, it may seem like hiring movers is an unnecessary expense. After all, you’re only moving a few boxes and personal items–why should you pay someone else to do something that seems so simple?

But there are quite a few reasons why hiring movers is worth it in this case! Here are just five of them:

  1. You’ll save time:Moving can be exhausting and stressful, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself. Hiring movers will allow you to focus on other aspects of your life while they take care of the heavy lifting.
  2. Save money:Hiring movers will save you time and energy and save you money on gas and other expenses associated with moving yourself. The more stuff you have in storage or around your house before moving day, the more likely these expenses will add up quickly!
  3. You’ll reduce the risk of injury:Moving oversized items around can be dangerous if they don’t have proper support or protection from breakage during transport. However, with professional movers on hand, all of these risks are eliminated because they know exactly how much weight each piece should carry and how best to protect it from damage during transit.
  4. You’ll get more done in less time:If you don’t hire professionals, then not only will your move take longer but also, you’ll be exhausted and frustrated by the end of it. Your friends and family may be willing to help, but they’re not trained professionals who can move quickly and efficiently.
  5. You don’t have to spend hours trying to figure out how much space each box takes up so that everything fits perfectly into the truck (and then try again when it doesn’t).
  6. You won’t have to worry about loading or unloading your car or truck — your movers will do that for you!
  7. If you’re moving across state lines or internationally, hiring movers can save you money on shipping costs because they usually include those fees in their quote upfront instead of charging them separately at checkout.

How to Choose the Best Small Load Moving Company

When you’re moving, you want to be sure that your belongings will be taken care of and treated with respect. That’s why hiring a small-load moving company that has been around for years, has excellent reviews, and is well-known for its professionalism is essential.

Here are some tips on how to choose the best small load moving company:

  1. Check out their reviews:If they have any reviews on Google or Yelp, take a look at them before making any decisions about whether or not this is going to be the right company for you. You’ll want to make sure that people who have used this company in the past have had positive experiences with them before deciding whether or not it’s right for your own needs!
  2. Ask for references:Ask friends/family members if they know anyone who has used this particular business before; if so, ask them their thoughts on the experience (both good and bad). This can help give insight into whether or not this is going to be worth your time overall when trying different options available out there today!
  3. Be Sure They Have Insurance Coverage for Your Items:Your belongings need to be appropriately insured while being transported from one location to another, especially if they’re being shipped overseas. Make sure that any potential movers have proper coverage before hiring them for your project!
  4. Get Quotes From Multiple Companies:You’ll want to get at least three quotes from different companies before deciding which one is right for you. This way, you can compare prices and services offered by each one.
  5. Ask about their equipment and experience with small loads:A good small-load moving company will have years of experience in the industry and know exactly what they are doing. They will also have the right equipment for moving your items safely and efficiently.
  6. Check their license:Before hiring any company, ensure they have all the proper licenses and permits to operate in your area. This will ensure they can legally move your items and provide quality service.

Average Cost of Small Load Moves

The average cost for short-distance moves is between $200 and $500, depending on how far the distance is between your two locations. Some movers charge by the hour and others by a fixed rate.

Long-distance moves are more expensive than short-distance moves because they require more time and coordination between moving companies to get everything done smoothly and safely. The average cost for long-distance moves is between $999 and $3,000, depending on the distance.

However, there are still some other factors that affect pricing:

  • The weight of your load
  • The number of stairs you have to climb
  • If you need to move furniture through a narrow space (like a hallway)
  • The type of vehicle used for transportation
  • The time of day you need your small load moved
  • The number of stops along the way
  • If you have any items that require special care

Ways to Save Money on Small Moves

If you’re planning on moving, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the cost of everything involved. But there are ways to save money on small moves that don’t require sacrificing quality or convenience. Here are some tips:

Plan Ahead

You’ll save money by planning your move well in advance, so ensure you have enough time. If you’re moving during peak season (summer), expect to pay more for movers.

Do It Yourself

If you have the time, equipment, and know-how, there’s no reason not to make your move on your own. You’ll save money on labor costs and won’t have to pay for a moving company’s insurance policy or fees.

Ask Friends and Family for Help

Moving is hard work, so if anyone nearby can lend a hand, take them up on their offer.

Compare Prices

When booking your move, compare prices from different movers before deciding on one. This way, you’ll know exactly how much each option costs and can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

Ask About Fees

Many companies charge extra fees for packing materials or fuel charges, among other things; ask about these fees before booking, so there are no surprises later on down the road!

Choose a Moving Company With a Flat Rate Instead of an Hourly Rate

A flat rate will give you an idea of what your move will cost upfront, so there are no surprises when they show up to do the job. This allows you to budget effectively and know precisely what to expect when it’s time to pay.

Ask About Special Deals or Discounts

If you’re moving on a budget, asking about special deals and discounts is vital. Some companies offer discounted rates for first-time customers, while others may offer special rates for senior citizens or veterans. Some moving companies also offer discounts if you book online.

Declutter

One of the easiest ways to save money on a small move is to declutter your home. Of course, if you have a lot of excess stuff, it will cost more to move it. However, if you can get rid of some items before moving day, you’ll save money on packing materials and labor costs associated with loading and unloading the truck.

Pack Yourself

Hiring movers is more efficient, but it’s also more expensive. If you have the time and energy, packing yourself can save you hundreds of dollars in moving fees. Plus, it’s nice to know where everything goes!

Don’t Buy Too Much Packing Material

You can get cheap boxes from the grocery store or use newspaper instead of bubble wrap or packing peanuts (which aren’t biodegradable).

Use Your Car

If you have a car with enough space for the things you need to move, consider using it instead of hiring movers. You’ll save money on gas and insurance costs, plus it’s easier on your back!

Author: Helen McKenzie
January 25, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

Helen McKenzie is a writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has always loved writing and started writing for her school newspaper and eventually became a staff writer for a major metropolitan publication. More recently, Helen has been a member of the iMove Research Team, where she seeks to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about products and services available to consumers. In this role, she has conducted extensive research on topics such as moving companies, storage solutions, and real estate.

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