What is considered a small move?
Small moves typically involve relocating a limited amount of belongings that will require a smaller vehicle and fewer resources. Think: anywhere from a few boxes to the contents of a small apartment.
However, definition of a small move can vary depending on the moving company. For example, it may refer to:
Moves with lighter loads: some moving companies might say this is anything under 2,000 pounds.
Moves involving smaller homes: like a studio, one-bedroom apartment or a dorm.
Partial household moves: like moving only a few rooms' worth of furniture.
Single-item moves: like moving just one item, like a piano, couch or major appliance.
Local moves: like moving only a few miles with minimal belongings.
Check with your moving company to see how they define a small move.
Is it worth hiring professional movers for a small move?
In many cases, hiring a moving company for a small move is worth it. Consider these points when making a decision:
Time savings: Even for a small move, movers can typically complete the job much faster, helping you stay on schedule and freeing up your time for other tasks.
Expertise: Professional movers generally have the experience to safely handle your items, minimizing the risk of damage to furniture, fragile items and other belongings.
Efficiency: Movers come equipped with the right tools, packing materials and transportation, making the process more organized and efficient.
Physical strain: Moving heavy or bulky items on your own can be exhausting. Professionals can do the lifting so you avoid physical strain and possible injury.
Stress reduction: Having pros handle the logistics lets you focus on settling into your new space without worrying about every little detail.
What impacts the cost of a small move?
Pricing for small moves will vary by company. For example:
Flat fees. A mover might charge a flat fee, which means you’ll know the total cost upfront. This can help you avoid any unexpected expenses that can come with other pricing structures.
Hourly rates. This means the total cost will depend on how long it takes the movers to relocate your items. Sometimes, movers can provide a pretty accurate estimate of how long the move will take if they understand what (and how many) items you need to move.
Moving companies may consider these factors when determining a price:
Distance and total miles
Number of movers needed
Gas and fuel costs
Additional services, such as packing and furniture assembly
For your small move, request a personalized cost estimate from a professional so you can see the breakdown and compare options. You can also read our movers cost guide for more helpful information.
When should I consider hiring a professional for a small move?
There are a few scenarios where you might want to hire small moving services. For example:
You’re downsizing to a smaller house.
You’re a college student returning home for the summer.
You’re moving a few pieces of furniture from one home to another.
You have a small business that needs help relocating office equipment or furniture within a single building or to a nearby location.
You should also consider a small moving company if you don’t have the necessary moving supplies and equipment, such as a truck, dolly, moving blankets and more.
How much do movers cost?
When accounting for moving costs, you can generally expect to pay around $30 to $50 per mover, per hour. However, these costs could change and you should compare movers in your city to estimate the true cost of your move.
Moving companies usually provide a team of at least two individuals depending on the size of the job and the objects to be moved. This hourly rate also changes with driving distance. And, moving specialty objects such as pianos can also drive up the cost. Some moving companies may provide a free estimate even offer a flat rate if the job.
For more information on moving costs, read Thumbtack’s cost guide on movers.
How far in advance should I hire movers?
Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.
May through September is typically considered peak moving season. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.
What is considered a local move vs. a long-distance move?
Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour.
The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles.
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Local Move |
A move under 50 miles |
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Long-Distance Move |
A move over 50-100 miles or over 400 miles; may also be called an “interstate move” or “out-of-state move” |
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Out-of-State Move |
A move that crosses state lines; may also be called an “interstate move” or “long-distance move” |
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Interstate Move |
A move that crosses state lines; may also be called an “out-of-state move” or “long-distance move” |
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Intrastate Move |
A move that begins and ends in the same state, typically beyond 50 miles |
Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.
A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles.
To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.
How much does it cost for long-distance movers?
Long-distance movers transport your belongings across the country for you. No more renting a trailer and road-tripping from state to state with your entire house hitched to your bumper. Long-distance movers make the move happen so you can fly to your new home, suitcase in hand, and wait for your furniture to arrive. Nationally, the average price range for long-distance movers is $1,490-$2,230. The distance you are moving and the number of cubic feet the movers have to transport will both affect cost. Another factor in long-distance moving costs is whether you choose to pay for an exclusive move or a consolidated move.
In an exclusive move, which is more expensive, your belongings are the only cargo on the moving truck. The movers travel directly to your new house and deliver your belongings on a scheduled day. A consolidated move is more affordable because the movers transport your belongings along with those of other people, saving them time and gas — which means you save money. The downside is that your belongings typically arrive with a two-week delivery window rather than on a prescheduled day. Read reviews to make sure you can trust the company with your possessions to ensure a peaceful moving process.
Can you move furniture by yourself?
You might be able to move smaller items like nightstands, small desks, chairs and small tables by yourself. However, it’s best to get a professional mover near you to move larger items such as couches, dressers, armoires and televisions.
If you do decide to move furniture by yourself, carefully lift and lower items and take your time.
Is it cheaper to move your stuff or buy new stuff?
It often makes more financial sense to buy new stuff when you have the chance to sell furniture to offset the cost. The cost of moving your current furniture can sometimes be more than buying new things, particularly if the furniture is large or cumbersome to move. You can sell furniture online, or make a furniture donation and deduct it from your taxes (if it qualifies as a charitable contribution). Some places near you may even offer free furniture pickup when you choose to donate.
If you have valuable furniture that would be costly to replace, however, it may be cheaper to move them. To find out which option is best for you, contact professional movers in your area to receive quotes and estimates.
