10 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves (2023)

Moving can be difficult and time-consuming, even if you only relocate a few pieces of furniture or an otherwise small load. A professional moving company can make your move easier and provide peace of mind that your items are being expertly handled. But with so many professional movers throughout the United States, it’s difficult to determine which are best suited for smaller moves.

The This Old House Reviews Team has researched and reviewed the best moving companies in the industry to help you choose the best one for your needs and budget. Based on our research, we created this guide on the best moving companies for small moves and compared their costs, services, benefits, and downsides.

After in-depth research, we found the following to be the best small-load moving companies:

• International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
• American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
• Moving APT: Best Customer Service
• Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Customer-Oriented
• JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
• 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best Overall Self-Service Mover
• U-Pack: Most Affordable

International Van Lines

• Our take: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
• Our rating: 96 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick for a full-service mover. The company offers full- and partial-service options for local, long-distance, and cross-country moves in the United States. Full-service options include packing and unpacking, specialty services for pianos and antiques, and storage services. IVL is a great choice for small moves, given the company’s ability to adjust its moving packages based on your specific needs.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides specialty services for artwork, antiques, and pianos
✔ Offers custom moving packages based on your needs
✔ Offers multiple contents protection plans

✘ Outsources moves to third-party agents in Washington State, Utah, Oregon, and Montana
✘ Has received negative customer reviews regarding communication issues

Services

International Van Lines allow customers to mix and match services to create partial- and full-service move plans. We found a pricing sheet on IVL’s website displaying costs for several add-on services, which is an uncommon level of transparency compared to many competitors. IVL’s approach to creating moving packages, plus its large network of moving professionals, makes adjusting its offerings for smaller moves simple. Learn more about IVL’s services.

Cost

We received a quote from International Van Lines of $825–$1,650 to move a one-bedroom home from Dallas to Austin, Texas, in late September. This quote includes all transportation and loading services.

Our Take on International Van Lines

International Van Lines is a great choice if you want full-service options for a small move. The company provides a wide variety of moving services, including packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, furniture assembly and disassembly, and storage solutions. Its specialty services are a perk if you have difficult items to transport, and we noted it offers multiple options for contents coverage and third-party insurance plans.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

• Our take: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Our rating: 86 out of 100
• Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)

American Van Lines stands out for its top-notch movers, whom it thoroughly vets before hiring and trains to expertly handle your belongings. All the company’s moving crews must complete ongoing training and certifications for handling antiques, artwork, fitness equipment, and other high-value or fragile items. Designated piano crews can dismantle and reassemble all models of pianos, regardless of age or size.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers a guaranteed delivery window for an extra charge
✔ Has climate-controlled storage units that are monitored 24/7 by security cameras
✔ Provides price matching

✘ Only serves the contiguous United States
✘ Will not provide a free moving quote online or over the phone

Services

American Van Lines provides full-service moves that include packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. AVL can also accommodate partial-service requests, such as fragile-only packing and DIY moves. Learn more about American Van Lines’ services.

Cost

American Van Lines does not provide free moving quotes on its website or over the phone, but we got a general price of $2,000 to move the contents of a one-bedroom home from Dallas to Austin, Texas, in early fall. The ballpark quote includes loading and unloading services plus transportation. Packing and unpacking are available for an additional cost. You will need to call AVL directly to find out the cost of your move.

Our Take on American Van Lines

American Van Lines is an experienced full-service moving company that may provide some added reassurance to anyone anxious about handing their belongings over to a moving crew. The company has well-trained, certified staff members that are particularly skilled at wrapping, packing, and loading bulky pieces, such as treadmills, pianos, and one-of-a-kind pieces, such as original artwork and antiques.

In our most recent survey of 1,000 people who had moved in the last five years, musical instruments and sports equipment were among the top three things respondents most worried would get lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move. With AVL’s expertly trained crews, you can rest easy knowing your large, fragile, and expensive items are in good hands.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

• Our take: Most Efficient
• Our rating: 86 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) partners with moving professionals across all 50 states. Whether you need full-service or self-service relocation help, it can cater a moving solution to your needs.

As a bonus, it provides numerous moving resources on its website, including moving checklists and tips. We liked IMRG’s online moving guides for several popular cities, helping us understand the average moving costs and basic details about its partner carriers serving those cities. IMRG promptly returned estimates when we requested quotes, often within a day, making it a prime candidate for last-minute moving.

Pros and Cons

IMRG’s key strengths and weaknesses are as follows:

✔ Provides partner bios and moving resources on its site
✔ Offers an easy-to-use cost calculator
✔ Has partners in all 50 states

✘ Brokers out all its moves
✘ Requires 72 hours of notice for cancellations to refund deposits

Services

IMRG’s service provisions are as extensive as its partners in a given area. Aside from packing, storage, crating, vehicle shipping, and similar common services, it can also provide container delivery and shipping for smaller moves. If you book with one of its container movers, you’ll also have the option to hire third-party movers to help with associated labor.

Cost

To get your fully optimized quote from IMRG, you’ll have to fill out a contact form online. When doing so, you’ll enter your contact information and basic information about your move. This will include your point of origin, destination, and home size. 

We got a quick quote of $1,500–$3,500 for a one-bedroom move between Miami, Florida, and Austin, Texas. We used IMRG’s online moving calculator to get this cost range. To get a more narrow range, you’ll have to enter exact service requirements and set up a consultation with an IMRG representative.

Our Take on IMRG

IMRG is a great option for many moving needs. If yours is a simpler or smaller move, then you should have a good chance of getting the exact service profile you need for your relocation. However, this mover’s service offerings will vary from location to location and will be entirely dependent on the partners it has in your area. 

Learn more: IMRG Review

Moving APT

• Our take: Best Customer Service
• Our rating: 84 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states

Moving APT is a moving broker that covers all 50 states, and it partners with more than 2,500 licensed carriers to handle an array of moving needs. This makes it one of the largest brokers in the United States. Moving APT can help facilitate anything from local to cross-country relocation for your small move.

This broker’s informative website is one of its strong points. It offers company bios for its main partners, helpful moving resources, and quick cost-calculator tools for customers to reference before getting personalized quotes. We read several blog posts and found the entries about moving to or from specific cities especially helpful. The pages included information such as details on average moving costs and comparison among Moving APT’s available partners. 

Pros and Cons

Here are some of this broker’s key strengths and weaknesses:

✔ Offers a price calculator on its site
✔ Provides moving service to all 50 states
✔ Has a price-matching guarantee

✘ Brokers out all its moves, leading to potentially inconsistent customer experiences
✘ Has received customer complaints about hidden fees and price hikes

Services

Moving APT can provide excellent service for any small move, no matter how far it may take you. Packing, unpacking, debris removal, storage, and far more are available through its long list of partner companies.

Cost

You’ll need to speak with a Moving APT representative to get an optimized quote. We received a quick quote using the online calculator with a price range of $2,970–$4,470 for a one-bedroom move between Miami, Florida, and Austin, Texas. This quote included some light packing. When you call a Moving APT representative, you’ll be put in contact with movers in your area who will handle the quote process independently.

Our Take on Moving APT

Moving APT doesn’t handle its moves directly, and we’ve read many recent customer reviews on Yelp and Google Reviews indicating that this leads to quality variation across its service area. We recommend getting quotes from this provider, but you should remember that its quality will depend on which partner is assigned to your move. Asking about this during the quote process should lead to a far better moving experience with Moving APT.

Learn more: Moving APT Review

Safeway Moving Inc.

• Our take: Most Customer-Oriented
• Our rating: 87 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states 

Safeway Moving Inc. works primarily as a moving broker throughout all 50 states. It operates primarily as a long-distance mover, with fairly little in the way of local offerings. Its pledges of accountability and integrity feature heavily in how it conducts business, and its discounts for seniors and consistent flat-rate pricing are themes in positive customer reviews.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the most prominent pluses and minuses to be aware of when booking with Safeway:

✔ Provides flat-rate pricing for all moves
✔ Offers discounts for senior citizens
✔ Donates a portion of each move bill to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

✘ Brokers out the majority of its moves
✘ Charges as much as 40% for deposits

Services

Safeway moving Inc. offers a typical range of service that aligns with most full-service movers of its size. You’ll be able to arrange for packing, crating, antique moving, and more through this broker. Your small move will be in good hands, as the movers provided will be able to assist with furniture assembly and disassembly, junk removal, and more.

Cost

You’ll have to call Safeway or fill out a quote form on its site to schedule an in-depth consultation. You’ll be quoted a flat rate for all services that you need. However, you should know that you’ll have to place a hefty deposit to book your move. We received a quote of $4,570 for moving the contents of a one-bedroom home from Austin to Denver. Our estimate stated that we’d need to pay a deposit of up to 40%, or roughly $1,828.

Our Take on Safeway Moving Inc.

Safeway is a solid option for long-distance moves of any size. Flat-rate pricing makes it a favorite among budget-conscious clients who want full-service moving help. However, its deposit amount, and that it brokers out some moves, could be a deterrent to some.

Learn more: Safeway Moving Inc. Review

JK Moving Services

• Our take: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• Our rating: 91 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states

JK Moving Services provides a full-service moving experience that you can customize with the company’s add-on options. JK Moving makes customization easy through its user-friendly mobile app, on which customers can browse services, book appointments, make payments, and track shipments. We found the app useful for coordinating multiple moves, allowing us to conveniently store all documentation. This is a great perk for corporate customers booking employee relocation.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides optional in-house financing
✔ Assigns a personal moving coordinator to each customer
✔ Offers around-the-clock customer support

✘ Does not provide local moves outside of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
✘ Does not offer any pricing information online

Services

JK Moving provides traditional full-service moving support for long-distance, cross-country, and international moves. If you prefer a more tailored approach to your relocation, you can select from JK Moving’s optional services and choose only those that fit your specific needs. This feature also allows you to create a moving package that stays within your budget. Learn more about JK Moving’s services.

Cost

JK Moving will not provide any pricing information over the phone and has no cost calculators on its website. However, based on our extensive research of online customer reviews, we found that JK Moving charges about $1,600 for one-bedroom moves of roughly 145 miles, or the approximate distance between Dallas and Austin, Texas. The company will give you a binding estimate after completing a virtual home assessment and reviewing your moving inventory.

Our Take on JK Moving Services

Although it can be pricier than other full-service moving companies, JK Moving is a great option for small, long-distance moves, since customers can customize their plans to include only the services they need. Additionally, JK Moving’s in-house financing option may be attractive to those who need assistance paying for their relocation or who want to pay for their residential move over time. Keep in mind that financing is subject to credit approval.

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

Allied Van Lines

• Our take: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• Our rating: 94 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states

Allied Van Lines could be a good fit for you if your small move includes shipping a car, boat, motorcycle, or RV. While most movers outsource vehicle transport, AVL uniquely operates its own fleet of car carriers. With AVL, you have direct access to the company that’s shipping your vehicle, so you can track its progress along with the rest of your small moving load.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides up to $100,000 in insurance on vehicle shipments
✔ Offers mobile moving and storage containers that come with free loading and unloading assistance
✔ Has an innovative and accurate GPS tracking tool for monitoring shipments

✘ Provides limited customer support outside of regular business hours
✘ Does not give online moving quotes

Services

Allied Van Lines provides two types of car carriers at two different price points. The cheaper option—an open carrier—transports multiple vehicles at once but does not provide any protection from potential damage while in transit. Enclosed carriers, while more expensive, are a great choice for those who want to protect their classic car, rare motorcycle, or high-value motorboat from damage while on the highway. Learn more about Allied Van Lines’ services.

Cost

Like many moving companies, Allied Van Lines does not provide any estimates through its website or over the phone. However, we got a general starting price of approximately $1,000 to move a one-bedroom apartment from Austin, Texas, to Dallas in late September. AVL will give you a binding estimate after completing a virtual walk-through of your home and a review of the belongings you plan to move.

Our Take on Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has been in business for nearly 100 years, the longest of any provider on this list. That experience may provide some added reassurance that your car and other belongings will be in good hands while en route to your new home. The company’s Allied Express mobile containers may also be a good option for your small move. They are more affordable than full-service packages and come with complimentary labor, a perk we’ve generally found costs extra during our research of other self-service companies.

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines

• Our take: Best for Claims
• Our rating: 92 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus 130 other countries

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of the oldest and most trusted moving companies in the United States today. It has been in operation since 1933, and it now operates more than 500 branches across all 50 states. 

NAVL’s variable pricing options, including “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” plans, rate highly with clients who are more budget-conscious or who are wary of added fees. The professional movers at this company can offer local, long-distance, and international assistance for all of your small-move needs.

Pros and Cons

Here are NAVL’s key strengths and weaknesses:

✔ Provides single point of contact for all moves
✔ Offers shipment tracking
✔ Has different pricing plans to suit all budgets and needs

✘ Offers varied service options depending on client location
✘ Provides inconsistent quality in some locations, based on customer reviews we read on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Services

NAVL offers numerous basic and add-on services. You can procure full-service packing or purchase packing supplies and handle this part of the move yourself. It also offers antique and specialty moving options if your small move includes specific valuables. Installation assistance for appliances and debris removal are also available.

Cost

North American Van Lines provides binding quotes via virtual surveys or in-person consultations. In our experience, it will not provide ballpark estimates over the phone without setting up an appointment. But you can call to start the quote process, and you’ll be able to add a protection plan for your small move if desired.

Our Take on NAVL

NAVL is an excellent choice for moves of any size. Its 500 local agents across the United States are adept at providing relocation assistance for local, long-distance, and even international moves. Variable pricing structures are also a plus and make booking and final payments stress-free.

Learn more: North American Van Lines Review

1-800-PACK-RAT

• Our take: Best Overall Self-Service Mover
• Our rating: 94 out of 100
• Availability: 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Self-service movers may be better suited for smaller moves, and we find 1-800-PACK-RAT to be the best overall self-service mover. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three portable storage container sizes. If you want assistance with your small move, the company features a partnership with HireAHelper to include services such as loading and unloading.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides $10,000 in contents protection for long-distance moves
✔ Has a wide range of online resources and tools
✔ Offers three sizes of weatherproof and easily accessible containers

✘ Is only available in 30 states
✘ Does not provide online moving quotes or scheduling

Services

1-800-PACK-RAT offers a comprehensive selection of self-service moving options that can be paired with moving services from HireAHelper for a partial-service move. The company delivers a moving container to your residence that you can load with your belongings at your own pace. Once loaded, you notify the company of when to pick up and deliver your container to your new home. You can then unload the container at your own pace. 1-800-PACK-RAT customers can receive short- and long-term storage as a stand-alone or additional service. This adds a layer of flexibility to your move. Learn more about 1-800-PACK RAT’s services.

Cost

We obtained a moving quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT to transport one of its 8-foot containers from Dallas to Austin, Texas, in about three months for a total of $1,552.61. This quote includes all transportation, delivery and pick-up, a no-cut security lock, and $10,000 in contents protection.

Our Take on 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is our top pick for small moves due to its quality and variety of containers, storage options, HireAHelper partnership, and competitive pricing. Customers can receive self-service pricing, partial-service options, and insurance on long-distance moves. These factors make 1-800-PACK-RAT a solid choice for anyone relocating with a smaller load.

Learn More: 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

U-Pack

• Our take: Most Affordable
• Our rating: 75 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus Puerto Rico

U-Pack is a great option for smaller moves at affordable pricing. U-Pack offers a unique pay-for-what-you-use policy on its moving trailer option. This option is ideal for small moves, as it allows customers to pay per footage for a moving trailer. This way, you are only paying for the actual space your belongings require.

Pros and Cons

✔ Charges only for the container space you use
✔ Provides GPS tracking on your containers
✔ Offers competitive pricing for a self-service mover

✘ Only provides three days to load and unload belongings
✘ Only includes a service guarantee with the purchase of additional services

Services

U-Pack offers its ReloCube moving container (70” x 82” x 93”) or a large moving trailer used by ABF Freights. Customers can pay for only the footage they use in the moving trailer, which is perfect for a small move that requires limited space. U-Pack offers less time to load and unload than 1-800-PACK-RAT, but careful planning can save you money when it comes to using U-Pack. Learn more about U-Pack’s services.

Cost

U-Pack quoted us $1,141 for a ReloCube going from Dallas to Denver. It would cost $1,182 to use five feet on the moving trailer. U-Pack states that these prices are all-inclusive and contain no hidden fees.

Our Take on U-Pack

If you are concerned about affordability, we suggest you look into U-Pack. The company’s pay-for-what-you-use policy is ideal for those only sending a few items, and customers can still receive help with moving labor based on their location. Note that U-Pack will likely not help with any in-state moves, but the company makes a great option for long-distance moves.

U-Pack has mixed customer feedback on Trustpilot, and we read dozens of recent customer testimonials. We noted poor customer service as a common theme in many negative reviews.

Learn More: U-Pack Review

Moving companies can often help you remember the steps needed for a successful move. Some moving companies offer personal moving coaches, while others provide a moving checklist.

Even with these resources, you may forget some important tasks when preparing for your move. Take these steps to ensure your move occurs with ease:

• Condense your belongings: We recommend making two piles as moving day draws near. In one pile, place items you can donate. In the other, place items you want to throw away. A few days before the movers arrive, take each pile to its respective drop-off location.
• Send proper notifications: Notify your internet provider, electricity and water companies, insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, post office, and the Social Security Administration that you’re moving.
• Create an inventory: Make a note of your items’ conditions and take pictures of them. These photos and notes will come in handy if you have to file a damage claim for reimbursement.

To find the best moving company for your small load move, we ultimately recommend that you request quotes from several movers before making your final decision.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of April 2023.

Lemonade provides renters insurance or homeowners insurance that can protect all of your valuable items during a move. Get your quote today by using the button below.

Lemonade will only cover your stuff while you’re moving if you’re moving independently (i.e. packing your stuff and transporting it yourself, not hiring a moving company). If you hire a moving company, though, you’ll need third-party insurance. More info here.

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.