11 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves (2023)

• Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states

International Van Lines (IVL) offers full- and partial-service options for local, long-distance, and cross-country moves in the United States. Full-service options include packing, unpacking, and storage services. IVL is a great choice for small moves thanks to its ability to adjust its moving packages based on your needs.

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.

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. The quote process with IVL lasted a total of 20 minutes. Our company representative was able to give us quick ballpark pricing but stressed that a more accurate estimate could only be given after a visual inspection of our goods.

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. IVL includes approximate hourly rates for local moving on its local moving service page, which can help clients budget for a smaller-scale move with this provider.

• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)

American Van Lines stands out for its top-notch movers. This provider thoroughly vets movers before hiring and trains them to expertly handle your belongings. Its moving crews complete ongoing training and certifications for handling specialized and basic moving needs. American offers expedited service between major cities, which could make your small move a quick process.

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.

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. The company representative was thorough when logging our inventory before they rendered pricing.

American Van Lines is an experienced full-service moving company that may provide added reassurance to anyone anxious about handing their belongings over to a moving crew. The company has well-trained, certified staff members who are particularly skilled at wrapping, packing, and handling all types of household goods. This, along with its expedited service options, makes it an excellent choice for small moves.

• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• 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 for your smaller move, 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. IMRG’s local movers across the country can provide specially-catered service for small-move clients.

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 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.

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 Dallas and Austin, Texas. We used IMRG’s online moving calculator to get this cost range. When we followed up with IMRG’s representatives later, they confirmed its price-matching capabilities and were able to quickly log our inventory.

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. 

• Our rating: 4.2 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states

Moving APT offers speedy service, which can greatly assist small-move clients. This moving broker 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.

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 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.

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 Dallas and Austin, Texas. We used IMRG’s online moving calculator to get this cost range. When we followed up with IMRG’s representatives later, they confirmed its price-matching capabilities and were able to quickly log our inventory.

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. However, most of its moving partners offer dedicated local moving service, along with last-minute assistance to help any small move go smoothly.

• Our rating: 4.4 out of 5
• 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. Its small-move options come with flat-rate pricing, no matter how far you’re moving.

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.

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’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.

We noted that our moving representative was incredibly thorough when we got our quote. While this provider can’t offer last-minute moving service, you can be assured that your inventory will be fully logged and your service needs accounted for.

Safeway’s 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. Safeway’s flat-rate pricing and comprehensive offerings with all basic moving packages should interest those moving a smaller home over a long distance.

• Our rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states

JK Moving Services provides a full-service moving experience that you can customize with the company’s add-on options. Its fleet of nearly 200 trucks service local and long-distance small moves, and it also offers services as a broker. 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.

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.

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. During our call, the representative mentioned that we could only get a binding estimate if we conducted a virtual or in-person survey. However, it’s easier to render ballpark estimates for small move quotes.

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. JK Moving’s personalized service packages mean your relocation—small or large—will receive personalized care.

• Our rating: 4.7 out of 5
• 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, Allied uniquely operates its own fleet of car carriers. With Allied, 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. If needed, Allied also offers its Allied Express option for small moves traveling long distances. This container service includes labor and valuation coverage.

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.

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 between Dallas and Austin, Texas, in late September. Our AVL representative mentioned that they could only give us a ballpark estimate without a walkthrough of our home. 

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.

• Our rating: 4.6 out of 5
• 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, with many of its local agents providing efficient small move assistance. 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.

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.

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 agent noted that full-service packing for a small home could total $1,000 or more, depending on the presence of fragile items within the residence. In most cases, partial packing for a small move will not total this much.

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.

• Our rating: 4.7 out of 5
• 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. Its different container sizes are geared toward efficiency for small homes. Its largest container can fit a small two-bedroom apartment. This means that PACK-RAT can provide single-container service for your goods.

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.

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. We found the online quote process to be easy and intuitive when we received this pricing figure.

1-800-PACK-RAT is our top self-service 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.

• Our rating: 3.8 out of 5
• 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.

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.

U-Pack quoted us $1,358 for a ReloCube going from Austin to Denver. It would cost $2,002 to use five feet on the moving trailer. U-Pack states that these prices are all inclusive and contain no hidden fees. We found this quote process to be among the easiest we experienced from any mover. Pricing with the ReloCube and trailer are comparable, and both offer reliable delivery.

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.

• Our rating: 4.8 out of 5 
• Availability: 46 states (excluding Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.)

United Van Lines offers residential, commercial, and international small moves alongside its long-distance options. We like the company’s tech breakdown and setup services for home office moves. You receive these options through the company’s specialized small moves program called Snapmoves.

United Van Lines offers full-service options for small moves through a specialized program called Snapmoves. This means the company provides loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, and debris removal. United Van Lines also offers specialized tech breakdowns and installation services, which is ideal if you have a lot of electronics to bring. United Van Lines provides vehicle shipping services for smaller moves. Snapmoves includes simplified pricing and the company’s Full-Value Protection plan in every initial Snapmoves quote.

We requested a Snapmoves quote from United Van Lines for a local move between Dallas and Austin. The company took our information and then connected us with local movers vetted by United Van Lines. Our quote would then vary according to which local moving company we decided to use.

United Van Lines’ specialty small moves for dorm rooms, one-bedroom apartments, and offices helped it measure up against the other companies on this list. The company is a good option for small moves that involve more complex tech items or special packing for local and long-distance moves.