A small move typically involves a home smaller than a one-bedroom apartment. It can entail either local or long-distance moving. Regardless of the size of your home, you should take the same care when planning any relocation. From our list of the best moving companies across the country, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to our top picks for smaller moves. Request quotes from the providers we’ve listed to help you make an informed decision for your move.
The 11 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
After conducting in-depth research into service offerings and requesting quotes from various providers, we found the following to be the best small-load moving companies. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers before booking.
*For a move between Dallas and Austin, Texas, unless otherwise noted
**BBB ratings accurate as of September 2023
How To Prepare for a Small-Load Move
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 or get rid of. 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. Filing a change of address form with the post office is easy to do online, or in person. Do this at least a couple of weeks before your move.
- 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.
Our Conclusion
Planning a one-bedroom move is just as involved a process as planning a five-bedroom move. Beginning the process at least two months before your move date and getting quotes from qualified movers near you is the best way to help ensure a stress-free move. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different moving companies before you book a mover. We like International Van Lines because it can adjust its moving packages based on your small-move needs. American Van Lines offers experienced crews who can provide expedited moves between major cities. You should consider Interstate Moving & Relocation Group for a last-minute small move thanks to its speedy quote process.
Our Rating Methodology
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 on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.