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In this article: Top Moving Companies | Full Service vs. Self-service | Conclusion | FAQs | Methodology

Moving is stressful, no matter the size. Whether you’re moving the contents of a small house, studio apartment or a single room, you may be wondering how to pack and plan for transportation on your own. That’s where a pro mover comes in.

Most full- and self-service providers can accommodate moves of any size — from dorm rooms to large homes — so we are highlighting the best moving companies specifically for small moves. 

After reviewing the top movers across the country based on pricing, services and customer feedback, we at the Home Media reviews team have narrowed the list to those that can best meet your specific needs without breaking the bank.

If your small move includes big-ticket items, such as antiques, fine art or fitness equipment, you may want to consider International Van Lines (IVL) for its contents protection plans.

In addition to providing standard full-service moves, IVL has numerous add-on options, including vehicle shipping and storage. However, the company’s standout add-on services are its two optional plans for protecting your belongings during your move. While most moving companies offer one fee-based contents coverage plan, IVL has two — total-loss and all-risk.

As required by federal law, professional movers must provide full-value protection at no cost to customers. Full-value protection is basic coverage, providing compensation of 60 cents per pound for damaged, broken, lost or stolen items.

By contrast, total-loss and all-risk insurance plans calculate reimbursements based on actual value. As its name suggests, total-loss insurance only applies in instances when an entire moving shipment is damaged. For this reason, it is slightly less expensive than all-risk insurance, which covers damage to individual items. IVL’s website has a guide to the estimated cost of added insurance.

Here is a quick look at some of IVL’s pros and cons:

+ Has been recognized by Newsweek for quality customer service + Offers special handling of pianos, artwork and other high-value items + Provides helpful information about industry-standard moving fees on its website

– Outsources most local and some long-distance moves to independent movers – Requires a 25% deposit to book your move

Services: International Van Lines can handle your packing, unpacking, loading and unloading or accommodate partial requests, such as fragile packing services. The company has a variety of optional add-ons, such as short- and long-term storage and furniture disassembly and reassembly.

Cost: Like most companies, IVL will base your moving quote on when and where you are moving and the size of your shipment in total estimated weight. IVL provides ballpark estimates, not flat-rate pricing, so keep in mind that your price may change on moving day if any associated charges such as stair fees apply.

You can get a general cost range for your move through International Van Lines’ online calculator. You will need to speak to a customer service representative to get a more detailed quote. 

IVL requires 25% of your total moving costs up-front to secure your moving date. You can pay with a credit card or with cash. 

Get a quote: To get a free quote from International Van Lines, fill out this quick online form .

To learn more: International Van Lines review  

American Van Lines (AVL) is our pick for long-distance moves because of the company’s focus on providing quality service from expert crews. According to the company’s website, all AVL movers work full-time and are required to complete ongoing training. 

AVL also has crews specifically designated to handle pianos and antiques. If you have a piano included in your small load, AVL’s piano crew is certified to dismantle all models and reassemble them at your new home.

Here are some of AVL’s strengths and weaknesses:

+ Has climate-controlled storage units monitored 24/7 with security cameras + Matches competitor pricing + Offers a guaranteed delivery date and time window  

– Does not have an online instant quote tool – Outsources all local moves outside of Dallas-Fort Worth, South Florida and North Carolina

Services: American Van Lines provides local, long-distance and international moves. Although AVL is a full-service company, it accommodates partial-packing (fragile-only) requests. In addition, customers can select from an a la carte-style menu of add-on options, including car shipping, storage and contents protection plans.

Cost: American Van Lines will complete an in-person or virtual walk-through of your home to view its layout and your belongings, then provide a binding estimate. The binding estimate is the amount you can expect to pay on moving day. The company does not provide any online quotes.

You will have to pay a deposit of 10–50% of your total cost to book a moving date. American Van Lines accepts credit cards and cash.

Get a quote: Take this brief survey to get started with American Van Lines. 

To learn more: American Van Lines review  

While many full-service companies on our list, such as American Van Lines and International Van Lines, operate as carriers and brokers, Moving APT is strictly a brokerage firm. This means that rather than handling moving requests directly, like a carrier, Moving APT will instead coordinate your relocation through an agent within its nationwide network.

Moving APT will oversee the moving process from start to finish and act as a point of contact should you have any questions or concerns. The company is a good option if you need flexible payment arrangements for your small move. The company accepts credit cards, cash and checks and has financing options if you want to spread out the cost of relocating over time. 

Here are some of Moving APT’s upsides and downsides:

+ Can often negotiate lower prices with network moving companies + Offers price matching + Provides 24/7 customer support

– Does not cover damages or other issues caused by third-party movers – Has received numerous complaints through the Better Business Bureau regarding hidden fees

We reached out to Moving APT for a comment on the negative customer feedback but did not receive a response as of the publication date. To help mitigate some of these issues, we recommend speaking with a Moving APT representative before scheduling services.

Services: Moving APT maintains a network of more than 2,500 independent moving companies that can provide professional packing for full- and partial-service moves. Moving APT can connect you with a carrier that offers add-on options, such as special handling or crating of oversized items and vehicle shipping.

Cost: According to a Moving APT customer service representative, the company can typically provide binding estimates over the phone. However, numerous online reviews note that actual pricing with the third-party provider was up to twice the original estimate from Moving APT. Due to this discrepancy, it’s essential that you review the details of your quotes from Moving APT and the local mover with which you are connected.

Moving APT offers discounts to senior citizens, active and retired military and differently abled individuals. You can also receive a lower rate if you relocate locally (50 miles or less) or reserve your move well in advance. Up-front deposits, which vary per move, are required when booking a date.

Get a quote: Complete this easy online form to get your free instant quote from Moving APT. 

As a long-standing moving company, Allied Van Lines is an excellent overall choice for handling your small move. The company has been in business for more than 90 years and can accommodate moving requests of all sizes locally, long-distance and internationally. 

AVL also offers portable moving containers if your moving needs don’t necessitate a standard moving truck. Through Allied Express, you can rent steel moving-and-storage cubes similar to those provided by PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. However, as a full-service mover, Allied Express includes loading and unloading assistance, which is only available at an extra charge through self-service providers.

We found the following positive and negative aspects of AVL:

+ Assigns a personal moving consultant to every full-service relocation + Partners with the Salvation Army for donation delivery of your unwanted items + Provides online shipment tracking that includes load and delivery dates and current location

– Does not provide 24/7 claims support – May charge you up to 48 hours ahead of your moving date

Services: Standard full-service moving packages with AVL include loading and unloading, transport and basic liability coverage. You can also opt for fragile-only packing. AVL’s add-on services include appliance disconnection and reconnection, furniture disassembly and reassembly and vehicle shipping.

Cost: Allied will calculate your moving cost based mainly on where and when you are moving and the total weight of your belongings. The company will also conduct a thorough virtual assessment of your home to identify any difficult entry or exit points or hard-to-move items. Following the review, you will receive a binding estimate.

Allied Van Lines does not require up-front deposits and accepts cash, credit cards and certified checks.

Get a quote: Take this brief survey for your free online quote from Allied Van Lines. 

To learn more: Allied Van Lines review  

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) for its easy claims process. If any of your items are broken, lost, stolen or damaged, you can visit NAVL’s home page, which links to domestic and international claims forms. All required forms, as well as helpful claims information, are available on the website. You can also directly file your claims online or call a dedicated claims-support line for assistance.

The following are some highlights of and downsides to NAVL:

+ Offers a Not-to-Exceed Pricing package that protects you from paying more than your estimate + Provides an online library of moving resources, including instructional videos + Uses an interactive simulator to train drivers for all weather conditions

– Has limited storage options in some locations – Has mixed customer feedback in online reviews due to outsourcing some of its moves

Services: North American Van Lines provides industry-standard full-service moves, which include packing, unpacking, loading and unloading services. If you can handle most of the packing for your small move but want some help with your fragile items, NAVL can wrap and box your dishes, antiques and other breakables.

Partial- and full-service customers can customize their moving package through add-on options, such as storage, furniture disassembly and reassembly and car transport. Do-it-yourself (DIY) customers can use the company’s online tool for calculating the amount and cost of moving supplies. NAVL also sells all needed supplies on its website.

Cost: You can get a price range for your move — based on your current and new locations, the date of your move and your home size — on the NAVL website. Keep in mind that the instant online quote is just a general estimate, and you will need to call the company to schedule a more in-depth review of your home and belongings. After the review, NAVL will provide you with a binding estimate.

NAVL provides American Legion members with several discounts, including up to 50% off the total cost of their move. Legionnaires are also eligible for $100,000 in contents coverage on their belongings, storage deals and nonpeak rates year-round. Members of trade unions can also take advantage of a $50,000 contents protection plan, as well as rebates on packing supplies, short- and long-term storage and off-season pricing. 

North American Van Lines does not require a deposit to book your move. Payments can be made by cash, credit card or certified check.

Get a quote: Find out how much your move will cost with North American Van Lines by taking this quick questionnaire .

To learn more: North American Van Lines review  

PODS is our recommendation for those who want to handle their smaller load independently. The self-service company’s mobile moving and storage containers can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional movers. PODS offers three sizes of containers and gives customers up to 30 days to load and unload their items. The company can also connect you with moving crews in your area if you decide you need some assistance with physical labor.  

PODS can serve nearly every state except Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. Though the company does not have satellite offices in Vermont or West Virginia, it can provide service in some of those states’ ZIP codes.

The following pros and cons of PODS stand out to us:

+ Has flexible scheduling policies that include full refunds for last-minute cancellations + Offers containers designed to protect your items from water leakage + Provides customized contents coverage plans that match the value of your items

– Does not have climate-controlled storage containers – Limits online instant quotes to local moves only

Services: PODS containers come in three sizes: 8, 12 and 16 feet. For small moves, an 8-foot container, which can hold the contents of most dorm rooms or one-bedroom apartments, may be adequate. For comparison, a 12-foot container can accommodate about three rooms’ worth of items and a 16-foot container is large enough for a 1,200-square-foot home. Note that 12-foot containers are only available for local moves.

You can also schedule a delivery date when you order your containers at your current location. PODS rents containers monthly, so you have 30 days to load your items. After that, PODS will pick up your filled containers and deliver them to your new address, or you can arrange for them to be dropped off at a nearby storage facility until you are ready to collect your belongings.

In addition to short-term storage, PODS can house your items in long-term storage for a monthly fee. Other optional services include vehicle transport and contents protection plans. 

Cost: You cannot rent a PODS container for less than 30 days, so it’s important to note that rushing your move won’t result in a prorated fee. PODS has an online quote tool, but it only applies to moves that are 50 miles or less. You will need to call customer service to receive a long-distance quote, valid for seven days.

PODS accepts all major credit cards. Some PODS offices may also accept cash and checks, but that varies by location. 

Get a quote: Get started on your moving quote from PODS by completing this simple online form . 

To learn more: PODS review

1-800-PACK-RAT is another self-service moving company that you may want to consider, especially if your small move requires some storage solutions. PACK-RAT’s weather-resistant, all-steel containers make for reliable onsite storage for the short term. 

If you need storage beyond your 30-day container rental, PACK-RAT has climate-controlled facilities in the 30 states in which it operates. It’s important to note that facilities are only in specific ZIP codes in those states and, therefore, may not be near your new address. PACK-RAT has an online interactive map for checking storage site locations.

Here’s what we like and don’t like about PACK-RAT:

+ Has a patented lift system for loading containers onto trucks that helps reduce damage to your belongings + Offers price matching on lower quotes from PODS + Provides containers with barn-style doors to ease loading and reduce break-ins 

– Applies a fuel surcharge to all long-distance moves – Has limited state availability compared to other providers in this review

Services: Like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT has 8-, 12- and 16-foot containers you can rent monthly. PACK-RAT drops off empty containers, picks them up once loaded and delivers them to your new home or a designated storage site. 

Its online tool to help you more closely estimate the size and number of containers you need is particularly helpful for small moves. Optional services include contents protection plans, vehicle shipping and third-party loading assistance.

Cost: 1-800-PACK-RAT provides instant online moving quotes. For more detailed pricing, you can call a customer service representative. PACK-RAT has several ongoing deals, including 10% off long-distance moves and a 10% military discount. The company only accepts credit card payments. 

Get a quote: Get your free moving estimate from 1-800-PACK-RAT by filling out this easy questionnaire . 

Full-service movers can handle all major significant aspects of your move — packing, loading, unloading and unpacking. Additionally, most full-service companies will allow you to customize your moving package through add-on services like car shipping and contents protection plans. While full-service moves are typically more expensive than a DIY approach, the extra cost may be worth the added peace of mind and reduced hassle of handling everything on your own. 

Self-service movers aren’t entirely self-service. While you will have to take care of the packing and loading on your own — or with the help of hourly labor at an added cost — a self-service residential moving company will handle the transportation and delivery of your items. Self-service movers are usually cheaper than full-service companies and are often a viable alternative if you don’t have a large number of items.

However, you should consider the potential hidden costs of handling a move on your own, which include purchasing all of your packing supplies. When we surveyed 1,000 consumers, we found that more than a quarter (26.5%) reported packing supplies were the highest hidden cost of their move.

To find the best moving company for your small move, you’ll first want to determine any necessary services you’ll need, such as vehicle transport. It’s also helpful to decide whether a full-service or self-service approach works best for you and your budget.

PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer an alternative to the full-service experience, potentially saving you money and giving you more time to transition to your new home. However, a self-service move will require adequate space to keep your containers at your home, condo or apartment during loading. It will also involve some heavy lifting unless you opt to pay for a moving crew.

For a full-service experience, International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines are both experienced providers that can accommodate moves of all sizes and offer partial packing options.

Since every move is different and specific needs vary, we recommend contacting at least three moving companies directly to obtain detailed quotes. Then, you can compare pricing and services to determine which company is the best fit.

There are a couple ways to move a small number of things. Renting a trailer or cargo van from a moving truck rental company could be the least expensive option for a small move if you plan to leave large pieces of furniture behind but still have lots of boxes to bring with you.

Self-service movers, such as those offering mobile containers, are also a popular option for small moves. These containers can accommodate small apartments (approximately 500 square feet) up to 1,200-square-foot homes. Some container companies also offer trailer and van rentals.

You should start packing for a move about two to four weeks ahead of your moving date. Even small moves involve a lot of preparation, including deciding which items to keep and which ones to toss or donate, so you should start planning at least six weeks in advance. Begin by researching and scheduling a mover that meets your needs and spending limit. If you choose a DIY approach, you’ll still need adequate time to gather packing supplies, particularly if you order them online.

Once you’re prepped, you should start by boxing up the belongings you use the least. This schedule will ensure a more stress-free moving experience, and you’ll pay less due to last-minute additions with your mover.

While every move comes with some of its own unique to-do items, there are some common tasks to accomplish regardless of size, including the following: 

We collected data on dozens of moving companies, both full-service and self-service, and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings, grade each company and provide objective findings to our readers. The end result of weighing a wide range of factors is a cumulative score for each provider.

We called each moving company directly, spoke with representatives to get an in-depth understanding of their offerings and simulated the quote and scheduling process. We also reviewed each company’s contents protection (insurance) plan information in detail, and we closely examined more than 100 customer reviews to understand the customer service experience with each provider.

All company data is monitored on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.

Once we gathered all relevant data, we used the following scoring system to grade each moving company on a 100-point scale:

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