Best Moving Companies for Small Moves (2025)

Moving a studio apartment, a dorm room, or “just a few pieces of furniture” should not feel like
planning an expedition to Mars. Yet many people get sticker shock when they realize traditional
full-service movers often price small moves almost the same as big ones. The good news: in 2025,
there are plenty of moving companies and container services designed specifically for small moves,
with flexible pricing and less stress (and fewer arguments about who’s carrying the mattress).

This guide pulls together recent rankings and reviews from trusted U.S. home and moving resources
to highlight the best moving companies for small moves, plus how to choose between them and what
kind of pricing to expect.

What Counts as a “Small Move” in 2025?

There’s no single legal definition of a small move, but most movers and container companies mean
something like:

• A studio, dorm room, or 1-bedroom apartment
• One or two rooms’ worth of furniture
• A partial household (for example, moving only a bedroom set and a few boxes)
• Weight under about 2,000–3,000 pounds or a limited number of cubic feet

Small moves are perfect for:

• College students and recent grads
• People relocating for work but leaving most furniture behind
• City dwellers with tiny apartments and even tinier elevators
• Downsizers who’ve already sold or donated half their stuff

Shipping services, container companies, and specialized “small load” movers have become the most
cost-effective options for these situations, because you’re paying for the space you use instead
of getting charged like you’re moving a five-bedroom house.

The Best Moving Companies for Small Moves in 2025

U-Pack: Best Overall Value for Long-Distance Small Moves

U-Pack consistently ranks near the top of “best container” and “most affordable” lists, especially
for smaller loads traveling long distances. Industry guides note that U-Pack charges based on the
space you use in a trailer or on a per-container basis, which is ideal when you’re moving a studio
or one-bedroom and don’t want to pay for empty air.

Recent breakdowns of U-Pack pricing show that small moves can start at around $700, with costs
increasing depending on distance and how much of the trailer you fill. That’s
often significantly cheaper than a full-service moving company charging by weight and labor.

Best for: Long-distance small moves where you’re willing to load/unload yourself.

Why it works for small moves:

• Pay only for the linear feet or containers you use
• Great fit for studios, 1-bedrooms, or partial households
• Nationwide coverage, including many rural areas

PODS: Best for Flexible, DIY-Friendly Small Moves

PODS is the poster child for moving containers, and in 2025 it still shows up at or near the top
of many “best container” and “cheapest container” rankings.
One 2025 review found that PODS was the cheapest option on average for a two-bedroom move between
500–800 miles (around $1,208), and that its prices for smaller loads are often competitive with
U-Pack and 1-800-PACK-RAT.

What makes PODS especially attractive for small moves is its flexibility: the container is dropped
at your home, you load at your own pace, and then PODS picks it up and delivers it to your new
place or stores it.

Best for: DIY movers who want time and flexibility, including short-distance and local moves.

Why it works for small moves:

• Multiple container sizes, including smaller units for 1-room moves
• Excellent for staggered moves or when you need storage between homes
• Good mix of price, convenience, and nationwide availability

1-800-PACK-RAT: Most Durable Containers and Strong Service Bundles

1-800-PACK-RAT competes directly with PODS and U-Pack and frequently ranks among the top container
companies for durability and service. Reviews highlight its all-steel containers, multiple size
options, and a solid reputation for long-distance moves and storage.

Some consumer guides call out 1-800-PACK-RAT as a strong option when you want tough containers,
discounts, and the ability to bundle moving and storage. That’s great if your small move includes
a gap between leaving one place and moving into the next.

Best for: Small to mid-size moves that need secure containers and possibly storage.

Why it works for small moves:

• Smaller containers available for partial loads
• All-steel construction is reassuring for fragile items
• Competitive with PODS on long-distance pricing and promotions

Zippy Shell: Best for City Apartments and Tight Parking

If you live in a dense city where parking a big trailer is basically a competitive sport, Zippy
Shell shines. Moving guides consistently list Zippy Shell as one of the best options for city
moves, thanks to its street-legal containers that are easier to park and maneuver.

Many reviews also point out that Zippy Shell combines moving and storage, which can be a lifesaver
if your small move includes a short-term stay or delayed access to your new apartment.

Best for: Urban moves with limited parking, busy streets, or HOAs with strict rules.

Why it works for small moves:

• Compact, towable containers suitable for city streets
• Ideal for 1-bedroom apartments or partial households
• Good storage options if you’re in temporary housing

U-Haul U-Box: Best for Budget and College Moves

U-Haul’s U-Box service often earns top spots in container rankings for its flexibility and
nationwide presence. Forbes and other reviewers rate U-Box highly for overall value, especially
for smaller loads and situations where you want maximum control of your schedule.

U-Box is particularly popular with college students and renters who don’t mind doing their own
loading and unloading, and who want the option of picking up or having the container delivered.

Best for: Budget-minded small moves, dorm moves, and people who like U-Haul’s DIY style.

Why it works for small moves:

• Cube-like containers that fit modest loads
• Pickup or delivery options for greater flexibility
• Accessible at U-Haul locations across the country

MiniMoves: Best Full-Service Movers for Tiny Loads

Not into DIY? MiniMoves specializes as the name suggests in small loads. A 2025 guide to
small-load movers named MiniMoves as the top pick for small moves thanks to its nationwide
coverage and flat-rate pricing model. This company focuses on apartments,
condos, and partial households, and offers packing and loading services.

Best for: People who want professional movers but don’t have a full household to move.

Why it works for small moves:

• Built specifically around small-load moves, not an afterthought
• Flat-rate pricing simplifies budgeting
• Useful for seniors, busy professionals, and anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to DIY

Ship Smart: Best for Shipping a Few Pieces of Furniture

Ship Smart is a niche provider that shines when you only need to move a few pieces of furniture,
artwork, or boxes. The company markets itself specifically as a solution for small moves across
the U.S. and Canada, with custom packing and shipping for partial loads.

Best for: Tiny moves think one bedroom set, a couch, or a handful of valuable items.

Why it works for small moves:

• Custom packing and crating for delicate items
• Great when you’re leaving most of your furniture behind
• More efficient than renting a whole truck for a few pieces

United Van Lines Snapmoves & Two Men and a Truck: Strong Hybrid Options

Some big national movers have developed special small-move programs. United Van Lines offers
“Snapmoves,” a streamlined service for smaller shipments that includes a move coordinator, packing
options, and storage. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, meanwhile, promotes its
small-move services for customers who only need help with a few items or a short local move.

Best for: Small moves where you still want traditional, full-service movers involved.

Why they work for small moves:

• Professional packing and loading help
• Better for people with limited mobility or very tight schedules
• Good when you have a mix of heavy and fragile items

How to Choose the Right Small-Move Company

1. Decide What “Small” Means for You

Make a quick inventory of what you’re actually moving: furniture, boxes, appliances, and any
special items (like a piano or large TV). If everything fits into a small container or a partial
trailer, a container service or small-load specialist is usually the best deal.

2. Choose a Moving Model

• Containers (PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell, U-Box) – best value for DIY small moves.
• Small-load full-service movers (MiniMoves, Snapmoves, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK) – more expensive but low effort.
• Specialty shippers (Ship Smart) – ideal when you only have a few high-value items.

3. Get Multiple Quotes (In Writing)

Use online quote tools or talk with sales reps to get written estimates. Compare:

• Base price for your route and size
• Fuel surcharges, delivery fees, and insurance
• Storage or extra-time fees if you’ll need more days

Consumer guides emphasize that many people underestimate container costs because of extended
rental periods or add-on services, so build in some wiggle room.

4. Verify Licenses and Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, the moving world has its share of sketchy operators. Recent reporting warns about
brokers and “fake local movers” that take deposits and either jack up the price later or vanish
with your stuff. To protect yourself:

• Check the company’s USDOT number and FMCSA registration for interstate moves
• Look for a real physical address, not just a virtual office
• Read recent reviews, not just star ratings
• Be wary of unusually low quotes or big deposits up front

What Small Moves Cost in 2025

Prices vary a lot, but current guides give some useful benchmarks:

• PODS: One survey found an average of about $1,208 for a two-bedroom move of 500–800 miles,
  with smaller loads often coming in below that.
• U-Pack: Small moves (limited trailer space or a single container) can start around
  $700, depending on distance and space used.
• Across major container companies, the average cost is roughly $1,700+ for container
  moves, with smaller loads on the lower end of the range.

For very local moves with labor-only pros (like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK), you may pay an hourly rate
that can be cheaper than a container if you’re only moving a couple of miles and can finish in a
few hours.

Bottom line: for most small moves, containers and small-load specialists beat traditional
full-service movers on price especially once you factor in that you’re not paying for unused
truck space.

Real-World Small Move Experiences and Lessons (Extra )

To make all of this more concrete, let’s walk through a few “typical” 2025 small-move situations
and what tends to work best in each one.

Case 1: The Cross-Country Studio Leap

Picture a 27-year-old software engineer moving from a studio in Chicago to a one-bedroom in
Seattle. They’re taking a bed, a couch, a desk, and 20–25 boxes. A full-service van line quotes a
price that feels like a down payment on a car. They run quotes with U-Pack and PODS instead.

U-Pack wins here: because pricing is based on how many feet of trailer space they use, the move
comes in around the lower end of the long-distance small-move range. They pack and load themselves
over a weekend, U-Pack hauls the trailer section across the country, and they schedule delivery
for the day after they land. The main lessons:

• Long distance + moderate amount of stuff = U-Pack is often hard to beat
• Spending extra on good boxes and labeling saves time and stress on arrival
• Building in a day between arrival and delivery gives breathing room

Case 2: Downsizing Two Rooms Across Town

Next, imagine a couple downsizing from a three-bedroom house into a smaller place across town.
They’ve sold or donated half their furniture but still have a bedroom set, a loveseat, and boxes
of books and kitchenware. They consider PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT but ultimately choose TWO MEN AND
A TRUCK for a local, one-day move.

The hourly rate ends up being competitive with containers once they factor in time off work,
parking permits, and the hassle of carrying items up stairs. The movers finish in half a day and
place furniture exactly where it needs to go.

Key takeaways:

• For short, local small moves, hiring pros by the hour can be more efficient than DIY
• It’s worth getting both container and local-mover quotes before deciding
• Help with heavy, awkward pieces (like armoires and sofas) is often worth the premium

Case 3: The “Just the Good Stuff” Move

Another common scenario: someone relocating for a job who’s leaving most furniture behind and
only moving a bedroom set, a handful of art pieces, and a few important boxes. They don’t want to
rent a whole truck or container for what amounts to a mini-move.

Here, a specialty shipper like Ship Smart or a small-load expert such as MiniMoves can make more
sense. The move is priced based on the size and packing needs of the items rather than filling a
big truck. The shipper professionally packs fragile pieces, crates anything especially delicate,
and consolidates loads with other customers to keep the price reasonable.

Lessons learned:

• When you truly have “just a few things,” freight or specialty shippers may beat containers
• Professional packing for fragile or high-value items is usually worth every dollar
• Consolidated shipments can be slower, so timing flexibility is important

Case 4: The City-to-City Apartment Shuffle

Finally, consider a renter moving from a small apartment in one big city to another say, Boston
to New York with serious street-parking challenges on both ends. A large trailer or full-size
moving truck is a headache, and building management has strict rules about loading zones.

A container provider optimized for city moves, like Zippy Shell, often fits best. Their containers
are designed to be street-legal and easier to park, and they handle a lot of the logistics around
permits and timing. The renter gets a container spot reserved in front of each building, loads up
with help from friends or hired labor, and gets a door-to-door move without wrangling a truck
themselves.

Takeaways:

• For urban small moves, container design and parking rules matter as much as price
• Companies that specialize in city logistics can save you parking tickets (and headaches)
• Hiring loading help by the hour can still be cheaper than full-service movers

Put together, these scenarios show that the “best” moving company for a small move in 2025 depends
heavily on distance, volume, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. But the pattern is
clear: containers and small-load specialists give you more control and better pricing than
traditional one-size-fits-all moving solutions.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Small-Move Partner

In 2025, small moves are no longer an afterthought in the moving industry. Between U-Pack, PODS,
1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell, U-Box, MiniMoves, Ship Smart, and special programs like Snapmoves
and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s small-move services, you have more tailored options than ever before.

Start by defining what you’re moving, how far you’re going, and how much work you want to do
yourself. Then gather a few quotes from container companies and small-load specialists, check
licenses and reviews, and pick the setup that balances price, effort, and peace of mind. With the
right company, even a small move can feel like a big upgrade minus the unnecessary cost.