Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 09 2026
Long Distance Moving Options For Small Moves
When planning small moves long distance, understanding your options is crucial to ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation. Unlike larger moves, small-scale relocations require specialized strategies that focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and careful planning.
Whether you’re moving a few pieces of furniture, personal belongings, or downsizing to a smaller space, finding the right approach can make all the difference. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence, offering insights into the best practices for packing, organizing, and selecting the most reliable moving services tailored to your needs.
From expert packing tips to choosing movers who specialize in small-scale long-distance relocations, we’ll cover everything you need for a seamless transition. You’ll also learn how to compare quotes, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions that save time and money.
With the right preparation and resources, even the most complex small moves can be handled efficiently. Whether you’re relocating across state lines or to a neighboring city, this guide will equip you with actionable advice to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
Efficient Long-Distance Moving Solutions
The most expensive option on the list, but also the most convenient, a full-service moving company near you will handle everything for you. This type of company offers moving services, such as:
- Furniture disassembly and assembly
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Moving heavy items, such as pianos
- Storage services
- And More!
If you have a small move across a long distance, hiring a professional moving company offering full service will give you a convenient option. You won't need to dedicate as much time to packing, loading, unloading, or unpacking. your movers will handle it all, which is great if you don't have the time to handle packing up your home and unpacking when you arrive.
This long-distance moving option offers a great solution for those needing to move in a hurry or without much time to handle packing and unpacking. You can hire a crew and pay them to do the work for you.
Trailer or Moving Cube/Pod
Another option for your small move across a long distance is renting a trailer or moving cube/pod. This type of moving company drops off a trailer or moving cube for you to load up. For a smaller move, you might only need one moving cube or two cubes. The more cubes you need, the higher the cost will be.
If your rent a trailer, you might pay for the entire trailer or you might pay for a portion of the trailer. The cost of this type of small long-distance move depends on the space you need and the actual distance. The more space you need and the further your things have to go, the higher the cost will be.
You will be responsible for packing your things, loading the trailer or cubes, unloading, and unpacking. You can pay for a moving crew to do this for you, but it will likely be separate from the company providing the cubes or trailer.
This option is often cheaper than higher a full-service moving company and you don't have to worry about driving a moving truck. It's a good option for those looking to handle a small long-distance move on a budget.
When you need to move a long distance, even a small move can be expensive. It's important to choose the right option to move your things across the country, even when it's a smaller move.
Leading Companies in Small Moves Long Distance
Several companies specialize in small moves long distance, offering tailored services that cater specifically to this niche market. Notable names include:
- Mini Movers: Known for their budget-friendly packages, they provide specialized services for small shipments, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.
- Swift Relocations: This company focuses on quick turnaround times for small-scale moves, making them an excellent choice for those needing fast service.
- EcoMove: They offer environmentally conscious options, ensuring your relocation is both efficient and sustainable while minimizing your carbon footprint.
- U-Pack: Renowned for their flexibility, U-Pack allows customers to pay based on the space used rather than weight, making it a cost-effective solution for small moves.
- Ship Smart: Specializing in moving fragile or high-value items, Ship Smart ensures that your delicate belongings are handled with care during transit.
These companies understand the unique challenges of small moves and offer specialized solutions that can make your transition smoother. They provide a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and families making smaller relocations.
By choosing one of these reputable companies, you can ensure that your move is handled efficiently and professionally, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
Contact Three Movers For Your Small Moves
Three Movers is a leading company in the moving industry. We are long distance movers and we assist with local moves too. Whether you have a trailer load of household or office goods or just a few things to move, our professional team of movers can help.
Call us today on (888) 202-0036 or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation long distance moving estimate and find out how you could save up to 20% when you move with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
A small moves long distance relocation typically involves under 2,000 pounds of belongings, such as a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, dorm room, or limited furniture shipment traveling over 100 miles or across state lines. These moves usually fit in shared trailers or compact trucks rather than full semis. Key factors include total weight, distance, pickup flexibility, stairs, and interstate classification under FMCSA regulations.
Small long-distance moves typically cost between $800 and $3,500, based on mileage, shipment weight, service type, and delivery speed. Shared-load options lower costs but extend transit time, while dedicated trucks cost more for faster delivery. Pricing is also affected by packing needs, long carries, elevator access, special items, fuel rates, and seasonal demand on interstate routes.
Yes. Many carriers focus specifically on small loads long distance, using consolidated shipping or partial truckloads to reduce costs. These services are ideal for apartments, students, and downsizing moves where a full truck is unnecessary. Availability depends on route density, minimum weight requirements, delivery flexibility, and regional traffic patterns. Learn more about options designed for small shipments through long distance movers for small moves.
Yes. Any move that crosses state borders is classified as interstate, regardless of shipment size. Even a few items moved out of state must be handled by an FMCSA-registered carrier following federal consumer protection rules. Interstate moves require written estimates, valuation coverage, and defined delivery windows, unlike state-regulated local moves. This is handled through an interstate moving service.
Common options include shared truck space, small dedicated trucks, and portable moving containers. Shared loads are the most affordable but slower, while dedicated trucks provide faster delivery. Containers work well when storage, phased loading, or building restrictions apply. Each option varies by delivery timing, access logistics, weather exposure, and item fragility. See how container-based solutions work with moving storage containers.
Most small long-distance moves take 3 to 10 days from pickup to delivery. Shared-load shipments often take longer due to route optimization and multiple drop-offs. Dedicated trucks can deliver in 2 to 5 days, depending on distance. Timing is influenced by traffic congestion, weather conditions, seasonal volume, and warehouse scheduling along major freight corridors.
Yes. Movers frequently handle furniture-only long-distance moves, including sofas, beds, dining tables, or appliances. These shipments are typically consolidated to control costs. Proper padding, disassembly, weight distribution, and secure loading are essential to prevent damage during long transit. This approach is common for downsizing, estate cleanouts, and partial relocations. Learn more about moving a few pieces of furniture.
