How small moves are priced
Most movers set a minimum weight or minimum charge on long-distance shipments. In our planning ranges, the floor is about $1,100 to $1,750, and it applies to a few items or a small studio on many routes. That's a planning assumption rather than a final rate.
| Home | Typical weight | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Few items | about 1,200 lb | $1,100 to $1,750 | $1,100 to $1,750 |
| Studio | about 2,000 lb | $1,100 to $1,750 | $1,400 to $2,250 |
| 1 bedroom | about 3,000 lb | $1,550 to $2,500 | $2,100 to $3,350 |
| 2 bedroom | about 5,500 lb | $2,850 to $4,600 | $3,850 to $6,150 |
| 3 bedroom | about 8,500 lb | $4,400 to $7,050 | $5,950 to $9,500 |
| 4 bedroom | about 12,000 lb | $6,250 to $10,000 | $8,400 to $13,450 |
| 5+ bedroom | about 15,500 lb | $8,050 to $12,900 | $10,850 to $17,350 |
Ways to keep it down
- Be flexible on dates. A shared load fits small moves best.
- Pack it yourself and use solid boxes.
- Ship less. Sell or give away cheap furniture and keep the things that are costly or hard to replace.
- Be accurate. A clear list helps us give you a realistic estimate, including anything heavy.
When another option makes more sense
We would rather be straightforward. Depending on what you own, these may beat a professional mover on price:
- Shipping containers if you can load them yourself.
- Rental trucks for a small load, if you're happy to drive and lift.
- Freight shipping for one or two pieces.
Each has trade-offs. You take on the loading, or the risk, or the time. Compare them with your range from the form above.
Who uses small moves
Students, recent graduates, people joining a partner in another city, or anyone leaving a Chicago studio or one-bedroom. Moves out of walk-ups are common, so tell us your floor and the distance from curb to door, because stairs and long carries take time.