Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
When people think about hiring movers, they usually picture a house packed with boxes and furniture from wall to wall. But in reality, many moves are much smaller and still just as challenging.
You might be moving out of a studio apartment. You may need help transporting a couch, bed, or dining table. Maybe you are clearing out a storage unit, helping a family member downsize, or rearranging furniture before a renovation. These situations happen every day, and they all have one thing in common. They are harder than they look.
At Mid-West Moving & Storage, we help customers with small moves all the time. These moves may not involve an entire household, but they still require strength, experience, planning, and care. If you have ever tried to move heavy furniture on your own, you already know why professional help makes a difference.
What Is Considered a Small Move
A small move usually means you are relocating a limited number of items or moving within a smaller space. It does not mean the job is less important or easier. In many cases, small moves involve tight hallways, staircases, elevators, or fragile pieces that require extra attention.
Small moves often include situations like:
- Moving a few large furniture items from one location to another
- Relocating a studio or one bedroom apartment
- Moving items into or out of a storage unit
- Helping load or unload a truck or moving container
- Moving furniture within the same home
- Assisting with college or dorm moves
- Moving computers or any electronics.
If you are not moving everything you own but still need reliable help with heavy lifting and transportation, your move likely falls into this category.
Common Small Move Requests We Handle Every Week
Small moves come in many forms, and no two situations are exactly the same. Here are some of the most common requests we receive.
Single Item and Large Item Moves
Some items are simply not safe or practical to move without help. Sofas, mattresses, dressers, dining tables, safes, treadmills, and large televisions are common examples. These pieces are heavy, awkward to carry, and easy to damage if handled incorrectly. We have the equipment and experience to move them without damaging your home or the item itself.
Apartment and Condo Moves
Apartment moves may involve fewer items, but they often come with added challenges. Stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, and limited parking can make even a small move complicated. Our movers know how to plan these moves efficiently and work within building rules and time restrictions.
Storage Unit Moves
Moving items into or out of storage is another situation that sounds simple until you are lifting heavy furniture in tight spaces. We help customers move items into storage, retrieve items when they are needed again, and even reorganize units so everything is accessible and protected.
Load Only and Unload Only Services
If you already have a truck, trailer, or moving container, you may only need help with the physical work. Load only and unload only services are ideal for people handling part of the move themselves but wanting professional help with heavy lifting and proper placement.
In Home Moves
Not all moves involve changing addresses. We frequently help customers move furniture between rooms, upstairs or downstairs, or out of the way during renovations. This service is especially helpful when protecting floors, walls, and stair railings is a priority.
Why People End Up Calling Movers Anyway
Most small move calls start the same way.
Someone tried to do it themselves. The couch wouldn’t fit. The dresser was heavier than expected. A wall got scraped. A back got sore. What was supposed to be quick turned into a problem.
Hiring movers for a small job isn’t about overdoing it. It’s about avoiding damage and stress. A few heavy items moved the wrong way can cost more in repairs than the move itself.
What You Can Expect From Mid-West Moving & Storage
We approach small moves with the same care and professionalism as larger relocations. When our team arrives, they are prepared with the right tools and a clear plan.
You can expect:
- Careful handling of all furniture and belongings
- Protection for floors, doorways, and walls
- Efficient loading and unloading
- Clear communication throughout the move
- Respect for your time and your space
How Small Move Pricing Works
Small move pricing is based on a few practical details. The number of items being moved, how far they need to go, and how easy it is to access both locations all play a role. Stairs, elevators, long walks from the truck, and tight spaces can affect the amount of time and labor required.
The type of service also matters. A load-only or unload-only job is priced differently than a full small move. Storage unit moves and in-home moves are handled based on the work involved rather than a one-size-fits-all rate.
If you want a quick idea of cost before speaking with someone, Mid-West Moving & Storage offers an online moving cost calculator that helps you estimate pricing based on your specific move details. It’s a helpful starting point and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.
For the most accurate pricing, requesting an estimate is still the best option. That allows us to review your move, recommend the right crew size, and make sure everything is planned correctly from the start.
How to Prepare For a Small Move
A little preparation can make a noticeable difference on moving day. You don’t need to do much, but these small steps help keep things moving smoothly:
- Make a simple list of what’s being moved, especially larger furniture
- Count boxes or totes so there are no surprises
- Measure doorways, stairwells, and elevators if space might be tight
- Set aside items that are not part of the move
- Point out anything fragile or awkward to handle
- Reserve parking close to the entrance when possible
If you’re unsure what’s worth preparing, that’s completely fine. When you request an estimate, we’ll talk through the details and help you get everything lined up.
Quick Checklist: Is This a Small Move?
If you’re nodding “yes” to any of these, you’re likely a small-move customer:
- I’m moving a studio, one-bedroom, or partial apartment
- I only need help with a few heavy items
- I’m moving items in/out of storage
- I’m using my own truck but need loading/unloading help
- I want to avoid damaging walls, floors, or furniture
- I want it done quickly and correctly
Schedule Your Move With Mid-West Moving & Storage
Just because a move is smaller doesn’t mean it should feel rushed or overwhelming. Whether you need help moving a few items, clearing out a storage unit, or leaving an apartment without the extra hassle, Mid-West Moving & Storage is here to help.
We’ve been helping people move for more than 40 years, and that experience shows in how our crews approach the work. Mid-West Moving & Storage has earned respected industry certifications that reflect proper training, safety standards, and professional handling of belongings on every move.
Reach out for a free estimate and let’s get your move scheduled in a way that works for your timeline and your space.
Director of Marketing & Development
Kari-Ann Ryan is a dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record in brand development, corporate visibility, and business growth. As the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, she leads all branding, marketing, and business development initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across multiple industries.
With extensive experience in multi-brand marketing, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and retail management, Kari-Ann brings a comprehensive and results-driven approach to her role. She is a dedicated leader in the business community, actively involved in the Schaumburg Business Association and the GOA Regional Business Association. She also serves as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.
In addition to her corporate role, Kari-Ann is the founder of LMJ’s Lost Souls – Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, education, and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and is Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing, with expertise in social media strategy and digital engagement.
