Imagine you’ve got one heavy piece of furniture you need to move. It might be a couch you bought online. It could be a dresser you’re passing on to a family member.
You don’t want to move it by yourself. But you don’t want to burden family or friends either. Hiring a full moving service feels excessive and costly when it’s all for one item.
What do you do?
Well, you can always call one-item movers. This service is designed for smaller moves with big items. In this guide, you’ll learn what one-item movers can do for you and how much it’s going to cost.
What Are One-Item Movers?
One-item movers handle the transport of a single large or heavy item. This usually means furniture, appliances, or specialty pieces. You’re not booking a full household move. Instead, you’re paying for help with one specific item.
When should you use single-item moving services?
You might use single-item movers after buying furniture from an online marketplace, especially those that don’t offer delivery. You may also need help moving a couch between apartments. Another common case is relocating a piano or safe.
One-item movers make sense when the job is too big to handle alone but too small for a full moving crew.
Common One-Item Moves
One-item movers aren’t just for rare situations. Many people need help with a single-item move. The key reason is size or weight. You’ll want to hire professional movers when an item is too hard, awkward, or risky to transport.
For Homeowners
Homeowners and renters often use one-item movers for large household pieces. These items are difficult to move without proper equipment, especially for those doing it alone.
These are just some examples of items that a professional moving company can help with.
- Sofas and Sectionals: Heavy seating that won’t fit in most personal vehicles.
- Beds and Mattresses: Bulky items that are hard to carry up and down the stairs and hallways.
- Dressers and Wardrobes: Solid wood furniture that’s easy to damage during a move.
- Refrigerators and Washing Machines: Appliances that require careful handling and secure transport.
- Pianos and Safes: Specialty items that require experienced movers and protective equipment and are typically handled through full-service moving options rather than one-item delivery services.
For Businesses
Business owners also rely on one-item movers for quick, targeted jobs. This is common during business relocation, office updates, or equipment changes.
- Office Desks and Filing Cabinets: Heavy items that need to stay intact during relocation.
- Copiers and Printers: Sensitive machines that require stable transport.
- Display Cases and Shelving Units: Fixtures used in retail spaces.
- Restaurant Equipment: Items like prep tables or small refrigerators.
In both cases, one-item movers offer a practical solution when moving just one piece still feels like a big job.
How Much Does One-Item Moving Cost?
This section breaks down what you can expect to pay for one-item moving. We should note that pricing varies by company.
Some movers charge by the hour. But companies like Oz Xpress offer fixed pricing based on cubic footage. You see the price upfront. You don’t have to worry about surprise fees on moving day.
A flat-rate pricing model works well for one-item moves because it keeps things simple. That’s important if you’re only moving one piece of furniture.
Pricing
Here’s what a one-item move may cost.
- Small Items ($99): For loads under 20 cubic feet. Ideal for low-volume items that require minimal truck capacity, such as side tables, lamps, small shelving units, or a few packed boxes.
- Medium Items ($149): For loads under 50 cubic feet. Best suited for average-size furniture, including chairs, desks, loveseats, coffee tables, or medium-sized artwork.
- Large Items ($249): For loads up to 100 cubic feet. Designed for bulky furniture or multiple items handled as a single move. Common examples include full-size sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, exercise equipment, or several medium boxes.
Each package is based on cubic footage, not time. That helps you avoid paying more just because a move takes longer than expected.
Specialty Services
Some companies offer add-on services for items that require special handling. In the case of Oz Xpress, it offers services beyond standard pickup and delivery, available for an additional charge depending on the item and handling requirements.
- Fragile Item Handling: The moving team packs delicate pieces with high-quality materials. Items are handled carefully to reduce the risk of damage.
- Fine Art Transportation: Artwork is moved using custom crates designed to protect valuable pieces during transit.
- Special Item Handling: Oversized or custom-made items are moved using tailored methods suited to their shape and weight.
- Additional Support Services: Extra moving help is available for installations, junk removal, and other delivery needs.
One-Item Movers vs Full-Service Moving Companies
One-item movers and full-service moving companies solve different problems. The main difference comes down to scope. One-item movers focus on transporting a single piece. Full-service movers handle entire homes or offices.
With one-item movers, you’re paying for help with a specific item. The crew picks up one item, transports it, and delivers it to the destination. Also, they usually pick up and deliver items on the same day. They don’t pack an entire space or load a full truck. This keeps costs lower and scheduling easier.
Full-service moving companies take a broader approach. They handle packing (sometimes as an add-on service), loading, transport, and unloading for many items. This option makes sense if you’re relocating a household or business or placing items into temporary storage facilities.
You should consider one-item movers when you only have one large or heavy item. It’s also a good choice when an item won’t fit in your vehicle.
Full-service movers are better when you’re moving multiple rooms. They’re also helpful when you want everything handled from start to finish. Choosing the right option depends on how much you’re moving and how much help you actually need.
9 Tips to Reduce One-Item Moving Costs
You can lower your one-item moving cost by planning the move in the right order. Think of this as a simple checklist. Each step helps reduce time, labor, or add-on fees.
- Measure Your Item First: Get accurate height, width, and depth measurements so you’re quoted the correct package from the start.
- Confirm Access at Both Locations: Check for stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or long walking distances before booking. Some moving companies charge more when accessibility becomes an issue.
- Prepare the Item Ahead of Time: Remove shelves, detach legs, and empty drawers to speed up loading.
- Clear the Pathway: Move rugs, doors, or obstacles so movers can carry the item without delays.
- Choose Flexible Pickup Dates: Off-peak days and wider time windows can lower your rate.
- Book in Advance: Early scheduling helps you lock in better pricing and availability.
- Avoid Unnecessary Packing Services: Use your own blankets or wrap if the item doesn’t require professional packing.
- Keep Pickup and Drop-Off Direct: Shorter routes and fewer stops help keep labor time down.
- Confirm What’s Included in the Price: Make sure equipment, labor, and basic protection are already covered.
