Can You Hire Movers to Move One Item?

Moving a single item may seem easy, but when it comes to big appliances or pieces of furniture, it’s often best to hire a professional mover. Not only do pros have the experience and skill necessary to move particular items, but they also bring specialized equipment for loading and unloading. They’re trained to lift and move things with correct form, and in a way, that protects your item from damage.

Benefits of Hiring Movers to Move One Item

The pros of hiring a professional moving company to move one item far outweigh the cons, which include risking your personal safety. Other benefits include: 

• Affordable cost: It’s more cost-effective since you’ll likely only pay an hourly rate. The cost to hire movers ranges from $30–$100 per hour per mover. 

• Covered by insurance: Professional movers typically include their own moving insurance (or liability coverage) clauses in their services, so you’ll be covered for any damage or issues with your item.

• Saves time: Efficient movers will meet you at your home, load your item, then unload it at your destination. 

• No materials necessary: Movers supply their own equipment, so you don’t have to worry about providing a dolly, moving straps, or furniture pads. 

• Less damage: Attempting to move bulky or heavy items yourself can damage them. You might also damage walls or doorways in the process. 

Single-item moves are common for many items, such as pianos, artwork, couches, dining tables, dressers, beds, pool tables, exercise equipment, electronics, or large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. If you just need one piece of furniture moved, a local moving company should be able to help. 

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Move One Item?

If you just need one item moved, but a professional mover is out of your budget, you can try contacting a handyperson. These pros likely have similar equipment or can tell you what to rent. However, a handyperson probably won’t have the same training or experience as a professional mover, and they may not be able to provide insurance to cover damage or injuries incurred. 

A handyperson’s hourly rate may be higher than that of a mover at $50 to $150 per hour. But if the item is on the smaller side and you’re able to help with loading and unloading, a handyperson may work as a backup option.

How Do Movers Move One Item? 

Single-item movers typically work for a larger moving company and receive payment on an hourly basis. If you need to move your couch or another large item, search for single-item movers near you and provide them with the following information: 

• What item needs to be moved 

• Size and weight of the item 

• Pick-up and drop-off locations 

• Whether the item will be loaded into your personal vehicle or a rented truck or trailer 

• How long you expect the move to take

• Any obstacles in the moving path 

Once your mover has the necessary information, they can determine how much it costs to hire movers and other details, such as travel arrangements and equipment needs. Some national moving companies even offer their own marketplace where you can search for an extra set of hands if you’re willing to help with the heavy lifting. 

After selecting a mover, they will meet you at the loading location, move the item out of your home and into a vehicle or trailer, then meet you at the next destination to unload your item.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a Single Item?

When hiring professional movers for a local move, expect to pay $30 to $100 per hour for each mover. If you're moving a single item more than 100 miles, you may pay $700 or more depending on the total distance traveled.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You'll save money if you move an item yourself. Your only major expense will be renting a moving truck or trailer, which costs $150 to $250 for a local move. Due to the added mileage fees and fuel costs, you'll pay closer to $1,550 to $2,350 on average for a long-distance move. Depending on the item, you may also need to purchase packing supplies, which can cost $20–$100 depending on the size and fragility of the item.

When considering a DIY move, account for the physical demand and skill involved. Hiring professional movers can save time and prevent injury to you or those assisting you. Movers have the expertise to handle large, bulky items—like moving a piano—without causing damage. If the physical demand or the risk seems too great, hirea moving company near you rather than attempting to DIY.