The Right Truck for the Job
One of the advantages of hiring a professional moving company for a small move is truck selection. We match the truck to the load. A studio move does not need a 26-foot truck. A 16-foot box truck costs less to operate and is significantly easier to park on Boston’s narrow residential streets. For single-item pickups and in-home jobs, we sometimes use cargo vans that fit in standard parking spaces. For dorm moves and small apartment relocations, 16 to 20-foot trucks handle the volume without the bulk that makes maneuvering through Cambridge or Back Bay difficult. You are not paying for unused truck space. The truck we send fits the inventory you described during the estimate. For full apartment relocations, our dedicated local movers team handles those with the right equipment and crew size.
Why Hiring Movers Beats Doing It Yourself
Small moves feel like they should be easy to handle without professional help. Rent a truck, grab a friend, and get it done in an afternoon. In practice, this approach has recurring problems. The most common moving injuries are back strains, herniated discs, and dropped items landing on feet. A full-size sofa weighs 150 to 250 pounds. A queen mattress is awkward to carry through a narrow stairwell even if it is not particularly heavy. Professional movers use lifting straps, dollies, and stair-climbing equipment that distribute weight safely. Walls, door frames, stair railings, and hardwood floors also take damage when heavy furniture is carried without protection. In a Boston rental, damage to the apartment means losing part or all of your security deposit. Our crews use blankets, corner guards, and floor runners to protect both the item and the building. Renting a truck from U-Haul or Budget costs $40 to $100 for the base rental, plus mileage, fuel, insurance, dollies, and blankets. By the time you factor in the rental, the time spent picking up and returning the truck, and the value of a full day spent on physical labor, the total cost often approaches what a two-person crew would have charged to handle everything in half the time. If you only need help with the physical labor and have your own vehicle, our labor-only service is another option worth considering.
How Small Move Pricing Works
Small moves with Continental Moving are billed hourly with a two-hour labor minimum and a one-hour travel time charge. The crew size is typically two people for studios, single items, and in-home jobs. If the move involves a third-floor walk-up or heavier items such as a piano, a safe, or a large appliance, we may recommend a three-person crew. The hourly rate covers labor, the truck, standard equipment including dollies, blankets, straps, and tools, and basic liability coverage. Packing materials used during the move are included. We provide estimates in advance based on your inventory and building details. For most small moves, the estimate is straightforward: two movers, two to three hours, one truck. No surprises.
