Movers for Small Moves NYC

When people think about moving companies, they often imagine full-home relocations or large commercial projects. But not all moves are big – and that’s where Big John’s Moving steps in. A small move might involve a studio apartment or dorm room. It might just mean a single-item move like a piano, antique or oversized piece of furniture. These compact relocations require just as much attention, care and coordination as any large-scale project.

Founded in 1977 by John Healey, Big John’s Moving began as a small operation built on honesty, hard work and a commitment to helping fellow New Yorkers transition smoothly from one home or office to another. Over the years, the company has grown into one of NYC’s most respected full-service moving companies, while maintaining its core values and family-like team culture.

At Big John’s, small moves are never treated as “less important” moves. On the contrary, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service, affordable pricing, and a commitment to reducing the stress of relocation, no matter the size of the job. Many of our handpicked movers have been with us for over 20 years, bringing consistency, trust and deep knowledge of New York City’s unique challenges to every move.

Our Services for Small Moves

Big John’s Moving offers the same attention to detail and professional support for small moves as we do for our larger jobs. When you hire us for a small residential move, you can expect nothing less than top-tier service. From the moment you request a quote to the final box being placed in your new space, our experienced team is there to guide you every step of the way. We understand that even small local moving can be a big deal, so we bring the same level of care, precision and efficiency to every job, no matter the size. Our comprehensive services ensure that every detail of your move is accounted for.

Packing Services

Proper packing is one of the most crucial aspects of a successful move, and it’s where many DIY moves fall short. At Big John’s Moving, our professional packing services ensure your belongings are protected from start to finish. Whether you’re moving just a few essentials or packing up an entire apartment, we use high-quality, non-staining materials such as industrial-strength bubble wrap, stretch wrap, double-walled cartons, unprinted packing paper and glassine for delicate surfaces.

Our experienced team understands how to strategically pack and label items, making unpacking faster and more organized at your new location. Fragile items like dishes, glassware, electronics and artwork are handled with extra care, and we can even provide custom-built crates for valuables that need an extra layer of protection. By trusting professionals to handle the packing, you eliminate the guesswork, reduce the risk of damage and save valuable time and stress on moving day. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make for a smoother relocation.

Loading and Transport

Loading all your items onto a moving truck is about efficiency, protection and strategy. Our professional movers are trained to load items in a way that maximizes space while minimizing the risk of shifting and breakage during transport. We use specialized tools like dollies, straps and padding to protect your belongings (and your residence) from damage.

Your items are transported in our modern, energy-efficient fleet, which not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures smooth performance and safe delivery. Our trucks are specifically chosen and maintained for maneuvering through New York City’s narrow streets, busy intersections and tight loading zones. Whether it’s a fifth-floor walk-up in the East Village or a high-rise in Midtown, our crews know how to navigate even the trickiest city terrain with confidence and care.

By leaving the heavy lifting and logistics to our team, you avoid injury, save time and ensure that your items arrive safely at your destination. It’s the kind of peace of mind only seasoned professionals can provide.

Unloading and Setup

Arriving at your new place should feel exciting, not exhausting. That’s why our team goes beyond just dropping off moving boxes. Once we reach your new address, we carefully unload and place all your heaviest items exactly where you need them, saving you time and effort in organizing your space. This could mean setting up your bed frame in the bedroom or placing your dining table in the perfect spot. We’re here to help make your new place feel like home right away.

We also offer light setup services, including reassembling basic furniture such as beds, desks or shelving units, which is particularly helpful if we disassembled them during the move. Our movers are trained to handle the process efficiently and safely, so everything is set up correctly and securely.

With professional unloading and setup, you can skip the hassle of carrying heavy items or figuring out where everything goes. Instead, you can focus on settling in and enjoying your new space, knowing that all the heavy lifting and coordination has been taken care of.

Specialty Handling

Some items require more than just basic moving skills – they require expertise. If you own fine art, antique furniture, fragile instruments or high-end electronics, our specialty handling services ensure your most valuable and delicate items are transported with precision and care.

At Big John’s Moving, we have years of experience safely moving all your most irreplaceable pieces. We use custom padding, advanced wrapping materials and custom-built wooden crates when needed to shield your valuables from shock, vibration, and environmental exposure during the move. For sensitive items, we also consider factors like climate control, especially when items are going into storage or traveling long distances.

Our movers are specially trained in safe handling techniques, including how to maneuver unusually shaped or oversized items through narrow hallways, stairwells and elevators common in NYC buildings. When you trust us with your most prized possessions, you’re choosing a team that understands the importance of every detail and treats your items as if they were their own.

Little John’s Storage Solutions

For small moves in NYC, finding secure and affordable storage can be just as important as the move itself. That’s why Big John’s Moving offers Little John’s Storage, a private, energy-efficient facility specially designed to accommodate the needs of clients with compact storage requirements. Whether you’re relocating from a studio, transitioning between apartments or simply need to store a few select pieces, our versatile unit sizes make it easy to find the perfect fit.

Conveniently located just outside Manhattan, Little John’s offers over one million cubic feet of clean, secure storage space, at nearly half the cost of most Manhattan-based options, making it a smart and budget-friendly choice for city dwellers with limited space.

We take security seriously. Our facility is protected by 24/7 surveillance, armed guards and guard dogs, with climate-controlled units, including museum-grade sections ideal for fine art, antiques and temperature-sensitive valuables. Additionally, access is restricted and staff-escorted, creating an extra layer of security. We require pre-inspection of all stored items and offer optional insurance for added peace of mind. Whether your small moving jobs needs short-term or extended storage, Little John’s Storage delivers a reliable and cost-effective solution tailored to your situation.

Our crew is directly hired and trained by Big John himself, and never subcontracted. That means every team member shares the company’s values of professionalism, honesty and respect for your property.

What Qualifies as a “Small Move”?

Living in New York City often means adapting to smaller spaces, frequent relocations and tight deadlines. That’s why our small move services are the perfect fit for a variety of scenarios, including:

College Students
Whether you’re moving into a dorm at NYU, Columbia or one of the city’s many other institutions, we make student moves easy and affordable.

Apartment Renters
Upgrading to a one-bedroom? Relocating just a few blocks away? Our flexible small moving services are ideal for short-distance apartment changes, including in-building and same-neighborhood moves.

Small Office Moves
We handle boutique office relocations quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime so your business can stay focused.

Seniors Downsizing
We work with empathy and patience, helping older adults transition to smaller living spaces or assisted living facilities with dignity and care.

Military and Senior Discounts
Eligible clients receive special pricing as part of our commitment to giving back to the community.

We know the ins and outs of NYC’s unique logistics, from navigating narrow walk-ups and high-rise elevators to understanding loading zone restrictions and building access protocols. Our team’s experience ensures your move goes smoothly from start to finish.

Affordable, Transparent Pricing

One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring small movers – especially in NYC – is pricing. At our moving company, we believe in transparent, honest pricing. That means:

• No hidden moving costs – You’ll never be hit with surprise fees or unexpected add-ons. Everything is laid out in advance.
• FREE on-premise estimates – Our team can visit your location to give you an accurate quote based on your exact needs. Prefer online? No problem. We also offer detailed digital quotes, often personally reviewed or prepared by Big John himself.
• One month of free storage – For small long-distance moves, we offer one month of free storage at our Little John’s Storage facility, a secure, energy-efficient warehouse near Manhattan.
• Free delivery of moving supplies – Need boxes, tape, or wrap? Orders over $75 within Manhattan qualify for free delivery, making preparation even easier.

Our goal is to provide great service at a great value, without cutting corners or inflating prices.

Why Choose Big John’s for Your Small Move?

With over 45 years of experience, Big John’s Moving has become the go-to solution for small moves in NYC. But it’s not just our longevity that sets us apart – it’s how we treat our customers.

Our founder has always believed in leading by example. He personally hires and trains every member of the team, instilling a commitment to honesty, attention to detail and precision. We even ensure that only the foreman communicates with the customer during a move, keeping things streamlined and professional.

Many of our clients have been with us for years and some for generations. This level of loyalty and satisfaction doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of decades of hard work and a customer-first mindset. Here’s what a few have had to say:

“Superb. Prompt, fast-paced, polite and—maybe most important for a stressful day—funny! A friend was with us and liked our moving crew so much, he booked them for his own move the following week.”

Jill V., Forest Hills, NY, Angie’s List Customer

“I used Big John’s, and they were very professional, helpful, and nice. They were on-time and it was a positive experience.”

Jane E., Upper West Side, Angie’s List Customer

Get a Quote Today

We know that when it comes to small moves in NYC, time is often of the essence. That’s why we’ve made it easy to get started with a quote.

1. Call us directly. Speak with a knowledgeable representative or even Big John himself. We’ll ask a few questions about your move and give you a quote on the spot or schedule an on-site visit.
2. Submit a form online. Use our easy web form to provide the details of your move. A team member will follow up promptly with a customized estimate.
3. Book your date. Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll work with you to find the perfect date and time, even if it’s last-minute. We offer evening and weekend availability to suit your schedule.
4. Relax! We’ll take it from there, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience from packing to final delivery.

Big John’s Moving may have grown over the years, but we’ve never forgotten our roots. Whether you’re moving a few blocks or a few boroughs away, we bring the same level of care, professionalism and personal touch to every job. Our small load movers treat your relocation like a big deal – because to you, it is.

Ready to get moving? Call us today or fill out our online form to get a free quote and experience the Big John’s difference.