How to choose between a small move and a full house move

Moving looks different for everyone. Sometimes you just need to relocate a few boxes and small furniture, while other times it’s about packing up an entire house. Knowing whether you need a small move or a full house move can save you money, time, and stress. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key differences and help you figure out which option makes sense for your situation.

 

What is a small move

A small move usually involves a limited number of items. Think of it as a “light move” where you don’t need a big moving truck or a large crew. Some common examples include:

• Moving a few pieces of furniture to a new apartment

• Relocating a student to a dorm or shared housing

• Sending items to storage

• Downsizing or delivering furniture to family or friends

For small moves, local movers in Vancouver or Burnaby movers often provide flexible pricing based on the number of items instead of a full truck rate.

What is a full house move

A full house move is when you’re relocating everything from your home. It includes large furniture, appliances, boxes of clothes, kitchen items, and personal belongings. Examples of when you’ll need this type of service are:

• Moving a family house in Vancouver to a new home in Surrey

• Relocating from a large apartment in Burnaby to Richmond

• Transferring all belongings from one city to another, like moving from Langley to Abbotsford

Full house moves usually require more planning, a bigger truck, packing services, and multiple movers. If you’re planning one, using a moving checklist is a great way to stay organized.

Key differences between a small move and a full house move

Cost

• Small move: More affordable since pricing is based on fewer items or a smaller truck.

• Full house move: Higher cost because of the volume, time, and labor involved. For an idea of expenses, you can check out our guide on how much movers cost in Vancouver.

Time

• Small move: Can be done in a few hours, especially for local moves.

• Full house move: Can take a full day or even multiple days if it involves packing, loading, and long-distance travel.

Planning

• Small move: Often flexible and can be booked last minute.

• Full house move: Needs a timeline, packing supplies, and advance booking with professional movers. To prepare better, you might want to read our moving day survival kit guide.

How to decide what’s right for you

Ask yourself these questions before booking movers:

1. How many items am I actually moving?

2. Do I need to move large furniture, appliances, or just a few boxes?

3. Am I relocating within the same city, like Burnaby to Coquitlam, or to another city like Vancouver to Surrey?

4. What’s my budget?

5. Do I need packing services and storage?

If you’re moving a few belongings or a single room, a small move will likely save you money. If you’re relocating your entire household, a full house move will give you the support and resources you need for a smooth transition.

Choosing the right movers

Whether it’s a small move or a full house move, the right moving company makes all the difference. Look for movers who offer:

• Transparent pricing and free moving quotes

• Local knowledge in cities like Richmond, North Vancouver, or Abbotsford

• Professional movers with experience in both residential and apartment moves

• Packing services and storage options if needed

Final thoughts

Both small moves and full house moves come with their own benefits. The key is to match the service to your actual needs. Small moves are great for flexibility and budget-friendly relocation, while full house moves give you complete support when relocating everything.

With Tingsapp, you can easily compare local movers, get upfront pricing, and book the right service for your situation. Whether you’re planning a small apartment move in Coquitlam or a full house relocation in Surrey, Tingsapp helps make your move easy, simple, and stress-free.