Cheapest Way to Move One Piece of Furniture (Full Guide)

Who This Guide Is For:

• People buying furniture from Facebook Marketplace

• Renters moving one item

• Anyone without a truck

Moving a single piece of furniture shouldn’t feel like planning a full-scale move, or cost hundreds of dollars.

Whether you're picking up a couch from Facebook Marketplace, moving a dresser across town, or delivering a bed to a friend, there are several ways to get the job done. The key is choosing the most affordable and efficient option.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cheapest way to move one piece of furniture, compare your options, and help you decide what works best.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Move One Piece of Furniture?

The cheapest way to move one piece of furniture is typically using a gig-based moving service like Laborhutt, where you only pay for the specific job instead of a full moving crew or truck rental.

👉 Most single-item moves cost between $50–$110 using this method.

Other options, like truck rentals or traditional movers, often cost significantly more once you factor in time, mileage, and labor.

Cost Comparison: Moving One Piece of Furniture

💡 Gig-based services are usually the most cost-effective for small, single-item moves.

Best Way to Move One Piece of Furniture

1. Laborhutt: The Best Option for Small Moves

Laborhutt connects you with local drivers who have pickup trucks, vans, or box trucks ready to help.

Why it works so well:

• No need to rent a truck
• No need to lift heavy items
• Same-day availability
• Designed specifically for small moves

💰 Cost: Typically $50–$110
📦 Best for: Couches, beds, dressers, appliances

2. Rent a Truck or Van

If you're comfortable driving and lifting, renting a truck can work.

Popular options:

• U-Haul Cargo Van: $19.95 + mileage
• Home Depot Truck: $19 (75 minutes)
• Zipcar (with cargo space)

⚠️ Keep in mind:

• Mileage fees add up quickly
• You’ll need help lifting
• Time pressure can increase costs

🔎 Before you book: Read more about the true cost of U-Haul rentals

3. Hire Help the Old-School Way

You can sometimes find help through:

• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• Friends or local contacts

⚠️ Risks:

• No guaranteed reliability
• Unclear pricing
• Limited accountability

When Should You Use Each Option?

• Use Laborhutt if:
  You want the fastest, most affordable, and simplest solution
• Use a truck rental if:
  You’re comfortable driving and lifting
• Use local help if:
  You’re trying to save money but are okay with some risk

Scenario: Laura's 12-mile Couch Move

Laura, a Laborhutt customer, wanted to move a couch from Marcy Ave. to W 102nd St., in Brooklyn, New York.

She posted her job request for free on Laborhutt, and nearly instantly had a mover respond with a quote for $105.

The quote was accepted, and the mover completed the job smoothly, despite the traffic.

You can see the full details of the job here.

What About Moving Other Types of Furniture?

Based on experiences from our customers, we estimate that the average cost to move various furniture items is as follows:

• Couch: $65–$120
• Mattress: $90–$160
• Dresser: $80–$150

📦Use our free furniture moving cost calculator to get a reliable price range on furniture moving and delivery

How to Save Money Moving Furniture

• Move during off-peak times (weekdays, mid-month)
• Be flexible with scheduling
• Disassemble furniture when possible
• Use protective materials to avoid damage fees

Common Use Cases for Single-Item Moving

People most often search for help when moving:

• Couches and furniture from Facebook Marketplace
• Mattresses between apartments
• Dressers or tables across town
• IKEA pickup/delivery or other supported store pickups
• Appliances like washers and dryers

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full moving crew or expensive truck rental to move one item.

If you’re looking for the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to move furniture, using a service designed for small moves will save you time, money, and hassle.

🔎 Still deciding? Check out our comparison guides below:

Compare Taskrabbit vs. Dolly
Compare Dolly Vs. Lugg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will a Moving Company Move One Piece of Furniture?

Most traditional movers have minimum pricing, which often makes small jobs more expensive than necessary. Some will move one item, but you’ll likely pay for a full crew and minimum hours. Laborhutt is flexible enough for this situation—local drivers, low cost, and flexible options.

2. How much does it cost to move one piece of furniture?

Most single-item moves cost between $50 and $250, depending on the method used.

3. What is the cheapest way to move furniture without a truck?

Using a service like Laborhutt is typically the cheapest option since it includes both transportation and labor.

4. Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?

For small moves, hiring a gig-based service is usually cheaper than renting a truck once you factor in time, mileage, and effort.