Who to Hire to Move One Item

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to move one item, choose a professional mover or local moving company. Movers bring the right equipment and training to protect your belongings and your home. They also include moving insurance or liability coverage in their services.

Single-item movers handle heavy furniture, large appliances, fragile or valuable pieces like pool tables or pianos, and exercise equipment or electronics. For accurate pricing, share item details and access challenges upfront.

Benefits for Hiring a Professional Mover to Move One Item

Hiring a professional mover for a single item reduces risk and saves time. Pros arrive with dollies, straps, and pads, use safe lifting techniques, and include insurance or liability coverage in their services. You pay only for the hours needed, not a full-service move. This protects your item and prevents damage to walls, doorways, and floors.

• Hourly pricing keeps costs focused on one item

• Insurance or liability coverage protects against damage

• Efficient loading and unloading at both addresses

• You do not need to rent or buy equipment

• Reduced risk of scuffs and dings to your home

• Trained lifting techniques help prevent injuries

• Specialized tools for bulky or delicate pieces

• Clear start-to-finish process from pickup to drop-off

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Move One Item?

A handyperson can work as a backup if a mover is out of budget. Some bring similar equipment or can advise what to rent, but they may lack mover-specific training and may not offer coverage for damage or injuries. Handyperson rates run $50 to $150 per hour, which can be higher than movers. For smaller items—and if you can assist—this route can work; for heavy or fragile items, hire movers. If you have a particularly heavy or awkward item, you might want to consider a furniture mover near you to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

How Do Professional Movers Move One Item?

Single-item moves follow a simple plan that keeps the job efficient and safe.

1. Contact single-item movers and share details: the item, size and weight, pickup and drop-off addresses, transport plan, timing, and obstacles.

2. Movers assess costs, travel, and equipment needs; some offer extra labor options if you assist.

3. On moving day, they arrive at pickup, load the item into a vehicle or trailer, then unload at the destination.

The information you will need to provide to the pro is the exact item with dimensions and weight, pickup and drop-off addresses, your plan for transportation (your vehicle or rental), the estimated duration for the move, and any obstacles in either location, such as stairs or tight turns.

How Much Does Moving One Item Cost?

Local professional movers charge $30 to $100 per hour per mover. For one item traveling more than 100 miles, expect $700 or more depending on distance. Item-based estimates include piano $260 to $580, fireproof safe $175 to $500, pool table $375 to $1,500, couch $200 to $400, bed $100 to $400, and aquarium $100 to $300. Costs vary by item size and weight, distance, number of movers, obstacles, and equipment needs.