We Moved a Studio Apartment from Denver to Brooklyn. Here's What It Actually Cost.
Written by Azuraye Wycoff - Small Haul Colorado Branch Owner.
Last spring, one of our customers, Maya, called us with a familiar problem.
The Load
Maya's inventory consisted of standard studio furnishings: a queen bed frame and mattress, 6-drawer dresser, small sectional sofa, desk with office chair, two bookshelves, 14 medium boxes, 6 wardrobe boxes, lamps, floor mirror, bicycle, and an elaborate cat tree. The total estimated volume was 420 cubic feet—less than a quarter of a standard moving truck.
The Full Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dedicated 2-person crew for full travel time | $3,500 |
| Truck rental | $2,500 |
| Loading/unloading labor (3 hours, 2 movers) | $380 |
| Specialist Fee for sectional couch + 5 flight walk-up | $75 |
| Packing materials (boxes, wrap, tape) | -$150 (Maya did herself) |
| Disassembly/reassembly (bed frame, shelves) | -$115 (Maya did herself) |
| Long-distance fuel & toll surcharge | $320 |
| Liability coverage (full replacement value) | $180 |
| Total | $6,955 |
Small Haul completed the move in four days with a dedicated truck and crew, with no damage to any items.
What Actually Drives the Cost of a Long-Distance Small Move
1. Time
Pricing is based on time rather than weight, allowing customers to reduce costs by handling packing themselves without penalties for heavier items.
2. The Sofa Question
Oversized or awkwardly shaped furniture adds complexity and specialist fees. Maya's sectional couch required a specialist fee due to the five-flight walkup at her destination.
3. Origin and Destination Accessibility
Loading accessibility affects labor costs. Denver's ground-floor unit with parking lot access was straightforward, while Brooklyn's fourth-floor walkup required additional labor that was factored into the quote.
4. Packing: DIY vs. Full Service
Maya's choice to purchase supplies and pack herself saved approximately $265 compared to full-service packing options.
5. Timing
The move occurred mid-month on a Tuesday. Peak season (late May through August), weekends, and end-of-month dates typically carry a 10-15% premium.
What the Big Guys Won't Tell You About Small Moves
National carriers often lose money on small loads because their infrastructure is designed for larger moves. When contacted about studio-sized moves, they typically either overcharge for unnecessary space, place items on consolidated loads with extended delivery windows, or decline the job entirely.
So, Is a Small Long-Distance Move Worth It?
Maya received a guaranteed four-day delivery window with a dedicated team for less than national carrier quotes offering 12-21 day windows. The alternative—renting a truck and driving cross-country—only makes financial sense with flexible timing and willing helpers.
Get a Real Quote (Not a Runaround)
Small Haul serves Denver, Boulder, and Colorado broadly, handling moves of all sizes locally and nationally, emphasizing transparent pricing without hidden fees or pressure tactics.
