A small move involves transporting household contents with a volume between 5 and 25 cubic meters, suitable for a studio, student room, or small home. Those who handle this well save time, money, and unnecessary stress. The costs, the choice between doing it yourself or hiring a moving company, and the practical preparation all combine to determine the outcome. This guide provides concrete tools for an efficient and affordable move in 2026.
How do you calculate the cost of a small move?
The cost of a small move in the Netherlands varies widely, depending on how you go about it. Moving yourself with a rented van costs an average of €150 to €300, including fuel and rental. Hiring a professional moving company for a small move within the same city costs an average of €250 to €500 . For distances of 50–100 km, this rises to €400–800.
Movers charge an average of €35–60 per hour per person , while a moving truck costs €70–240 per day. On Saturdays, you pay an average surcharge of 25%, and on Sundays, as much as 75%. Those who are flexible with the date preferably choose a weekday.
The main expenses for a small move are:
- Rental of a delivery van or moving van: depending on size and rental company
- Manpower: own help or paid movers
- Moving materials: boxes, foil, tape, and protective covers
- Fuel and any tolls or parking fees
- Moving lift: for higher floors without a lift
| Transport option | Estimated costs | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| By myself with a rented van | € 150–300 | Small household contents, short distance |
| Man with van | € 200–400 | Limited assistance needed |
| Full-service moving company | € 300–750 | Unburdening desired |
| Moving lift (half day) | € 200–400 | Upper floor without elevator |
Pro tip: Request at least three quotes and compare not only the price, but also exactly what is included. Some providers charge extra for stairs, packing service, or waiting time.
Which moving options are suitable for a small move?
The choice of the right approach depends on your budget, available time, and the complexity of the situation. There are three common options for those planning a small move.
Moving yourself with a rented van
Moving yourself is the cheapest option, but it requires good preparation. You rent a van, arrange for friends or family to help, and pack everything yourself. A 3 m³ van transports 20–25 moving boxes plus some basic furniture. If in doubt about the required space, it is better to choose a larger van so you don’t have to make two trips.
Advantages:
- Lowest direct costs
- Full control over planning and pace
- Suitable for small household contents without heavy furniture
Disadvantages:
- Physically demanding and time-consuming
- No insurance in case of damage
- Risk of damage without proper materials
Man with van
An independent mover with their own van offers a middle ground. You pay for manpower and transport, but have less lifting to do yourself. This is a popular choice for small moves in the city, where parking space is limited and speed counts.
Hire a full-service moving company
A professional moving company handles the entire process, from packing to placement. This is the most expensive option, but it also offers the most security. A moving company provides insurance, a lower risk of damage, and less physical strain . For those with little time or moving fragile items, this is the wisest choice.
When is a moving lift needed?
A moving lift is necessary when furniture does not fit up the stairs or through narrow hallways. The lift is attached to the facade and raises items through the windows or balcony. Professional moving companies arrange the necessary permit with the municipality and handle the operation. The cost of a moving lift ranges between €200 and €400 for half a day.
Pro tip: Measure the width of stairs, doors, and hallways before deciding if a moving lift is needed. Many delays are caused by furniture not fitting upon arrival.
Effective tips to make a small move go smoothly
Good preparation is the biggest time saver for any move. Anyone who thinks in advance about what needs to be moved, how it will be packed, and what the logistics look like, avoids most problems on moving day itself.
Minimize your belongings in advance
Moving is the ideal time to sort through your belongings. What you don’t take with you, you don’t have to pack, transport, or unpack. Give away, sell, or throw away what you haven’t used for a year. Less volume directly means lower costs and less work.
Use the right moving materials
Double-walled moving boxes prevent damage and speed up the moving process. Thin boxes tear easily under weight, leading to delays and damaged items. Additionally, use:
- Bubble wrap for fragile items such as crockery and glasses
- Moving film to protect furniture from scratches
- Strong tape to seal boxes properly
- Protective covers for mattresses and sofas
Labeling and organizing
Label each box with the contents and the destination room. This saves time during unpacking and prevents boxes from being placed in the wrong location. Use a color code per room for extra clarity.
Parking permit and accessibility
Arrange a parking permit for the moving van with the municipality in good time. In busy cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, this is mandatory, and the application process takes a few working days. Without a permit, you risk a fine or having your van towed away.
Pro tip: Photograph all electronic connections, such as the TV, router, and computer, before unplugging cables. This saves a lot of time when reconnecting at the new location.
Choose a quiet time to move
Moving on a weekday is cheaper and less busy. Weekend surcharges from professional movers can reach up to 75% on Sundays. Those who are flexible plan their move for a Tuesday or Wednesday for the lowest rates and the least traffic.
What role does accessibility play in small moves?
A small move is not necessarily faster or cheaper. Factors such as a floor without an elevator and limited parking weigh heavily on the total costs and turnaround time. This is one of the most underestimated aspects when planning a move.
Stairs, narrow corridors and passageways
Every extra floor without an elevator costs extra time and manpower. Moving companies sometimes charge a surcharge per floor. Narrow hallways and sharp turns make moving large furniture difficult or even impossible without disassembly. Failure to measure door and passageway dimensions leads to unforeseen problems and delays on moving day.
Measure the width of all doors, the height of the stairwell, and the dimensions of large furniture in advance. Also note whether any HOA regulations apply that restrict the use of the elevator or stairwell.
Additional services that save time
Professional moving companies offer additional services in addition to transport:
- Packing service: movers pack everything professionally, including fragile items.
- Assembly and disassembly: furniture is disassembled and reassembled at the new location.
- Temporary storage: handy if there is a gap between the completion date of the old and new home.
Insurance and liability
A professional moving company is liable for damage during transport. Moving yourself does not offer this protection, unless you take out separate transport insurance. For fragile or valuable items, an insured move is the safest choice. When requesting quotes, always ask about the coverage and the deductible in the event of damage.
| Factor | Impact on costs and time |
|---|---|
| Floor without elevator | Higher labor costs, moving lift may be needed |
| Narrow hallways or doors | Furniture disassembly required, extra time |
| Limited parking space | Permit required, risk of fine |
| Long distance | Higher transport costs, more fuel |
Key insights
A small move requires a realistic estimate of volume, accessibility, and costs, because these three factors together determine whether the move goes smoothly.
| Punt | Details |
|---|---|
| Costs vary widely | Doing it yourself costs €150–300, while a moving company charges €300–750 for small moves. |
| Accessibility weighs heavily | Stairs, narrow corridors, and parking space significantly increase costs and lead time. |
| Choosing the right bus size | A 3 m³ container holds 20–25 boxes; if in doubt, always choose a larger size. |
| Preparation saves time | Labeling, measuring, and arranging materials in advance prevents most moving problems. |
| Professional help offers certainty | A moving company insures belongings and reduces physical strain. |
What Budgetmoving learns from small moves
Small moves are systematically underestimated. Those moving a studio or student room often think it will “go quickly.” In practice, at Budgetmoving, we see that it is precisely small moves that present the most surprises, not due to the volume, but due to the location.
An apartment on the fourth floor without a lift in Amsterdam requires just as much preparation as a major move. The narrow staircases, limited parking options, and HOA rules dictate the approach, not the number of boxes. Anyone who doesn’t arrange this in advance will find themselves facing closed doors on moving day, literally and figuratively.
The mistake we see most often: people choose the cheapest option without considering accessibility. Renting a van and asking friends sounds appealing, but if the sofa doesn’t fit through the door and no one knows how to disassemble furniture, it takes more time than a professional mover would have.
Our recommendation: start by measuring all doorways and checking the parking situation. That takes twenty minutes and prevents hours of delay. Moving stress is almost always caused by inadequate preparation, not the move itself.
Budget moving for your small move
Budgetmoving offers tailored moving solutions for small moves throughout the Netherlands. Whether you are moving a studio or clearing out a small home, Budgetmoving adapts the approach to your situation, including the use of a moving lift for higher floors and a professional packing service for fragile items.
With a transparent pricing policy and clear communication, you know the cost of the move in advance. Budgetmoving arranges parking permits, insures your household contents during transport, and ensures a hassle-free handover. View the practical moving guide for a complete overview of services and rates, or request a quote directly at budgetmoving.nl .
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a small move cost on average in the Netherlands?
A small move costs an average of €150–300 if you move yourself with a rented van, or €300–750 if you hire a professional moving company. The exact price depends on distance, volume, and accessibility of the location.
How many moving boxes do I need for a small move?
For a small move, you typically need 15–40 moving boxes, depending on the volume of your belongings. Use double-walled boxes for fragile items to prevent damage.
Do I need a moving lift for a small move?
A moving lift is necessary if furniture does not fit up the stairs or through narrow hallways, or if you live on a higher floor without an elevator. The cost ranges between €200 and €400 for half a day.
How do I plan a small move efficiently?
Start by measuring doorways and arranging a parking permit with the municipality. Choose a weekday moving day for lower rates and label all boxes by room for faster unpacking.
When is a professional moving company the better choice?
Hiring a professional moving company is a sensible choice if you are short on time, moving fragile items, or dealing with a hard-to-reach location. The company insures your household contents and takes over the physical strain completely.
