When you’re moving into a tiny home, you have to do things a bit differently than what you would do with a normal-sized home.
There is a lot of decluttering to do, for one. The method of packing is also a bit different.
In this post, we’re going to guide you on how to go through a small move.
Let’s get started.
What Are Small Moves
Definition
Small moves are relocations that involve a limited number of belongings, shorter distances, and minimal logistical complexity, usually between compact living spaces like tiny homes, studios, or furnished units.
Examples
- Moving from one tiny home to another within the same city
- Relocating from a tiny home to a studio or micro apartment
- Shifting belongings between rented tiny homes or short-term stays
- Downsizing and moving personal items only, without large furniture
- Completing a move in one vehicle or a single day
Decluttering Is Important Before a Small Move
Decluttering means getting rid of things that you don’t need. When you’re moving houses, a lot of things come up that you haven’t used in ages.
In any move, decluttering matters because it saves time, money, and effort. Fewer items mean fewer boxes, lower moving costs, and less stress on moving day. It also makes unpacking faster and more organized. You are not forced to find homes for things you already know you do not need.
In a small move, decluttering becomes essential rather than optional. Tiny homes and compact spaces have strict limits. Storage is designed, measured, and intentional. Extra items do not get hidden away; they create daily friction. One unnecessary object can displace something you actually use.
Here are some tips that you can follow to declutter with ease:
- Start early and work in short, focused sessions rather than trying to do everything at once
- Sort items by use. Keep, donate, sell, or discard, and be honest with each category
- Measure your new tiny space and compare it against what you currently own
- Let go of duplicates, especially kitchen tools, clothes, and electronics
- Keep items that serve multiple purposes and remove single-use clutter
- Pack essentials last so you clearly see what you actually rely on daily
- Avoid moving “maybe” items, as uncertainty usually means they do not belong in a small space
How to Pack for a Tiny House Move
Moving on, let’s talk about packing. As is the case with decluttering, the packing process is a bit different for tiny homes.
Here are some tips and points that encapsulate how to properly pack for a tiny house move:
- Pack by function rather than by room. Tiny homes often blend spaces together.
- Pack according to your new layout, not your current one. Measure storage areas in advance and pack items to match them.
- Assign every item a destination before it goes into a box. Tiny homes do not have spare space for undecided items.
- Limit box sizes deliberately. Large boxes create placement problems in compact interiors.
- Pack in layers of priority. Essentials go in last and come out first, so you can function immediately.
How to Hire Movers for a Small Move
When you are done with decluttering and packing, the next step is to hire movers that can deal with your small move. Hiring movers for small moves is a bit different than for normal ones.
Here are some things that you should do to make sure that you don’t go wrong with your choice:
- Look specifically for movers that advertise small moves, studio moves, or minimum-load relocations. Many full-service movers are not optimized for this.
- Ask about minimum charges upfront. Small moves can become expensive if minimum hours or base fees apply.
- Confirm vehicle size in advance. A smaller truck or cargo van is often more practical for compact moves.
- Ask how they handle tight spaces, loft access, narrow stairs, and limited entry points. Experience in small spaces matters. Movers that are experienced in handling these spaces aren’t hesitant to talk about it, so make sure that you ask.
- Request a written estimate based on volume rather than room count. Tiny homes rarely fit standard pricing models.
It’s important to note that if a moving company primarily performs large moves, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t be good at small moves.
There are some high-end moving companies, such as Dumbo Moving & Storage, that offer small moves with the same level of quality and detail as large moves. If you are in NYC (or other areas serviced by the company in the vicinity), you can definitely check out Dumbo Moving.
The same can be said about NorthStar Moving for folks in California.
If you are based elsewhere, you can do some recon (both offline and online) to find a moving company near you with the same level of offerings.
How to Set Up Your Belongings in Your New Tiny Space
Moving on (literally), when you come to your new home, the process of unpacking and setting up your belongings is also a bit different that with a normal-sized home.
Here are some actionable tips to keep in mind when setting up your belongings to get them perfectly in place for usage.
- Begin with the areas you rely on most. Set up kitchens and bathrooms first so daily routines feel stable.
- Place essential items in their permanent spots early, which cuts down on reshuffling and keeps surfaces clear.
- Add organizers only after you live in the space for a short time since your habits reveal what storage you actually need.
- Use vertical space through shelves, hooks, and magnetic strips to keep the floor open and the layout easy to move through.
- Keep traffic paths unobstructed because tiny homes feel more open when movement stays fluid.
- Observe how you use each zone during the first days. Make small adjustments as patterns appear.
- Let the setup evolve gradually. A tiny home becomes more intuitive once you settle in and refine the layout.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Moving into a tiny home is different than moving into an apartment or a normal-sized home. There are different considerations that you have to make at different stages of the moving process.
In the post above, we’ve detailed those considerations so that you can go through your upcoming move with ease and comfort.
FAQs
Is hiring movers worth it for a tiny home move?
Yes, especially if access is tight or heavy items are involved. Experienced movers can save time and reduce the risk of damage, even for smaller relocations.
How far in advance should I start decluttering for a small move?
Ideally, start at least two to four weeks before moving day. Decluttering in short sessions helps you make better decisions and avoid last-minute stress.
Can I complete a tiny home move in one day?
Most small moves can be completed in a single day if planning, packing, and access are handled efficiently. This is one of the advantages of moving fewer items.
What items are hardest to move into a tiny home?
Large furniture, oversized appliances, and single-purpose items often cause the most issues. Anything that does not fit the scale or layout of a tiny home becomes a challenge.
