The Real Cost Comparison
Most people assume DIY is always cheaper. It usually is, but the gap is smaller than you think once you account for everything.
DIY Move (2-bedroom, local)
- Truck rental: $40-80 per day
- Mileage: $0.69-0.99 per mile
- Insurance: $15-30
- Fuel: $30-60
- Packing supplies: $50-150
- Pizza and drinks for helpers: $50-100
- Your time: 8-14 hours (what is that worth?)
- Total: $235-520 plus your time
Professional Movers (2-bedroom, local)
- 2-person crew for 4-6 hours: $400-800
- Packing supplies (if you self-pack): $50-150
- Tips: $80-160
- Your time: 2-3 hours (supervising, directing)
- Total: $530-1,110
The difference is often $300-600. For many people, that is worth not spending an entire weekend lifting heavy furniture and risking a back injury.
Get a cost estimate for both options.
Open Moving Cost Estimator →When DIY Makes Sense
- Small apartment with not much furniture
- Short distance (same city or neighborhood)
- You have reliable friends who will actually show up
- You are physically able and have moved before
- Budget is the top priority
When Movers Make Sense
- 3+ bedroom home with heavy furniture
- Long distance (100+ miles)
- Stairs, narrow hallways, or difficult access
- Valuable or fragile items (piano, antiques, art)
- You have a physical limitation or injury
- You would rather spend money than time
The best move is one where nothing breaks, nobody gets hurt, and you are not completely exhausted by the end of it. Sometimes that means paying professionals. Sometimes it means renting a truck and calling your strongest friends. Only you know which is right for your situation.