DIY vs Movers: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
DIY moves are not always cheaper than hiring movers — especially for long distances or large homes. The break-even point depends on your home size, distance, and how much you value your time. This breakdown compares true costs side by side for every common move type.
The Real Cost of DIY vs. Movers by Home Size
Studio: DIY $300–500 vs. movers $450–750. 1BR: DIY $500–800 vs. movers $700–1,200. 2BR: DIY $700–1,100 vs. movers $1,000–1,800. 3BR house: DIY $1,000–1,600 vs. movers $1,500–3,000. These are local move estimates. Long-distance flips the math significantly — a 1,000-mile DIY move costs $1,200–2,000 in truck rental and fuel alone.
When DIY Is Actually Cheaper
DIY wins for: studios and 1-bedrooms, moves under 50 miles, moves with help from friends or family, and people with flexible schedules who can move on a weekday. The break-even point is usually around a 2-bedroom local move — at that size, the time and effort of DIY often equals or exceeds the mover premium.
When Movers Are Worth Every Dollar
Hire movers when: you have a 3-bedroom house or larger, you're moving long distance (the physical and logistical burden of driving a 26-ft truck 1,000 miles is enormous), you have fragile or high-value items, you have stairs or tight access, or you simply cannot afford to be physically exhausted during a job transition.
Hidden Costs That Close the DIY Gap
DIY isn't just truck rental. Add: packing supplies ($100–250), fuel ($0.20–0.40/mile for a loaded truck), lodging if multi-day, meals en route, lost wages if you took time off work, and the cost of any damage to your items or the rental truck. Moving companies carry liability for damage — you don't.
The Hybrid Option: You Pack, They Drive
Portable storage containers (PODS, U-Pack) are a strong middle ground: you pack at your own pace, they move the container. Cost: $1,200–3,000 for a long-distance move vs. $3,000–7,000 for full-service movers. You save 40–60% while eliminating the hardest part — driving.
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Use the free moving cost calculator to turn this guide into an actual number — itemized by truck/movers, flights, housing deposits, storage, and contingency.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?
Truck rental is almost always cheaper on paper — typically 40–60% less than full-service movers. But the true cost gap shrinks when you factor in fuel, packing supplies, your time, and the risk of damage. For large homes or long distances, the cost difference often isn't worth the hassle.
At what point do movers become worth it?
For most people: when you have more than a 1-bedroom apartment, when you're moving over 200 miles, or when you have fragile items. The tipping point is when the value of your time + the physical toll + the risk of damage exceeds the mover premium.
What size truck do I need for a DIY move?
10-ft truck: studio or 1BR. 16-ft truck: 2BR apartment. 20-ft truck: 2BR house or 3BR apartment. 26-ft truck: 3–4BR house. When in doubt, size up — a truck that's too small means multiple trips or leaving items behind.
Can I save money by packing myself and hiring movers to load and drive?
Yes — this is called a "labor-only" arrangement and saves 20–35% vs. full-service. You pack and unpack, movers load and drive. Many moving companies offer this. Make sure items are properly packed before movers arrive — they may not be liable for damage to self-packed boxes.