Is It Cheaper to Move Yourself or Hire Professional Movers?

December 12, 2025

It depends on the size of your move, the distance, and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest. While DIY moving with a rental truck like U-Haul may appear cheaper up front, additional expenses like fuel, mileage fees, equipment rental, and labor can add up quickly. On the other hand, professional movers offer convenience, time savings, and reduced physical stress, which is especially valuable for out-of-state or larger moves. So, what’s really cheaper in the end? Let’s break it down.

What Does DIY Moving Really Cost?

Many people consider DIY moving the most budget-friendly option, especially for local moves. You rent a truck, gather packing supplies, enlist help, and handle everything from loading to driving. While you avoid hourly labor costs, you take on more responsibility and risk.

Key Cost Factors in DIY Moving:

• Truck rental fees (based on size and duration)
• Mileage and fuel costs
• Insurance coverage
• Equipment rental (dollies, straps, blankets)
• Tolls, parking, and lodging (for longer trips)

It’s easy to get drawn in by low advertised rates when researching U-Haul prices, U-Haul truck sizes and prices, or U-Haul prices per day. But those numbers only reflect base rental costs. Once you add fuel, insurance, mileage, and extras, your total can rise fast, especially if your move is more than just across town.

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost?

Hiring professionals may seem expensive, but when you factor in labor, time, and risk, it may be worth the investment or even more affordable than DIY in some cases.

Average Cost of Movers

• Local moves: $400–$1,500+ depending on the size of the home.
• Long-distance moves: $3,000–$7,500+ depending on how much and how far you are moving.
• Out-of-state movers cost: Typically $3,000–$5,000.
• Cost of international movers: Can exceed $10,000, depending on the destination and shipping method.

Cost of Movers Per Hour

For local relocations, companies usually charge by the hour. The average cost of movers per hour ranges between $100 and $150 for two movers and a truck, including labor, transportation, and equipment.

Many customers search for the cost of movers near me or wonder, “What is the price of hiring movers?” The answer depends on the services provided. In most cases, the cost of moving company services ranges from $500 to $1,000 for local jobs and more for long-distance or full-service moves. So, what is the cost of hiring movers? If you’re hiring help for a local move, expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 on average. The cost increases significantly for long-distance or full-service moves.

DIY vs Moving Company: Hidden Costs and Considerations

Many people compare U-Haul prices directly with a quote from a mover and assume DIY is always cheaper. But that’s not the whole picture.

Hidden Costs of DIY Moving

• Time Off Work: You’ll need at least a full day, often more.
• Risk of Damage: No coverage for items you pack or load incorrectly.
• Injury: Moving heavy furniture comes with a real risk of back injuries.
• Logistics: Coordinating friends or family, parking, and route planning.
• Stress and Fatigue: Especially on longer drives.

When Professional Movers Are Worth It

• You’re moving long-distance or across state lines
• You have expensive or delicate items
• You need help packing or unpacking
• You’re moving in or out of a walk-up or high-rise
• Time and convenience matter more than saving a few hundred dollars

If you’re searching for the cost of movers near me, the results can vary depending on your region, season, and availability, but they’ll often reflect these added values.

Long-Distance and International Moves: What You Should Know

Once your move spans state lines or crosses international borders, DIY becomes much less practical.

Out-of-State Moving Costs

• U-Haul for long distances: Can exceed $2,000, including fuel and mileage.
• How much do movers cost to move out of state? Usually between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on volume and mileage.
• Hidden costs of DIY: lodging, meals, return vehicle fees

International Moving Costs

Hiring a DIY moving company for an international relocation is generally not feasible. International movers’ costs include customs paperwork, ocean or air freight, insurance, and delivery to your new residence. For international moves, hiring professionals is virtually required.

Smart Ways to Save on Moving Costs

Whether you hire movers or do it yourself, there are ways to cut costs:

DIY and Money Saving Moving Tips

• Declutter before moving: Fewer boxes mean smaller trucks or shorter hours.
• Book rental trucks early: Get the best U-Haul prices by reserving in advance.
• Move mid-month or mid-week: Rates are often lower than weekends or end-of-month.

• Ask friends for help (if safe and feasible).
• Pack yourself: Save on labor hours.
• Disassemble furniture ahead of time for a local move.
• Compare quotes: Don’t go with the first option. Search for the cost of movers near me and ask for itemized pricing.
• Beware online moving brokers by checking https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov website to confirm you have hired a reputable moving company
• Bundle services: Some companies offer discounts for multiple services (like packing + moving + storage).

Is DIY or Professional Moving Right for You?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re young, healthy, and able to move around town with a flexible schedule, DIY moving might be a budget-friendly choice. However, when you consider time, effort, and risk, hiring professional movers can often offer better overall value, especially for long-distance, out-of-state, or complicated moves.

When comparing U-Haul prices to the cost of movers, remember to consider reliability, safety, and peace of mind.

Choosing a trusted provider like Beltmann Moving and Storage ensures your move is handled professionally, efficiently, and without hidden surprises. Whether relocating locally or across the country, Beltmann offers dependable service, transparent pricing, and decades of experience that make your move less stressful and predictable.

If you’re ready to make a smart, secure move, explore Beltmann’s moving services today.

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