CNET report DIY moves save thousands over hiring movers


DIY vs. Movers: The Cheapest Way to Move

Moving is expensive, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings. Real-world quotes show that renting a truck and doing it yourself can save about $1,000 on local moves and up to $5,000 on cross-country relocations. Use this guide to pick the best value for your distance, timeline and budget.

Context: Why costs add up

With inflation still squeezing budgets, 36% of would-be movers say they’ve delayed moving because of rising costs. The big decision is whether to hire professionals or keep costs down by doing more yourself. Your three main choices are: rent a moving truck, use a portable moving container, or hire a full-service moving company. Prices vary by inventory, distance, timing and access (stairs, elevators, parking), so always compare personalized quotes.

Your main options (and what they really cost)

1) DIY truck rental

The lowest cash cost for most moves. You pack, load, drive and unload. Expect the best savings on short and medium distances. For long hauls, fuel becomes a major line item. Example: at roughly $3.64 per gallon and ~10 mpg for a 16-foot truck, a 3,000-mile trip adds about $1,092 in gas alone. Some rentals include set days/mileage for long trips; others offer unlimited mileage—read the fine print before booking.

2) Moving container

Middle ground. The company drops off a container; you load it; they handle transport. Often cheaper than full-service pros and less stressful than driving a box truck across the country. For coast-to-coast moves, containers can sometimes beat DIY truck costs once you factor in fuel, lodging and the time value of driving.

3) Full-service movers

Most convenient, typically most expensive. You pack (or pay for packing), and pros handle loading, driving and unloading. Real quotes show DIY savings of about $1,000 locally and up to $5,000 on long-distance moves compared with full service. Consider this path when time, safety, or complexity matters more than dollars.

Option Cost trend Best for Watch outs
DIY truck Cheapest for most local/regional moves Max savings, flexible timing Fuel, lodging on long trips; physical labor; insurance add-ons
Container Mid-priced; sometimes beats DIY cross-country Long distances without driving a truck Storage, loading help add cost; delivery windows
Full-service Highest upfront cost Busy schedules, complex moves, heavy items Gratuity, access fees, seasonal demand

Key costs you must budget for

Packing supplies: Pre-made kits for a two-bedroom run around $200; lower costs by sourcing free boxes and padding with towels/bedding.

Packing services: Adding pro packing typically increases quotes by roughly $500–$1,800 for a two-bedroom.

Moving insurance: Interstate moves include minimal liability (about $0.60 per pound). Many people buy extra coverage for high-value items.

Truck protection: Personal auto/credit cards rarely cover box trucks. Typical protection plans range from low-cost local packages to pricier cross-country coverage.

Travel costs: Long drives can require hotels (average ~$206 per night) and meals. Towing your car behind a rental truck can add up to about $500.

Car shipping: Price varies by vehicle size, distance and open vs. enclosed transport.

Gratuities: Plan on tipping movers 10%–20% of the total bill for full-service or loading/unloading help.

Implications: Which option fits your move?

Local and regional moves: DIY trucks usually win. You avoid large labor charges while keeping fuel and lodging minimal.

Cross-country moves: Compare DIY vs. container closely. Once you add fuel, protection plans, hotels and time behind the wheel, containers can be similar or slightly cheaper than DIY—and far less stressful.

Heavy, fragile or complex moves: Full-service movers reduce risk, protect your time and manage tricky logistics (tight stairwells, parking restrictions, long carries). The premium can be worth it for safety and speed.

Tight timelines: Paying for packing and pro crews can compress your schedule and reduce time off work. Consider your time value when comparing quotes.

What to watch

Quotes are highly personalized: Always provide an accurate inventory or do a virtual/in-home walk-through to avoid surprise charges.

Access details drive price: Stairs, elevators, long carries, parking permits and narrow streets can trigger fees and require planning.

Seasonality matters: Summer and weekends book fast and cost more. If possible, target mid-month, mid-week, off-peak dates.

Mileage/time rules: Some truck rentals include fixed days/miles; others offer unlimited mileage. Know your limits before you book.

Declutter first: For long moves, selling or donating bulky furniture can cost less than shipping it.

FAQs

  • Is DIY always cheaper than hiring movers?
    Usually for local and regional moves. For cross-country, containers sometimes beat DIY once you add fuel, hotels and protection plans.
  • How much can I really save?
    Real quotes indicate about $1,000 saved on local moves and up to $5,000 on long-distance vs. full-service. Your inventory, dates and access will shift results.
  • How do I estimate fuel for a rental truck?
    Miles ÷ mpg × price per gallon. Example: 3,000 miles ÷ 10 mpg × $3.64 ≈ $1,092 in fuel.
  • Do I need moving insurance?
    Interstate moves include minimal coverage (~$0.60/lb). Consider additional protection for electronics, antiques and high-value items.
  • How much should I tip movers?
    A common guideline is 10%–20% of the total bill, adjusted for service quality, complexity and conditions.

Bottom line: Pick the option that minimizes your real costs—including time, risk and stress—not just the sticker price. Get at least three quotes, verify what’s included, pad your budget for add-ons, and declutter before you pack. With a clear plan, you can move for less without compromising your sanity or your stuff.

Popular Posts

Avoid Moving Day Surprises Understanding Your Estimate

Image
Avoid Moving Day Surprises: Understanding Your Moving Estimate Moving can be a stressful experience, and few things add more anxiety than a final bill that's significantly higher than your initial quote. A recent HelloNation article featuring moving expert Mike Marschhausen of Fit 2 Move Moving Services in Portsmouth sheds light on why estimates change and how understanding them can prevent unwelcome surprises on moving day. The Truth About Moving Estimates One of the biggest misconceptions about moving estimates is that they are always fixed. In reality, not all estimates work the same way. Some are based on detailed inventories that remain constant, while others can fluctuate depending on various factors like weight, time, or unexpected conditions encountered during the move. Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: Know the Difference The core distinction lies between a binding and a non-binding estimate. Knowing which type you have is crucial for managing your expectations and...
Read more

West Ham eye England U21 star Charlie Cresswell

Image
West Ham Reignite Interest in England U21 Star Charlie Cresswell West Ham United have reportedly reignited their interest in promising England U21 defender Charlie Cresswell, with a potential move back to English football being eyed for 2026. The 23-year-old center-back has been making significant waves since his transfer to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, catching the attention of several clubs across Europe. Cresswell's Impressive Journey from Leeds to Ligue 1 Stardom Charlie Cresswell's career trajectory has seen a remarkable acceleration since he left Leeds United. After playing just 135 minutes of Championship football for Leeds, he made an immediate impact upon his move to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, becoming an instant starter for the French side. Over the past 15 months, he has accumulated 46 appearances for the club, demonstrating his versatile capabilities by scoring seven goals and providing three assists. His consistency has been a highlight, featuring in ...
Read more

How Much Does Moving Cost

Image
How Much Does Moving Cost? Plan Your Relocation Budget Moving can be an extensive project, whether you're relocating across the city or the globe. Understanding the potential costs is crucial for a smooth transition, as expenses vary significantly based on distance, the volume of your belongings, and whether you opt for DIY or professional services. This guide will help you budget effectively for your next move. Understanding Your Core Moving Expenses A move can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $10,000. The two primary factors influencing this wide range are the distance you're moving and the quantity of items you need to transport. Average Moving Cost by Distance Long-distance moves are naturally more expensive than local ones. Here's a general breakdown: Type of Move Average Cost Local Move (less than 50 miles) $1,400 Lon...
Read more

Expert box packing tips for a smooth move

Image
How to Pack Moving Boxes Like a Pro Moving season is here, and a great move starts with great packing. With a few pro-approved habits, you can prevent damage, speed up loading and unloading, and make day-one setup easier. Use these expert tips to pack boxes safely, efficiently, and without stress. Below you’ll find what to do before you pack, how to fill and label boxes the right way, mistakes to avoid, and a quick comparison of box options to help you plan your move with confidence. Context Packing well is more than playing box Tetris. The goal is twofold: protect your belongings and keep each box structurally sound for stacking. When boxes are too heavy, half-empty, or labeled poorly, you risk crushed cartons, broken items, slow unloads, and sore backs. Professional movers consistently recommend decluttering first, sizing boxes to the load, eliminating empty space, and labeling sides—not tops—for faster, safer moves. Key points 1) Declutter before you box Sort what you ...
Read more