Hire Movers or Rent a Truck? (Which Is Best for You?)
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: In general, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck than to hire movers, especially for small local moves. But hiring professional movers can be more cost-effective for large or long-distance moves, where logistical costs can add up if you do it yourself.
moveBuddha helps 400,000 people book their moves confidently each year and choose between thoroughly vetted interstate movers and moving truck companies. Let us help you decide which type of move is the right call for you.
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Quick cost comparison: Movers vs. truck rental
Here’s a side-by-side snapshot of your main options. Use this to get a quick sense of the price ranges and level of effort needed to pull off each one.
| Moving option | Typical cost (local) | Typical cost (long distance) | Effort level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $240–$1,500 | $2,700–$13,200 | Very low |
| Truck rental (DIY) | $20–$250 + fuel, extras | $800–$3,100 + fuel, extras | High |
| Moving container | $500–$2,000 | $2,000–$7,000 | Medium |
| Truck rental + labor | $350–$1,000 | $1,200–$4,000 | Medium |
Key insight: Truck rentals usually win out on the base price for local, small moves, but remember to factor in time, energy, and surprise costs when it’s long-distance or larger scale.
You can usually count on truck rentals being comparatively easier to find, with large truck rental companies like U-Haul and U-Haul competitors across the country offering many options in most locations.
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Hidden costs: What might surprise you
Many DIY moves come with unexpected fees. This table highlights what you may not see at first glance.
| Expense | Movers | Truck rental | Moving container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base rate | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Mileage or distance fee | ✔️ (for long-distance) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fuel | Sometimes included | YOU pay | Sometimes included |
| Insurance | Basic included, full-value optional | Not included | Basic included, upgrades extra |
| Labor help | Included | Extra if hired | Extra if hired |
| Packing materials | Often included | Not included | Not included |
| Equipment rental | Included | Extra | Sometimes included |
| Tolls or permits | Rarely included | Not included | Not included |
| Storage fees | Extra | Extra | Often included (short-term) |
| Taxes or processing fees | Sometimes | Usually | Sometimes |
- Ask for a full line-item quote: Don’t rely on “ballpark” numbers. Get specifics so you can calculate your moving costs accurately.
- Use our calculator: Plug in your moving details to the Moving Cost Calculator to avoid nasty surprises.
- Keep reading: How Much Does It Cost To Rent a Moving Truck?
How to make a hybrid move with containers
Not keen on driving a truck but still want some savings? Moving containers offer a great balance.
- How it works: A container is dropped off, you (or a third-party labor company) load it, then it gets shipped to your new home, with unloading help optional.
- Typical cost: Local: $500–$2,000; Long distance: $2,000–$7,000. Storage is often included for short periods.
- Best for: Medium-size and long-haul moves where driving a large vehicle might be a headache.
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How distance & your move size can impact your choice
Here’s how your situation can help you decide between a moving company and a rental truck:
- Local, small moves (under 50mi, 1–2 bedrooms): Truck rentals are usually the cheapest option if help is available.
- Long-distance (100+mi): High fuel, lodging, and time costs make containers or full-service movers smarter.
- Large moves (3+ bedrooms): Multiple truck rentals add up fast. Containers or full-service movers may save time and effort.
- Very small moves (dorm, studio): Pickup trucks, cargo vans, or shipping supplies could get the job done with one or two trips.
Labor-only help: Outsource the heavy lifting
If heavy lifting isn’t your thing, labor-only services bridge the gap.
- How to book: Services like HireAHelper or local moving labor providers
- Typical cost: $200–$500 for two movers for 2–4 hours at each location
- Good for: Combining with truck or container rentals—less DIY stress, more savings
- Downsides: You handle paperwork, driving, and damage liability
Balance convenience versus cost
Making the right choice for your move isn’t just about money. You’ll need to weigh time, strength, and peace of mind too.
- Time: Every hour packing, loading, driving adds up, especially on busy days.
- Physical demands: Heavy and awkward moves can be risky without help.
- Risks: Stress, damage, or injuries can derail your plan.
- Flexibility: DIY moves give you control, but they also leave you to solve last-minute challenges yourself.
If you’re juggling kids, tight timelines, or health concerns, the peace of mind might outweigh the extra cost for full-service or hybrid moves. When it’s just you making a move across town, a DIY move might be the way to go.
Movers vs. rentals vs. containers
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers |
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| Truck rental (DIY) |
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| Moving container |
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| Truck rental + labor |
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How insurance and liability work
Understanding your moving insurance options is critical since your valuables are basically traveling solo.
- Full-service movers: Include basic liability (usually $0.60/lb/item). Full Value Protection costs extra but covers most damage scenarios.
- Truck rental: Insurance covers the vehicle only. Cargo damage or loss is on you unless you pay for separate third-party coverage.
- Moving container: Offers basic catastrophe coverage; upgrades are available.
Pro tip: Take photos before loading and pay for extra coverage if you have sentimental or high-value items.
Pros and cons of hiring professional movers
- Safer handling of your belongings due to years of experience
- Convenient pickup and drop off from your current home to your new home
- More efficient packing services
- No heavy lifting
- More energy to focus on other parts of the moving process
- Moving supplies often provided by the company
- May take more research to find a reputable moving company
- May have less control over your moving date
- More expensive than DIY moves
- Additional fees if parts of the move don’t go as planned
Pros and cons of renting a moving truck
- More flexibility throughout the moving process
- Less expensive than a full-service moving company
- Full control over all the details
- Roadside assistance, including towing, tire changes, and troubleshooting if anything goes wrong
- Variety of truck sizes to accommodate different size homes
- Can be difficult to park a large truck on your own
- Extra fees if you don’t have unlimited mileage
- You’ll have to pay for fuel and tolls
- May need to hire moving labor
FAQs
Is renting a truck always cheaper than hiring movers?
What hidden fees should I watch for with truck rentals?
How can I find reliable labor-only movers?
What are my best options for last-minute moves?
Can DIY moves ever cost more than hiring movers?
Should you hire movers or rent a truck?
If you can manage the logistics and work, a truck rental will usually be the most budget-friendly option. However, the value of containers or hybrid moves becomes clear when you’re moving farther, dealing with more stuff, or don’t want to do the heavy lifting.
Prices don’t tell the whole story—but your priorities and resources do.
Next step? Grab quotes for all your top options, plug your info into the Moving Cost Calculator, and choose the path that fits your budget *and* your sanity.
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