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DIY Move vs Hiring Movers: What Is Really Cheaper?
Should you move yourself or hire movers? Compare the real costs, time, risk and effort of a DIY move against a professional crew.
A DIY move is cheaper on paper for a small move, but the gap shrinks quickly once you add the truck, fuel, supplies, helpers and your time. Hire movers when the move is larger than a studio, has stairs, involves heavy or fragile items, or when your time matters more than the savings.
What does a DIY move really cost?
- Truck rental: daily rate plus mileage, fuel and often an insurance add-on.
- Equipment: dollies, blankets, straps and a ramp if the truck does not have one.
- Supplies: boxes, tape and wrap.
- Helpers: friends are free, but pizza, favours and the chance of injury are not.
- Your time: loading, driving, unloading and returning the truck often takes a full day or two.
- Risk: damage to your belongings or a rental truck, or an injury, which may not be covered the way you expect.
What do movers cost?
For local moves, expect an hourly rate for the crew and truck, with a minimum. In Guelph, Forge Movers charges $139 an hour before tax for two movers and a truck at the standard rate, plus a $99 truck fee, with blankets, wrapping and disassembly included. A typical five-hour two-bedroom move at that rate comes to $794 before tax. Rates in other cities are on our pricing page. See how pricing works.
When does DIY make sense?
- Studios and one-bedroom homes with little furniture
- Short distances with easy parking and no stairs
- Plenty of reliable, strong helpers
- You have driven a large truck before
When should I hire movers?
- Three bedrooms or more, or lots of heavy furniture
- Stairs, narrow doorways, elevators or long carries
- Pianos, safes, appliances or anything fragile and valuable
- Tight timing, such as a closing day or lease end
- Long distances, where driving a large truck is tiring and stressful
Is there a middle option?
Yes. Many people pack themselves and hire movers only for loading, driving and unloading, which keeps the paid hours down. Others hire movers for just the heavy items. Our moving day checklist shows how to get ready so the crew’s time is used well.
How do I decide?
Price both options honestly, including your time and risk. If the difference is small, a professional crew is usually worth it. Get a free quote and compare it with your DIY estimate.
