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Last Updated: Apr 11, 2024
Compared to hiring a moving company, a DIY move is thousands of dollars cheaper. Below you’ll uncover the true cost behind moving yourself and what factors besides money play into the cost of DIY moving.
DIY moves are the cheapest option out there, but they can also be the most dangerous.
Why? Because by hiring a moving company, you are hiring trained professionals who have completed thousands of moves and know the process like the back of their hand. However, that’s not to say it’s impossible.
You need to know several key factors price-wise when completing a DIY move. This will be your complete guide on all of the different types of costs associated with a DIY move from the distance traveled and the size of your move to some expert tips on how to save money during the process.
Every move is different. You might be moving down the block or driving across the country. Our chart breaks down the potential costs of renting a moving truck. On the lower side, prices start at about $120, while on the upper end, they can soar up to $2500.
Insert a graph that shows the range of how much a DIY costs ($120 – $2500). This graph should also show the average cost of a DIY move ($1200)
As we all know, the further you travel, the more expensive it gets. Here’s a chart depicting the amount of miles and a range of how much it would cost with a moving truck rental. (Does not include gas or insurance).
| Move Distance | Estimated Moving Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| < 10 miles | $150 – $200 |
| 10 – 50 miles | $200 – $300 |
| 50 – 200 miles | $300 – $600 |
| > 200 miles (long-distance) | $1,550 – $2,550 |
Invest in good-quality packing materials to protect your valuables while in transit. Moving boxes will be your largest supply expense due to the sheer amount of boxes you’ll need.
The average cost of moving supplies:
The size of your moving truck rental depends on the size of your move. The moving truck rental is the traditional choice because of the sheer amount of space it offers for the price. A moving truck can cost between $30 for local moves and up to $2,000 for long-distance moves.
Some popular moving truck rental companies are U-Haul, Penske, and Budget.
Gas and insurance will also have to be factored into your budget if you choose to go this route. When traveling longer distances, gas prices can vary, so make sure to factor the change in price into your budget. Larger vehicles are less fuel-efficient by nature, so don’t think you’ll pay the same price as you would with a sedan.
Basic moving insurance starts at $60 for local moves, while full protection for long-distance moves can get up to $500. If you have priceless valuables that are at risk of being damaged, opt for full protection. It could end up saving you a significant amount of money down the line.
When planning a DIY move, always have a little extra money in your budget if something goes wrong because it’s always a possibility. For example, your vehicle could break down on the highway or you could need extra packing supplies last minute.
We recommend setting aside 10% of your budget for the unexpected. It’s better to be safe than sorry
Now that we’ve covered the monetary factors affecting DIY moves, it’s time to dive into the intangible costs associated with moving yourself.
When performing a DIY move you decrease your monetary costs, but that also comes at a price. Not only will you need to pack the boxes, but you will also need to schedule a time to load the truck, unload it at your new place, and unpack everything. Be ready to set aside your PTO days to focus on moving.
Packing, loading, driving, and unloading can be exhausting, taking days if not weeks to finish. Moving is physically demanding, especially if you have bulky items and a long carry distance. Even if you enlist the help of a few friends, you are putting yourself at risk by continuously lifting heavy items.
Managing the whole moving process on your own can be overwhelming. Be sure to plan ahead and factor in additional costs or any unexpected circumstances. Moving is considered by many to be one of the most stressful life events someone can experience, so take breaks when necessary and try to make the process as enjoyable as possible.
A DIY move ranges from just under $500 for a local move to around $4000 for a long-distance move, everything included. This is honestly thousands of dollars less than hiring a professional moving company, which can exceed $10,000.
So if you’re on a tight budget and feel like you’re up to the challenge of putting adequate time and energy into the moving process, go for it. Make sure to follow our advice closely (planning, supplies, mode of transportation, etc.) to make the trip as seamless and efficient as possible.
Meet Nik, a dedicated writer with a passion for real estate/moving blogs and, of course… writing. For the past two years, he’s crafted engaging content for a plethora of real estate firms and E-commerce companies, accumulating credibility and experience to be one of the best in the industry. Having relocated multiple times recently, Nik has utilized a plethora of moving companies, gaining valuable insight into both solo and professional moves. Through these experiences, he would recommend moving with professional services, as it lowers stress levels tremendously. When he’s not immersed in his writing, you can find him working on other entrepreneurial endeavors in the real estate/moving space.