Is It Cheaper to Hire Movers or Do It Yourself?

When it’s time to move, one of the first questions people ask is whether it’s cheaper to hire movers or handle the job yourself. At first glance, doing it on your own might seem like the budget-friendly option—but when you factor in hidden expenses and the value of your time, the answer isn’t always so simple.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

The DIY Route: Costs and Considerations

Moving yourself means handling everything from renting a truck to lifting heavy furniture. While it feels like the budget-friendly option, the expenses can add up quickly.

Typical DIY moving costs include:

• Truck rental – $40–$120 per day, plus mileage and fuel

• Gas – depends on distance (moving trucks aren’t fuel-efficient)

• Equipment rental – dollies, straps, moving blankets ($50–$100+)

• Packing supplies – boxes, tape, and wrap ($100–$200+)

• Your time and labor – loading, driving, unloading, and possibly multiple trips

Think About Your Time

Your time has value. For example, if you earn $25 per hour and it takes 12 hours to complete your move (not including packing), that’s $300 of your time spent on moving alone. Add in truck rental, supplies, and gas, and the total often comes close to what you’d spend hiring movers.

Pros of DIY:

• Full control over your move

• May be cheaper for small, local moves

• Flexible schedule

Cons of DIY:

• Long, exhausting, and physically demanding

• Greater chance of damage or injury

• No insurance protection for your belongings

The Middle Ground: Licensed Labor-Only Movers

If you’d like to save on transportation costs but still want professional help with the heavy lifting, labor-only movers can be a smart compromise. With this option, you rent the truck, and licensed & insured movers handle the loading and unloading.

In Atlanta, labor-only moving help from licensed and insured crews typically runs $85–$95 per hour, with average totals for small moves around $350–$450. It’s a cost-effective way to protect your belongings while keeping your budget under control.

Hiring Professional Movers: Pros and Costs

Professional movers may look more expensive upfront, but they offer efficiency, expertise, and peace of mind.

Typical Atlanta rates for licensed & insured movers:

• Hourly rates: $125–$160 for two movers and a truck, $160–$210 for three or more movers

• Local move totals: $350–$1,700+, depending on home size

• Long-distance moves: $1,300–$8,500+, depending on distance and the size of the move

Pros of hiring movers:

• Licensed & insured protection for your belongings

• Professional equipment and experience prevent damage

• Saves you hours (or even days) of heavy lifting

• Less stress and effort—you can focus on settling into your new home

Cons of hiring movers:

• Higher initial cost compared to DIY

• Availability may be limited during peak moving times

So Which Option Saves More?

• For small apartments or short local moves: DIY can sometimes be the cheapest path—especially if you already have a truck and minimal furniture.

• For people who want a balance of cost and safety: Licensed labor-only movers are often the sweet spot, giving you professional help without full-service pricing.

• For larger homes or longer moves: Hiring full-service movers often turns out to be the best value. Once you factor in rentals, supplies, gas, and your own time, the price difference isn’t as big as it first appears. Plus, with movers you get insurance and peace of mind.

The Bottom Line: Is It Cheaper to Hire Movers or Do It Yourself?

DIY moves may save money on paper, but they come with hidden costs in time, stress, and risk. Labor-only movers offer a middle-ground option, while full-service movers deliver the most convenience and protection. When you consider the value of your own time and the safety of your belongings, professional movers often provide the better deal overall.

Moving in Atlanta?

At Happy Labor, we’re a licensed and insured moving company committed to making your move safe, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you need labor-only assistance or full-service moving, our team is here to help.

Get a Quote!