Haul Bros Moving vs. DIY Moving: What Actually Costs More?

Haul Bros Moving vs. DIY Moving: What Actually Costs More?

Quick Answer: A DIY local move with a rental truck typically runs $150–$1,000 once fuel, mileage, and equipment are added in, versus $395–$900+ for the same move with Haul Bros Moving Co LLC — but the rental truck total doesn't include your time, physical effort, or the risk of damage and injury, all of which professional movers absorb into one bundled, insured price. For long-distance moves, the gap narrows even further: a cross-country truck rental can run $1,800–$5,300 before fuel, compared to $4,300–$7,200+ for full-service movers — meaning the "cheap" DIY option often isn't cheap once every real cost is counted.

About 62% of people still move themselves rather than hiring professionals, usually to save money. And for small, short moves, DIY genuinely can be the better call. But the sticker price on a rental truck is only one line item in a longer bill most people don't add up until moving day is already underway. This guide breaks down the real, total cost of each option so you can decide with actual numbers instead of assumptions.

Get a free, no-obligation quote from Haul Bros →

Haul Bros vs. DIY: Side-by-Side

What a Rental Truck Actually Costs (Beyond the Daily Rate)

The number on the side of the truck is never the real total. A typical U-Haul-style daily rate of $20–$70 doesn't include:

• **Mileage fees** — roughly $0.59–$1.99 per mile on local rentals
• **Fuel** — a fully loaded 26-foot truck gets poor gas mileage; expect $100–$300+ depending on distance
• **Damage waiver / supplemental liability** — $10–$18 per day if you don't already have coverage through insurance or a credit card
• **Equipment** — dollies, furniture pads, and straps are often extra rental fees
• **Lost wages** — a day (or two) off work to load, drive, and unload

Once these are added, a local DIY move commonly lands at $150–$300 for a small apartment, but can climb toward $1,000 for a larger home — and a cross-country DIY move often runs $1,800–$5,300 in truck rental alone before fuel is even added.

What You're Actually Paying For With Professional Movers

Haul Bros Moving Co LLC (US DOT #4497497) prices are hourly for local moves and bundled for long-distance, and every rate includes:

• A trained crew — no recruiting friends or family
• A 26-foot truck, moving blankets, shrink wrap, and floor protection
• Liability coverage on your belongings
• Loading, transportation, unloading, and furniture placement
• Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly

There's no separate line item for the truck, the blankets, the dolly, or the insurance — it's all in the hourly rate. See our full local moving services or long-distance moving services for what's included.

The Real Costs DIY Movers Often Forget

Time. A DIY local move takes most people 8–14 hours; a professional crew handles the same job in 3–5. That's a full day (or more) of your life you don't get back.

Physical risk. Moving heavy furniture without training is one of the most common ways people injure their backs. There's no line item for that on a rental agreement.

Damage liability. If you scrape the truck, drop a dresser down the stairs, or crack a TV screen, that cost is entirely yours. Movers carry liability coverage as standard.

Driving an unfamiliar vehicle. A 15–26 foot truck handles nothing like your car — tight turns, low clearances, and wide blind spots all add risk, especially on unfamiliar routes for long-distance moves.

Multiple trips or a second day. Underestimate your inventory or your timeline, and a "one-day" DIY move can become two, doubling your rental cost.

When DIY Actually Makes Sense

DIY moving isn't a bad option — it just fits a narrower set of situations than people expect:

• A small, short-distance move (studio or 1-bedroom, under an hour's drive)
• You have reliable help for loading and unloading
• You're comfortable driving a large rental truck
• You have flexible time and no risk of a second trip
• Your belongings are mostly low-value or easily replaced

For everything else — larger homes, stairs, long distances, tight timelines, or anything fragile or valuable — the bundled, insured price of professional movers usually closes the cost gap fast, and sometimes comes out ahead once your time and risk are counted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY moving actually cheaper than hiring movers?

For small, short local moves, often yes — a rental truck can total $150–$300. But once fuel, mileage, equipment, damage risk, and your own time are factored in, the gap narrows significantly, and for larger or long-distance moves, professional movers can end up costing about the same or less per hour of effort saved.

How much does a DIY local move cost in 2026?

Typically $118–$1,073 depending on truck size, distance, and rental duration, before accounting for fuel, tolls, or lost work time.

How much does a DIY long-distance move cost?

Cross-country truck rentals commonly run $1,800–$5,300 before fuel, compared to $4,300–$7,200+ for the same move with full-service movers — a much smaller gap than most people expect.

Does a rental truck come with insurance for my belongings?

No. Rental companies offer optional damage waivers for the truck itself, but your household items typically aren't covered unless you buy separate insurance. Professional movers like Haul Bros carry liability coverage as part of the service.

How long does a DIY move take compared to hiring movers?

A DIY local move commonly takes 8–14 hours; a professional crew typically finishes the same move in 3–5 hours.

What's included in a Haul Bros moving rate that isn't included in a truck rental?

A trained crew, the truck, moving blankets, shrink wrap, floor protection, liability coverage, and basic furniture disassembly/reassembly — all bundled into one hourly rate with no hidden line items.

Is it worth hiring movers for a small apartment move?

It depends on your budget and how much your time and physical effort are worth to you. For a studio or 1-bedroom with no stairs, DIY is often genuinely cheaper. For anything larger or with access challenges, movers frequently close the cost gap.

Can Haul Bros help with part of the move, like just loading or unloading?

Yes — our labor-only service is designed for exactly this: you rent the truck, we handle the heavy lifting.

Key Takeaways

• DIY looks cheaper upfront, but mileage, fuel, insurance, and lost time close the gap fast.
• A local DIY move totals $150–$1,000+; a Haul Bros local move starts at $395 with everything bundled.
• Long-distance DIY rentals run $1,800–$5,300+ before fuel — often much closer to full-service pricing than people assume.
• Rental trucks don't include liability coverage for your belongings; professional movers do.
• DIY makes the most sense for small, short, low-risk moves — everything else favors a bundled, insured quote.

Get an Accurate Comparison for Your Move

The only way to know your real number is a written estimate based on your actual inventory, distance, and access. Request your free quote online, call 571-899-1919, or email relocating@haulbrosmoving.com.

For more on planning your move, see our guides on local vs. long-distance moving costs, choosing the best movers in Northern Virginia, and our Woodbridge neighborhood moving guide, or browse our packing and storage services.

Haul Bros Moving Co LLC — Relocating made easy.