Should You Hire Movers or Do It Yourself?

Choose between hiring movers and moving yourself based on your budget, timeline, home size, distance, available help, and comfort with packing and lifting. Hiring movers can reduce the amount of loading and transportation you manage, while a DIY move can give you more control over the schedule and labor costs.

Compare the full cost and work involved before deciding. A larger home, long-distance move, stairs, elevators, limited parking, or a short move-out timeline may make movers a practical option. A smaller apartment or local move may be easier to manage with a rental truck and help from friends or family.

This guide will help you decide whether hiring professionals or doing it yourself is right for your next move.

Moving Method Essentials:

• Compare moving-company estimates with truck rental, fuel, supplies, and travel costs.
• Consider the size of your home, number of boxes, furniture, stairs, elevators, and loading access.
• Hire movers when you need help with loading, transportation, or a tight timeline.
• Consider a DIY move for smaller homes, short distances, and flexible schedules.
• Pack and label boxes before moving day, regardless of the moving method.
• Set aside daily essentials, chargers, toiletries, and documents for your personal vehicle.
• Reserve a truck, moving company, supplies, or storage unit early.
• Use storage for boxes, furniture, and household items when moving in stages.

Hiring Movers vs. Moving Yourself at a Glance:

When Should You Hire a Moving Company?

Hire a moving company when the move includes large furniture, many boxes, a long distance, limited time, stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or difficult loading access. Movers can also help when work schedules, family responsibilities, or health considerations limit the time available for moving tasks.

Before hiring movers, provide details about:

• Number of rooms and approximate box count
• Large furniture and appliances
• Stairs, elevators, hallways, and doorways
• Parking and distance from the truck to the entrance
• Move-in and move-out building rules
• Items going to storage or another destination
• Preferred move date and arrival window

Request written estimates and confirm what each service includes before booking.

When Is a DIY Move a Good Option?

A DIY move can work well for a local move, a smaller apartment, a limited number of belongings, or a flexible schedule. It gives you direct control over the packing order, loading process, moving route, and timing.

A DIY move may fit when you:

• Are moving locally
• Have a smaller home or apartment
• Have access to help for loading and unloading
• Can reserve a truck that fits your belongings
• Have time to pack and complete the move in stages
• Want to control the move-day schedule directly

Plan the move carefully. Reserve the truck early, measure large furniture, confirm parking at both locations, and keep the loading route clear.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers vs. Move Yourself?

The cost of hiring movers versus moving yourself depends on the home size, distance, service level, timing, labor needs, and access at both properties. Hiring movers can include labor, transportation, and selected services. A DIY move can include truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, parking, tolls, lodging, and help with loading.

Compare the same move details when requesting estimates. Include stairs, elevators, long carries, parking restrictions, storage stops, and large furniture so you can evaluate the total expected cost.

How Should You Prepare Before Movers Arrive?

Prepare before movers arrive by packing boxes, labeling each container, clearing paths, and grouping items by destination. This helps the crew understand what goes to the new home, storage, donation, or another location.

Before the movers arrive:

1. Pack low-use items, such as books, décor, extra linens, and seasonal belongings.
2. Label boxes with the destination room and contents.
3. Set aside boxes going to storage or another destination.
4. Clear hallways, stairs, doorways, and entryways.
5. Keep moving contacts, building instructions, and reservation details available.
6. Set aside daily essentials that will travel with you.
7. Confirm parking, elevator reservations, and loading access.

How Should You Prepare for a DIY Move?

Prepare for a DIY move by reserving a truck, gathering supplies, organizing loading help, and planning the route before moving day. Pack boxes by room and keep heavier items in smaller containers.

A DIY moving checklist can include:

• Rental truck or trailer reservation
• Moving boxes, tape, labels, and packing paper
• Dollies, moving blankets, and tie-downs
• Help for large furniture and heavy boxes
• Parking and building-access arrangements
• Fuel, toll, and travel plans
• First-night supplies and daily essentials
• A final walkthrough checklist

Load heavy furniture and sturdy boxes first, then fill gaps with lightweight items. Keep items you need immediately out of the truck or near the door for easier unloading.

How Can Storage Help During a Move?

Storage can help when you need to pack early, move in stages, prepare a home for showings, or wait between move-out and move-in dates. It can also give you time to organize a new home before bringing in lower-priority boxes and furniture.

Use Public Storage for:

• Labeled moving boxes
• Extra furniture
• Seasonal décor
• Sports equipment
• Hobby supplies
• Household items you plan to unpack later

Choose the Moving Method That Fits Your Plan.

Hiring movers and moving yourself can both support an organized move. Compare the full cost, time, labor, home size, distance, and access at each property before choosing the approach that fits your situation.

Find a Public Storage location near your current or new home to reserve space for boxes, furniture, seasonal items, and household belongings during your move. Public Storage gives you room to pack in stages, separate storage-bound items, and settle into your next space at your own pace.

The best move is the one that gives your next home a clear start.

Hiring Movers vs. DIY Moving FAQs

Is it cheaper to hire movers or move yourself?
A DIY move can cost less for a small, local move, but truck rental, fuel, supplies, and labor can add up. Compare written mover estimates with all DIY moving costs before deciding.

When should you hire professional movers?
Hire movers for large homes, long-distance moves, tight timelines, heavy furniture, stairs, elevators, or limited loading access. Movers can also help when you need loading and transportation support.

What should you do before movers arrive?
Pack and label boxes, clear walkways, separate items by destination, and confirm parking and building access. Keep daily essentials and move-related information with you.

What do you need for a DIY move?
A DIY move needs a truck or trailer, packing supplies, moving blankets, tie-downs, loading help, and a route plan. Confirm parking and access at both locations before moving day.

Can storage help when moving yourself or hiring movers?
Yes. Storage can hold boxes, furniture, seasonal items, and household belongings while you pack, move in stages, or organize your new home.