couple preparing to move

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • In general, DIY moving can save you money, but that depends on many different factors unique to each individual and set of circumstances.
  • There are distinct advantages to both DIY moving and hiring professionals. When calculating total costs, all variables should be considered.
  • Weighing the pros and cons will help you to make a more informed decision about what is best for you.

Did you know that the average American now moves almost 12 times in their lifetime? In 2022, about 8 million people moved to a different state, and that number continues to increase.1 If you are someone who is faced with a move, you may be considering doing it yourself (DIY), due to costs, although there are some very good reasons to think twice about this.

Weighing the “costs” between hiring professional movers in Greenville SC and DIY can be like comparing apples to oranges. In general, yes, you will likely spend more money hiring pros, but the question really is how much do you sacrifice by opting for DIY moving?

That is difficult to say, since it depends on myriad factors, including the scope of your move, distance, and time required to complete the task. These can vary greatly from project to project.

This article breaks down the factors that contribute to both DIY and professional moving costs. It explores the advantages you can expect to actualize with each one, as well as the drawbacks. Keep reading to decide which option is right for you.

Advantages of DIY Moving

Besides the potential to save money, there are several benefits to DIY moving. A big one is having complete control over the plan. For instance, for local moves, if you are not faced with a strict external deadline (like starting school or a new job), and you already have a new lease or mortgage, you have the flexibility of transporting your belongings at your leisure.

While most people want to get the chore over with, DIY moving does let you spread the work out over weekends or anytime that is convenient for you. There is no scheduling or otherwise coordinating moving tasks with a company. A related advantage is that DIY moving lets you pack and otherwise handle your personal belongings as you see fit (as opposed to letting strangers do so).

A final (minor) benefit of DIY moving is that it is a good way to get exercise. Most moving requires a lot of physical activity, including walking and lifting.

Advantages of Hiring Professional Movers

One of the biggest benefits of hiring professional movers is that it inevitably saves time. Regardless of how many strapping family members or friends you have willing to jump in and help out with the physical labor, professionals will be able to do it faster.

That is because they do it for a living. They will have the knowledge and experience, as well as the right tools, to get everything from A to B as quickly as possible.

They will also do it more safely. Movers will have the proper equipment for securing items during transport. This could easily offset the cost of any items that could become damaged during a DIY move.

A related benefit of hiring professional movers vs. DIY moving is that you can avoid the potential risk of injury. Moving all your belongings can be physically demanding, especially if you have at least several pieces of heavy or cumbersome furniture, tools, or other personal items to transport. Leaving this up to the pros keeps you and your family out of harm’s way.

Finally, hiring professional movers can eliminate a lot of stress. Often, people are moving to start a new job, because their family is expanding, or some other major life event (that in itself can be stressful).

Even if that is not the case, moving itself can be burdensome. Approximately 64 percent of respondents to a recent survey said that moving was the most stressful event that they had ever experienced, even ahead of getting divorced and having children!2 Hiring movers helps mitigate this stress.

Costs of DIY Moving

Many people assume that moving yourself is completely free—or at least close to it—but that is not exactly the case. In fact, it is hard to argue that even the labor is free.

DIY moving requires a great deal of your time and effort, but most people cannot do it all on their own. That usually means soliciting the help of family and friends to move large pieces of furniture or to expedite things.

If the person moving does not own a vehicle suitable for transporting their belongings, they will need to rent one. Prices will vary by location and the size of the vehicle you require, but even small ones can run in excess of $100 per day. Larger trucks for moving furniture and bigger items could cost more than $1,000 per day!

Also, some companies will charge more for traveling long distances or not returning the vehicle to the original rental location. These fees can be substantial, so it is important to have a solid breakdown of all costs for DIY moving before making a final decision.

Costs of Hiring Movers

There are certain unavoidable costs associated with hiring professional movers. However, these levels vary by location and service, but, in general, most customers can anticipate some fees associated with:

  • Standard rates
  • Additional services and fees
  • Insurance

Most moving companies charge a standard moving rate, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the move. These are typically hourly, especially for local moves.

You may find flat per-day fees for longer moves, which also may take into account factors like the approximate total weight of your belongings. Some companies will calculate fees by fuel costs associated with mileage.

Next, moving companies will add on fees for special services. A common example of an optional one is packing and/or unboxing. Most reputable companies will also provide moving supplies—such as boxes and packing materials—upon request.

Other add-on services may be unavoidable. For instance, if the person moving has fragile items or valuables that require special treatment, this too could impact the rate. Another example is parking fees or other expenses for overnight transport.

Local Moves vs. Long-Distance Moves

One of the biggest factors that influences the costs of DIY vs. professional moving is whether you are moving a short or a long distance. First, for most standard-sized moves, the difference between professional and DIY moving costs for short moves is likely negligible. When you factor in the cost of a rental vehicle, supplies, and whatever it costs to compensate friends or family for their assistance, hiring pros makes more sense.

The cost savings for DIY moving long distances can be more pronounced. However, there are major factors to consider.

For instance, unlike local moves where you can make several trips using a smaller vehicle, long-distance DIY moving may require renting a much larger truck (which you then have to drive). Some of the other factors mentioned above also remain in play. For example, the time and stress required in transport can far outweigh any small amount of money you save by not hiring professional movers.

Find Moving Services In Greenville SC Today

Now that you understand the factors that contribute to the cost of hiring movers, and what services you get for your money, you can determine which option is right for you. Going with the pros can save a great deal of time, stress, and potential for injury, and help ensure your possessions get from point A to point B unscathed. Reputable moving companies in Greenville SC can further recommend ways to cut costs, so that you can access the services you need without paying for those that you don’t.

At Smith Dray Line provides full-service, local movers in Greenville SC. Since our founding in 1911, we have prided ourselves on exemplary customer service and satisfaction. Reach out to us today for a free quote.

References

  1. “Moving Statistics 2025,“ Consumer Affairs, Journal of Consumer Research, March 2024, from: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/moving-statistics.html.
  2. “Survey Finds Moving Is More Stressful For Many Than Getting Divorced, Having Kids,” CBS News, from: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/survey-finds-moving-is-more-stressful-for-many-than-getting-divorced-having-kids/.