Are Movers Worth It? The Hidden Costs of DIY Moving
When it’s time to move, the first question many people ask is:
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
On the surface, DIY moving seems cheaper. Rent a truck, call a few friends, grab some pizza and drinks—and you’re set, right? But once you break down the real costs—financial, physical, and emotional—hiring professional movers often makes a lot more sense.
Here’s why.
1. The Real Price of a Rental Truck
Rental trucks might advertise rates like “$29.99 a day,” but that’s not the full picture. The actual cost usually includes:
Mileage fees ($0.79–$1.29 per mile)
Fuel (10–15 mpg on average)
Insurance coverage
Equipment rentals (dollies, pads, straps)
Parking permits or tolls
By the end of the move, many customers spend $250–$500+ just on the truck.
2. Time Is Money
A DIY move often takes an entire weekend or more—packing, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck. Factor in time off work, childcare arrangements, and the time it takes to recover, and the cost rises quickly.
Professional movers can do the same job in half the time or less, often in just one day. That speed matters, especially when you're on a tight schedule or need to be out of a property by a deadline.
3. Physical Risk and Injury
Lifting sofas, mattresses, appliances, and boxes up and down stairs is exhausting and risky—especially for people who don’t do it every day.
Common injuries during DIY moves include:
Back strains
Knee and shoulder injuries
Cuts and bruises
Damage to walls, floors, or personal items
Hiring trained movers reduces both physical strain and the risk of serious injury—not to mention costly damage to your belongings or your home.
4. Wear and Tear on Relationships
Relying on friends and family may seem like a cost-saving move—but it often comes with hidden stress.
People cancel at the last minute
There’s little accountability if something breaks
It’s physically and emotionally exhausting
You end up doing more than your share
Professional movers show up, stay focused, and do the heavy lifting without drama. No awkward favors, no stress.
5. Damage, Delays, and Do-Overs
DIY moves are more prone to:
Scratched furniture and damaged walls
Broken items due to improper packing or stacking
Poor truck loading (which can cause items to shift and fall in transit)
Professional crews come with experience, tools, and techniques that protect your belongings and your property. At Good Movers, every mover is trained and paid well ($40/hour) to ensure extra care with every item.
6. Emotional Toll
Let’s be honest—moving is stressful. Trying to do it all yourself adds mental pressure, especially if things don’t go according to plan. Hiring pros allows you to focus on the transition itself—your family, your new job, or your new home—rather than fighting with furniture and rushing back to return the truck on time.
So... Are Movers Worth It?
If your time, safety, and peace of mind are valuable to you, then yes—movers are absolutely worth it.
At Good Movers, our pricing is simple and fair:
$150/hour for licensed, professional movers who know what they’re doing. You’ll get efficient service, careful handling, and a smoother, faster move—without the hidden costs of doing it yourself.
Want a stress-free move that’s actually worth what you pay for?
Get your quote at www.getgoodmovers.com or call 951-264-9103 to book today.