DIY Moving Truck Rentals vs. Hiring Pros: A Complete Analysis

When planning a move, one of the most important choices you’ll have to make is deciding whether to hire professionals or rent a truck and do it yourself. Both options come with benefits and drawbacks. In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each approach (DIY moving truck rentals vs. hiring pros) to help you determine which one is right for your needs, budget, and schedule.

DIY Moving Trucks

Renting a moving truck isn’t much different from renting a car. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a major credit card to cover the deposit and payment. Though most companies require customers to be at least eighteen years old, a few won’t rent to anyone under twenty-one or twenty-five. With a regular driver’s license, you can get a truck up to 26 feet long ‒ large enough to hold the contents of a three or four bedroom house.

The primary reason for renting a moving truck is to save money. Trucks cost less than moving crews. However, there are other benefits as well, such as:

Flexibility. Renting a truck lets you move according to your schedule, rather than planning around someone else’s availability.
Control. You decide how your possessions are packed, loaded, and secured - ensuring total oversight over the packing process.
Privacy. Because you’re the only one handling your belongings, you don’t need to worry about strangers entering your home.

However, while the cost of the truck is relatively low, there are additional expenses you’ll have to consider. These include:

Fuel. Most moving trucks average 8-12 miles per gallon. Though generally not a problem over short distances, costs add up quickly when driving long distances.
Mileage Charges. Some rental companies add a per-mile fee. If you miscalculate the distance, you can wind up with a bill significantly higher than what you expected.
Insurance. Rental fees normally don’t cover damage. Because most personal policies don’t apply to rental trucks, you’ll likely need to purchase supplemental coverage.
Drop-Off Fees. Companies typically charge extra if you’re traveling cross country and need to return the truck to a different location than the one you picked it up from.
Equipment. Most companies ask you to pay extra for dollies, straps, and floor coverings.

When To Rent a DIY Moving Truck

While renting a moving truck isn’t the right choice for everyone, it can considerably reduce the cost of relocating. Homeowners should consider hiring one if:

Their household is relatively small, no more than 1-2 bedrooms
They’re moving locally, within 50 miles of their current home
They have a reliable group of people willing to help
They’re physically fit, capable of carrying at least 20-30 pounds
They have a limited amount of furniture and few large appliances

If you’re comfortable driving long distances, renting a truck can be an affordable option for interstate moves as well. However, for large households, it’s normally too demanding. Commercial trucks are difficult to operate, especially on busy highways. Weather, traffic, and unfamiliar surroundings can make it hard to stay on schedule ‒ increasing the likelihood of extra charges. There’s also the risk of accidents or mechanical issues, which can be difficult to resolve without the backup crews and contingency plans available to professionals.

For these reasons, DIY moving trucks are most commonly used for local moves. They’re a popular choice for students moving into their first apartment or families upgrading from a starter home to a forever home ‒ where short distances and a small number of items allow them to manage on their own.

Professional Movers

Trained, licensed, and insured ‒ professional movers handle the relocation process on behalf of individuals and families. They can manage any and all aspects of your move: planning, packing, loading, shipping, storage, etc. While some homeowners ask movers to help with only one or two aspects of their relocation, such as transportation, others ask them to oversee the whole thing from start to finish.

Hiring professionals makes moves less stressful. Instead of coordinating logistics, transportation, and set-up, movers do it for you, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Moving companies also:

Ease Workloads. Movers handle the heavy lifting, saving you the effort of carrying boxes, appliances and furniture.
Save Time. Experience and training allows professional crews to load and unload your belongings quickly.
Protect Belongings. Moving companies ensure all household goods are properly packed, minimizing the risk of damage.
Improve Safety. Professionals understand safe lifting techniques, reducing strain while protecting your walls, floors, and furniture.
Provide Insurance. Your possessions are protected in case of loss or damage during transit, ensuring peace of mind.

But while movers make the process simpler, there are a few things to consider before hiring them. These include:

Pricing. To cover costs, professional moving crews charge a minimum number of hours for every job, making short moves relatively expensive.
Scheduling Constraints. When demand for moving services is high, finding movers who are available on your target date can be a challenge.
Less Control. While moving companies carefully vet their crews, many homeowners aren’t comfortable with the idea of strangers handling their private possessions.

When to Hire Professionals

Because they customize their services according to your needs, budget, and schedule, professional movers are well-suited to most jobs. Homeowners typically rely on them for:

Long-distance and interstate relocations
Households with three or more bedrooms
Time sensitive moves
Help with outsized or specialty items like pianos, refrigerators, and pool tables

Professional moving companies operate on a local and national level, making them the preferred option for complex moves involving fragile and oversized items. Besides transporting your belongings, movers also provide packing supplies and safe storage sites, in case you need extra room or your moving dates don’t line up.

They even provide supplemental services like auto transportation. They’re a comprehensive solution for anyone interested in avoiding the stress, headache, and physical toll of relocating. Hiring pros streamlines an otherwise complicated process ‒ making your move smooth, efficient, and low-stress.

Hassle-Free Moving Services

Allied Van Lines has been helping America move for over ninety-five years. Our relocation teams offer full-service and customized options for both local and long distance moves, with 24/7 support every step of the way. Transparent pricing makes it easy to calculate your budget, while our experienced crews handle the details and keep things running seamlessly from beginning to end. Take the headache out of moving. Contact us today for a free quote!