Moving Help® vs. Bellhop: Which Service Is Right for You?
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If you’re looking for moving labor, you’ve likely come across the Moving Help Marketplace and Bellhop. While both platforms connect customers with people who can help with moving tasks, they take different approaches to pricing, booking, and how services are delivered.
Whether you’re loading a truck rental, moving furniture into storage, or looking for packing assistance, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.
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What Is Moving Help?
Founded in 2002, Moving Help is an online Marketplace that connects customers with local, independent Service Providers who specialize in loading and unloading U-Haul truck rentals and U-Box® containers.
Moving Help is available in all 50 U.S. States and the 10 Canadian provinces. With more than 7,000 Services Providers, Moving Help is the largest labor Marketplace in North America.
Moving Help is backed by U-Haul and integrated with its products and services — customers can reserve a truck, U-Box containers, purchase moving supplies, and book moving labor in one place.
What Is Bellhop?
Founded in 2011, Bellhop is a moving service that helps customers book movers for local and long-distance moves in select U.S. markets. Customers can request a quote online, schedule a move, and have a moving crew assigned based on availability.
Moving Help vs. Bellhop: The Comparison
Pricing and Payment
Price is one of the largest considerations when choosing moving services. Moving Help and Bellhop have sizable differences in their pricing and payment structures.
As an online Marketplace, Moving Help allows each Service Provider to set their own hourly rates, giving customers multiple quotes to compare before booking. Pricing is fully transparent with no hidden fees. On average, two hours of service from two Moving Helpers costs between $208 and $402.
Bellhop generally provides one upfront quote based on details such as:
- Home size
- Distance
- Services requested
- Date and time
- Local demand
Pricing may vary depending on location and scheduling availability. Bellhop determines the moving crew for the customer. On their website, Bellhop states a labor-only move costs anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the move.
Key Differences:
- With Moving Help, Customers pay upfront during booking, and the funds are held in escrow. The Service Provider isn’t paid until the customer releases the Payment Code after the agreed-upon work is completed. This adds an extra layer of control during the moving process.
- Bellhop has a 10 percent deposit that is charged two days after booking. Then, two days before the move, the customer is charged with the full estimated cost.
- Moving Help charges a $5.95 Refundable Marketplace Fee. This fee is refunded to the customer after the customer leaves a review on MovingHelp.com.
- Other Moving Help fees can include piano and gun safe moving fees, both of which are charged at a flat rate.
- Moving Help Service Providers don't charge for travel time, fuel, or stairs.
- Bellhop charges a service fee that covers travel, fuel, and supplies.
Pricing and Payment Summary
| Moving Help | Bellhop | |
| Rates | Set by providers | Quote based |
| Deposit | None | 10% |
| Fees | $5.95 Refundable Marketplace Fee | Service fee |
| Payment | Upfront | After the fact (with deposit) |
Services Offered
Both companies provide moving labor, but other available services differ.
Moving Help Service Providers offer the following services:
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- U-Box container services
- Heavy furniture moving
- Piano moving
- Gun safe moving
- Cleaning services
Same-day and next-day availability in many markets
Because each Service Provider chooses which services to offer, available options vary based on the provider.
Bellhop offers services such as:
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Moving labor
- Packing assistance
Available services can vary by city.
Both platforms offer last-minute services.
Key Differences:
- Although U-Haul doesn’t offer long-distance moving or full-service moving options per se, customers can build a full-service or long-distance moving experience by combining U-Haul products and services like truck rentals, U-Box containers, and Moving Help.
- Since Moving Helpers set their own schedules, many are able to offer same-day services.
- Bellhop advises that a move within three-day's notice is considered a Rush Booking, and that booking is not guaranteed.
- Bellhop services like Local Moving can include transportation.
- Moving Help services are available in all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces; Bellhop is available in select U.S. markets.
Services Offered Summary
| Moving Help | Bellhop | |
| Moving Labor | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | No | Yes |
| Same-day service | Yes | Sometimes |
| Packing | Yes | Yes |
| Long-distance moves | No | Yes |
| Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Heavy item moving | Yes | Yes |
| Piano moving | Provider dependent | Provider dependent |
| Service area | United States and Canada | Select U.S. markets |
Booking Process
Booking a move should be simple, especially when you’re juggling multiple moving tasks.
On the Moving Help Marketplace, customers enter their move details and receive a list of available Service Providers. Each listing includes:
- Hourly rate
- Customer ratings
- Reviews
- Number of completed jobs
- Services offered
Customers compare providers and choose the provider that best fits their needs before completing their reservation. Orders are considered booked once placed, and the move is completed after the customer releases the Payment Code.
Moving Help is booked via MovingHelp.com, Uhaul.com/MovingHelp/, and the U-Haul App.
Bellhop customers request a quote online by entering their name, phone number, email address, and service location on Getbellhops.com. After providing their move details, they receive an estimate. The company assigns movers to the reservation.
Both platforms allow customers to modify their move before moving day.
Key Differences:
- Moving Help has a free cancellation policy. Even same-day cancellations are free of charge with no strings attached.
- A Bellhop cancellation is free up to 72 hours before your booking date.
- For local moves, cancellations within 72 hours are subject to a fee and forfeiture of the deposit, according to the Bellhop website. The fee amount varies depending on the type of move.
Booking Process Summary
| Moving Help | Bellhop | |
| Compare providers | Yes | No |
| Free quote | Yes | Yes, with info |
| App booking | Yes | No |
| Cancellation | Free | Free up to 72 hours before booking |
Service Providers
One of the largest differences between the two services is who performs the work.
The Moving Help Marketplace connects customers with independent Service Providers, not employees of U-Haul or Moving Help. Each provider operates their own business, setting their own:
- Prices
- Schedule
- Service area
- Services offered
Customers are encouraged to compare providers before booking using millions of verified reviews, prices, and services offered. The Marketplace has completed more than 7 million jobs with more than 7,500 active Service Providers across North America.
Bellhop operates in a similar manner — Bellhop has “Pros” who set their own schedules and receive jobs through the Bellhop platform. Customers generally do not select individual crews during the booking process, however, as assignments are made based on scheduling and availability.
Both platforms specify that their Moving Helper or Pro must pass a background check.
Service Provider Summary
| Moving Help | Bellhop | |
| Movers | Independent businesses | Contractors |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Customer chooses | Yes | No |
Customer Service
Customer support is another important factor before booking.
Customers communicate directly with their selected Service Provider before moving day while also having access to Moving Help customer support. If an issue cannot be resolved directly with the provider, customers can use the Marketplace’s Dispute Resolution Center.
Optional Safeload® coverage is also available for moves booked with top-rated Service Providers.
Bellhop provides customer support throughout the booking process and after the move through its customer service team via chat, email, and telephone. On moving day, Bellhop movers reach out to the customers directly.
Bellhop offers third-party insurance for damage coverage during the move in most markets, in addition to a Certificate of Insurance for property managers.
Customer Service Summary
| Moving Help | Bellhop | |
| Customer service | Chat, email, phone | Chat, email, phone |
| Damage coverage | Safeload with qualifying providers | Third-party in select markets |
| Communication with providers | Yes | Yes |
Which Service Is Best for Your Move?
The Moving Help Marketplace and Bellhop can help simplify moving day, but each appeal to different types of customers.
The Moving Help Marketplace may be a good fit if you want to:
- Compare multiple local Service Providers
- Choose based on customer ratings and pricing
- Hire labor-only help for a DIY move
- Pair moving labor with a U-Haul truck rental or a U-Box container
- Maintain control through the payment process via Payment Code
Bellhop may be a better fit if you prefer receiving a custom quote, having your moving crew assigned during the scheduling process, or if you want someone to drive for you.
Ultimately, comparing pricing, availability, services, and customer reviews in your area can help you determine which option best matches your moving needs.
Ready to Find Moving Help?
Whether you’re moving across town or simply need help loading a truck, the Moving Help Marketplace makes it easy to compare local Service Providers, read verified customer reviews, and book moving labor that fits your needs and budget. Start your reservation today and find the right help for your next move.
Ready to add moving labor to your DIY move? Compare local Service Providers through Moving Help and get a quote for the services you need.