DIY vs. Full-Service Moving: Which Option Fits Your Move?

Most moves start with the question: Should I do it myself or hire everything out? When you’re planning a move with a U-Haul® truck, you have a few options. You can go fully DIY, choose a full-service moving company, or take a flexible middle path by adding Moving Help® to your truck rental.  

The right choice depends on how much control, physical effort, and support you want on moving day. This article discusses these options to help you make the right choice for your move.  

What Is a DIY Move? 

A do-it-yourself (DIY) move means you manage the entire moving process. You rent a moving truck, pack your belongings, load everything, drive to your new location, and unload upon arrival. 

This option works well for people who want full control over timing and logistics or who are comfortable handling the physical work. DIY moves are often more budget-friendly and allow you to move on your own schedule. However, they do require time, planning, and heavy lifting. DIY moves are common for local relocations, apartment moves, and situations where flexibility and control are a priority. 

What Is a Full-Service Move? 

A full-service move means a moving company handles most - or all - of the work for you. This can include packing, loading, transportation, and unloading at your new home. Full-service moving can be a good fit if you have limited time, prefer not to lift heavy items, or are managing a more complex or long-distance move. While this option offers convenience from start to finish, it comes with a higher overall cost than DIY moves and less flexibility in scheduling.  

The Flexible Option: DIY Truck Rental with Moving Help 

For many movers, the best solution falls somewhere in between. With this option, you rent a U-Haul truck and stay in control of your move, while adding help only where you need it through Moving Help®. 

Moving Help connects you with local, independent Service Providers who can assist with loading, unloading, and/or packing. You choose how much help you want and when you want it, whether that’s a few hours of loading help or assistance at both your old and new locations.  

How to Choose the Right Moving Option 

When deciding which moving approach fits your needs, especially if you’re renting a U-Haul truck, consider a few key factors. 

Start with distance. Both local and long-distance moves can work well with a DIY truck rental, but longer moves often require more time, planning, and energy. 

Next, think about your schedule. Driving the truck yourself gives you control over pickup and drop-off times, but loading and unloading still take effort. If your move has a tight timeline, having extra help can make a big difference. 

One of the biggest differences between moving options is cost. The example below shows how a full-service move compares with DIY and with truck rental with Moving Help added.  

Moving Option	What’s Included	Cost
Full-Service Movers	Packing, loading, transportation, unloading handled by a moving company	$1,200 - $2,500
DIY Move (Truck Rental Only)	Rent a truck and handle packing, loading, and driving yourself	$70 - $130
U-Haul Truck + Moving Help	Rent a truck and hire labor help for loading/unloading	$220 - $430

Example estimates based on a local move for a one-bedroom apartment within 40 miles with a pickup date of 4/1/2026. DIY costs assume a one-day U-Haul truck rental plus mileage and fuel. The Moving Help example includes the same truck rental with about two hours of loading or unloading labor from local Service Providers. Full-service moving estimates include labor, transportation, and basic services from a professional moving company. Actual prices vary by location, truck size, mileage rate, fuel costs, and service provider. 

 

It’s also important to be realistic about the physical demands of moving. Large furniture, heavy boxes, stairs, narrow hallways, and limited parking can all add to the challenge. 

Finally, consider whether you want help with loading, unloading, or both. These are often the most physically demanding parts of a truck-based move. If you like staying in control of your U-Haul truck rental but don’t want to do everything yourself, adding Moving Help can make moving day easier and less stressful. 

Every move is different. With a U-Haul truck rental, you choose the truck, the timing, and the level of help that works for you. If you don’t want to handle all the lifting yourself, Moving Help makes it easy to add support.