How Much Does a DIY Move Cost?

If you’re moving soon, you probably have questions about what’s ahead. And if you’re like most people, “how much does a DIY move cost?” is at the top of the list. The good news is DIY moves are typically much more affordable than hiring full-service movers.

At U-Haul, we understand the importance of saving money and budgeting for your move, and we're here to help you make an informed decision. To help you plan your DIY move accordingly, this guide will uncover the costs of DIY moving.

Factors that Determine the Cost of a DIY Move

Step one is understanding the different factors of a DIY move that require budgeting. There are your obvious costs, like a moving truck rental. But there are some not-so obvious costs as well. Here are three key factors that determine the cost of a DIY move:

  • How Much Stuff You Have – Ask yourself, are you the minimalist type, or more of a collector. If you lean toward the latter, expect to pay more, as that will require more resources and a larger moving truck. Consider decluttering and selling or donating items that you no longer need to reduce the size of your load.
  • Distance of the Move – If you’re traveling a long distance, you’ll likely have to factor in higher travel costs. Not only are truck rental rates typically higher for longer distances, but there is more fuel and travel accommodation needed.
  • Equipment and Supplies Needed – To execute a successful DIY move, you'll need various equipment and supplies. These may include moving boxes, packing tape, bubble cushion wrap, furniture pads, dollies, and more. 
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Calculating the Cost of a DIY Move

Truck Rental Costs

One of the main expenses you'll encounter is the cost of renting a moving truck. At U-Haul, our rates are different for in-town (local) and one-way (long distance) moves. In town rates start at $19.95, plus per-mile fees. General rule of thumb: the smaller the truck, the lower total cost. Mileage fees vary but are anywhere between $.59 and $.99 per mile driven.

One-way truck costs are more complicated. Cost factors include truck size, your moving date, and pick up and drop off locations. When you rent a one-way truck, you are given an allotment of miles and days at a cost. If you need more miles, they can be added at $1.00 per mile. More days can be added to one-way rentals for $40 per day.



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Get an affordable, reliable and accessible rental truck for your move.

Fuel Costs

Fuel is another expense to consider. Like a truck rental, this is heavily dependent on how far you’re traveling and fuel prices in your area. It will also depend on the gas mileage of the vehicle you’re driving. If you’re renting a U-Haul truck, you can use this guide to view the estimated miles per gallon of the vehicles in our fleet. Then, try to make an estimate using the average fuel cost – $3.30 per gallon in 2024 – and your travel distance.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

Don’t forget to include any insurance or extra coverage for your moving truck rental. At U-Haul, we offer Safemove®. This optional damage waiver can protect against accidental damage to your moving truck, cargo, and personal injury, starting at just $15. Learn more about U-Haul Damage Coverage options for all our moving and storage resources.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Costs don’t end with a truck rental. You may have to pay for moving supplies, storage, and living expenses as well. It’s crucial to keep all these in mind as you prepare. Here are some other expenses to consider.

  • Packing Materials and Moving Boxes – If you want to keep your belongings in great shape, you’ll need some quality packing supplies. U-Haul has industry-leading boxes and packing supplies available for a low cost. In fact, you may be able to score some free boxes at your local U-Haul location!
  • Storage – Making a big move (downsizing, new job, growing family, etc.) often means storing your extra belongings before, during, or after your move. U-Haul provides convenient and secure storage solutions, including one free month of storage with all one-way truck rentals. View storage rates near you.
  • Additional Help or Labor – While DIY moving stands for “do it yourself,” you probably won’t be doing everything yourself. You may be able to enlist friends and family, but if not, hiring laborers is a possibility. For example, the Moving Help Marketplace can connect you with moving laborers near you that cost between $211 and $362 for two men and two hours of service, depending on your area.
  • Move-In Costs – Moving isn’t just a truck and some boxes. There are other relocation expenses that can add up as well, such as first and last month’s rent at a new apartment, security deposits, application fees, utility activation fees, and more. Make a list of your move-in costs and include those in your budget.

Tips for Saving Money on a DIY Move

At this point, you may be starting to wonder if you can cut any of these costs and save money. The answer is, of course you can! DIY moving on a budget can be done. Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

  • Book your moving truck Mon-Wed (Thu-Sun are peak days)
  • Use suitcases, duffle bags, and other luggage types as boxes
  • Enlist family and friends to help you pack and move
  • Use the U-Haul Box Exchange to find free moving supplies in your area
  • Try to move during the winter (considered the “offseason”)
  • Have a yard sale or make a trip to a consignment store to make some cash
  • If purchasing boxes, buy them in bulk to save money

Pros and Cons of a DIY Move

Significant Cost Savings

As mentioned earlier, you stand to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars if you move yourself instead of hiring a full-service moving company.

Flexibility and Control

One of the biggest advantages of a DIY move is the flexibility and control it offers. You have the freedom to plan your move according to your schedule and preferences.

Physical Labor and Time Commitment

DIY moves require physical labor and time commitment. You'll handle packing, moving large furniture, and loading and unloading the moving truck.

Potential Risks and Challenges

There are potential risks and challenges involved in a DIY move. Without professional help, there is a higher risk of damaging your belongings or injuring yourself.

Get a Free Quote for Your DIY Move

Whether you’re ready to move or still in the budgeting phase, we can help. Get a fast, transparent quote on a truck, trailer, or U-Box container. Then, use the Moving Supply Calculator to get a custom quote for moving boxes and packing supplies. As the leaders in DIY moving, we have everything you need!

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