Cheapest Way to Move Locally: DIY vs Hiring Movers
What Is the Cheapest Way to Move Locally? DIY vs. Hiring Movers
Moving to a new home brings both excitement and worry. Whether you're moving across Gravois Mills or just a few streets over, the cost of moving your belongings can add up quickly. Many people wonder whether doing it themselves or hiring professionals would save more money.
The cheapest way to move locally is usually a DIY move with a rental truck ($50-$200) and help from friends and family. However, when you factor in your time, physical effort, and hidden costs like gas and insurance, hiring affordable professional movers might offer better value overall. For most local moves, expect to pay between $300-$1,500 depending on home size and services needed.
Before you decide to save money by moving everything yourself, it's worth looking at all costs involved in both options. This guide will help you understand what goes into moving costs and find the right balance between saving money and saving your back (and your friendships).
Understanding the True Costs of Moving
When we think about moving costs, we often only see the dollar signs on the quote from movers or the truck rental fee. But the true cost includes much more.
Moving costs include things you can see like truck rentals or mover fees. But they also include things you can't easily count, like your time away from work, the risk of injury, and the stress on your body and mind.
For a local move in Gravois Mills, costs can vary based on:
How far you're moving
How much stuff you have
The time of year or month
Whether you need special handling for items
How much of the work you do yourself
DIY Moving: Breaking Down the Costs
Truck Rental Expenses
Renting a moving truck is usually the biggest expense in a DIY move. For a local move in Gravois Mills, expect to pay:
Small truck (10-foot): $50-$100 per day
Medium truck (17-foot): $75-$150 per day
Large truck (26-foot): $100-$200 per day
Remember that the price on the website isn't the final cost. You will also pay for:
Mileage fees ($0.69-$1.00 per mile)
Fuel (these trucks get poor gas mileage)
Insurance ($15-$30 per day)
Dolly and furniture pad rentals ($10-$50)
Extra day fees if you don't finish on time
Hidden Costs of DIY Moving
Many costs of moving yourself aren't clear until you're in the middle of it:
Time off work: Taking a day or two off work means lost wages for many people. If you make $20 per hour and take two days off, that's $320 in lost pay.
Food and drinks: Feeding yourself and friends who help can cost $50-$100.
Thank you gifts: It's nice to thank friends who help with gift cards or meals, which might cost $20-$50 per helper.
Potential injuries: Hurting your back could mean doctor visits and more time off work.
Damaged items: Without proper moving experience, you might break things that cost money to replace.
Hiring Professional Movers: What You Get for Your Money
Basic Moving Service Costs
Professional movers in Gravois Mills typically charge by the hour for local moves. Rates usually include:
2 movers: $80-$120 per hour
3 movers: $120-$180 per hour
4 movers: $160-$240 per hour
Most local moves take 3-8 hours depending on home size:
Studio/1-bedroom: 3-4 hours ($240-$480)
2-3 bedrooms: 5-6 hours ($400-$720)
4+ bedrooms: 7-8+ hours ($560-$1,000+)
These prices usually include the truck, equipment, gas, insurance, and trained workers.
Additional Services Worth Considering
Professional movers offer extra services that might be worth the cost:
Packing services: Movers can pack all your belongings safely. This costs $300-$800 more but saves lots of time and ensures things are packed right.
Packing supplies: Companies like Sunrise Movers can provide boxes, tape, and other supplies, often at better prices than retail stores.
Storage options: If your new home isn't ready, many movers offer short-term storage. This might cost $50-$200 per month depending on how much stuff you have.
Special item handling: Moving pianos, large TVs, or art needs special care. Professional movers know how to handle these items safely.
When DIY Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)
Good Times to Choose DIY Moving
DIY moving works best when:
You're moving a very small home or just a few items
You have strong, reliable friends who will help for free
You have moving experience and proper equipment
Your budget is extremely tight
You have plenty of time to plan and execute the move
You don't have many fragile or valuable items
For a student moving from a dorm or a single person with minimal furniture, DIY often makes financial sense.
When Professional Movers Are Worth It
Hiring movers becomes the better choice when:
You have a larger home with lots of furniture
You have many heavy items (like bookcases or appliances)
You're short on time due to work or family needs
You have physical limitations or health concerns
You own valuable or sentimental items that need careful handling
You're moving during bad weather
The stress of moving would affect your health or job
For families, professionals, or anyone with a established home, professional movers often provide better value despite the higher upfront cost.
Money-Saving Tips for Both Options
How to Save on DIY Moving
If you choose to move yourself:
Reserve trucks early for better rates
Move mid-week or mid-month when rental prices are lower
Get free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, or online marketplaces
Use household items like blankets and towels as packing material
Declutter before moving so you have less to transport
Return the truck with a full gas tank to avoid high refill charges
How to Save When Hiring Movers
If you decide to hire professionals:
Get multiple quotes to compare prices
Book at least 30 days ahead for better rates
Move during off-peak times (October-April, mid-month, weekdays)
Pack yourself but let movers handle the heavy lifting
Declutter aggressively before getting quotes
Be ready when movers arrive to avoid extra hourly charges
Ask about discounts for seniors, military, or first responders
The Middle Path: Hybrid Moving Options
You don't have to choose all DIY or all professional. Many people find the best value in a mixed approach:
Rent the truck yourself but hire loading help
Pack yourself but hire movers for transport
Move small items yourself but hire pros for furniture
Use portable storage containers you load yourself
In Gravois Mills, services like moving labor helpers cost about $40-$80 per helper per hour. This can be the perfect middle ground for many movers.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Moving in Gravois Mills has unique challenges that local movers understand better:
Knowledge of apartment building requirements
Familiarity with local traffic patterns
Understanding of weather conditions that might affect moving
Relationships with local storage facilities
Local movers like Sunrise Movers know the area well and can navigate these challenges better than national chains or DIY movers from out of town.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
The cheapest way to move locally on paper is usually DIY with a rental truck. But the best value for most people falls somewhere between complete DIY and full-service moving.
Think about your budget, but also consider your time, physical ability, and stress levels. Sometimes paying a bit more saves you much more in hidden costs.
For residents of Gravois Mills looking for the perfect balance of affordability and service, Sunrise Movers offers customizable moving packages to fit any budget. Their local expertise, professional equipment, and trained staff provide peace of mind that your belongings will arrive safely at your new home.
Contact Sunrise Movers today for a free, no-obligation quote on your local move. Their team can help you decide which services make the most sense for your situation and budget. With their help, your next move can be both affordable and stress-free. Call them at their Gravois Mills office or visit sunrisemovers.biz to learn more about how they can make your local move easier.