Thinking about skipping the movers and doing it yourself? You're not alone. DIY moves save an average of $1,000-2,000 compared to hiring professionals.
But is it worth the effort? Here's everything you need to know about moving without movers — including cost comparison, what you'll need, and when to call the pros.
DIY Move vs. Professional Movers: Cost Breakdown
Example: 2-Bedroom Apartment Move (Across Town)
| Item | DIY Cost | Professional Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer/truck rental (4 hours) | $45 | — |
| Moving boxes & supplies | $50 | Included |
| Furniture dolly rental (optional) | $15 | — |
| Pizza + drinks for helpers | $40 | — |
| Labor (3 movers, 4 hours) | Your time | $600 |
| Travel fee | — | $100 |
| Total | $150 | $700-900 |
Savings: $550-750 for a 2-bedroom apartment move
What You'll Need for a DIY Move
1. Transportation
Option A: Rent a trailer (Best for local moves)
- 5x8 trailer from Moovalot: $45 for 4 hours
- Tow with your SUV or truck
- Multiple trips if needed
Option B: Rent a moving truck
- U-Haul 15' truck: ~$100-150/day + mileage
- Bigger capacity (one trip)
- More expensive, harder to drive
2. Moving Supplies
- Boxes: 20-30 boxes (free from liquor stores or buy from U-Haul for $2-3 each)
- Packing tape: 3-4 rolls ($5 each)
- Bubble wrap or packing paper: For fragile items ($15-20)
- Markers: Label every box by room ($3)
- Moving blankets: Protect furniture ($20 to buy, $10 to rent)
Total supplies cost: $50-80
3. Equipment (Optional But Helpful)
- Furniture dolly: $15/day rental (makes heavy lifting way easier)
- Hand truck: $10/day rental (for stacking boxes)
- Ratchet straps: $10 (secure items in trailer)
4. Helpers (Free Labor = Friends + Pizza)
You'll need 2-3 strong friends. Bribe them with:
- Pizza and drinks ($30-50)
- Promise to help them move next time
Step-by-Step DIY Moving Plan
2 Weeks Before
- Declutter: Sell or donate items you don't need (less to move = easier)
- Collect boxes: Start gathering free boxes from stores
- Buy supplies: Tape, markers, bubble wrap
1 Week Before
- Pack non-essentials: Books, off-season clothes, decorations
- Recruit helpers: Confirm 2-3 friends can help on moving day
- Reserve trailer: With Moovalot, no reservation needed — just show up
2 Days Before
- Pack everything except daily essentials: Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom
- Disassemble furniture: Beds, tables (keep hardware in labeled bags)
- Measure doorways: Confirm large items fit through new place
Moving Day
- Rent trailer: Pick up early (avoid afternoon heat in Houston)
- Load heavy items first: Furniture, appliances toward front of trailer
- Stack boxes: Fill gaps, lightest items on top
- Secure everything: Use ratchet straps to prevent shifting
- Drive slowly: Trailers need more space to brake and turn
- Unload reverse order: Last items in = first items out
After Moving
- Return trailer: With Moovalot, drop at any location
- Feed your helpers: Pizza delivery to new place
- Unpack essentials: Bed, bathroom, kitchen first
When to DIY vs. Hire Movers
DIY Makes Sense If:
- You're moving locally (under 30 miles)
- You have 2-3 strong friends who can help
- You're moving a 1-2 bedroom apartment or small house
- You're on a tight budget
- You don't have expensive/fragile items (pianos, antiques, art)
Hire Movers If:
- You're moving long-distance (100+ miles)
- You have a 3+ bedroom house
- You have heavy/valuable items (pianos, gun safes, marble counters)
- You're on a tight timeline (moving in one day)
- You have back/health issues
- You don't have friends available to help
Common DIY Moving Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
Fix: Pack everything first, then rent the trailer. You'll know exactly how many trips you need.
Mistake #2: Not Labeling Boxes
Fix: Label every box with room + contents. "Kitchen - Pots/Pans" not just "Kitchen."
Mistake #3: Packing Too Heavy
Fix: Books go in small boxes (max 30 lbs). Large boxes are for light items (pillows, linens).
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Measure
Fix: Measure large furniture and new doorways before moving day. Don't discover your couch doesn't fit after you've already moved it.
Mistake #5: Not Securing Items in the Trailer
Fix: Use ratchet straps. One hard brake and everything slides forward.
How Long Does a DIY Move Take?
1-bedroom apartment: 3-4 hours (pack, load, drive, unload)
2-bedroom apartment: 4-6 hours
3-bedroom house: 6-8 hours (might need 2 trips)
Add 1-2 hours if you're disassembling/reassembling furniture.
Real Example: Houston DIY Move
Scenario: Moving from Katy to Cypress (20 miles), 2-bedroom apartment
What we rented:
- Moovalot 5x8 enclosed trailer (4 hours): $54
- Furniture dolly from Home Depot: $15
Supplies:
- 25 boxes (free from liquor store)
- Packing tape: $12
- Bubble wrap: $15
Helpers: 2 friends + pizza ($35)
Total cost: $131
Professional quote: $750
Savings: $619
Bottom Line: Is DIY Moving Worth It?
If you're young, healthy, have friends who can help, and you're moving locally — yes, DIY saves serious money.
But if you're moving a 3-bedroom house, have a bad back, or own a piano, hire the pros.
Ready to do it yourself? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — rent 24/7, no reservation needed. Most apartment moves cost under $60 for the trailer.