Planning to move into a new place? One of the first big decisions is whether to hire a professional long distance mover or handle everything on your own.
Maybe you’re thinking of calling a few friends to help pack and load a truck. That might be okay—but before you jump in, it’s smart to look at both options and see what really makes sense for your move.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide what fits best for you.
What is a Full-Service Move?
A full-service move means the moving company takes care of almost everything for you. The movers will load your stuff, drive it to your new place and unload it when they get there. If you want, they can even pack and unpack your things for you. You just need to ask the moving company what’s included in their services.
There are many good reasons to go with a full-service move. Here are some things to think about:
- It saves you a lot of time and energy since trained movers know how to handle your items safely.
- You don’t have to worry about breaking things due to bad packing or moving mistakes.
- You avoid the risk of injuries from lifting heavy furniture or boxes.
- Your belongings are handled with care and the right tools.
- Movers use proper packing materials to keep things neat and protected.
The best part? You can relax. You won’t need to ask friends or family to help and you won’t be stressed about fragile stuff breaking. Moving can be hard to do alone—hiring full-service movers makes it a lot easier.
Thinking About Moving on Your Own (DIY Move)
If you’re trying to save money, doing the move yourself might seem like the best option—especially if you like being in control and handling things your way. Many people go for a DIY move because it can be cheaper, they manage everything themselves and they know exactly where their stuff is at all times.
But moving on your own isn’t always easy. You’ll have to drive a large moving truck which can be difficult if you’ve never done it before. And don’t forget—you’ll be doing all the lifting, loading and unloading by yourself (or with a little help from friends).
Saving money is great but there are other things to think about:
- You might hurt yourself or have an accident, and if anything goes wrong, it’s all on you.
- The truck could break down during the trip and you might have to transfer everything into another one.
- Travel costs can add up—like hotels, meals or toll fees.
- Do you have insurance for your belongings in case something gets damaged or lost?
- Some states have weigh stations you must stop at. If you miss one because you don’t know the rules, you could face a fine.
Before choosing the DIY route, ask yourself, are you ready for all the work and responsibility, or would hiring professional movers be the better option for you?
Comparing Costs: Full-Service Moving vs. DIY
When you’re trying to decide between hiring professional movers or renting a truck and doing it all yourself, it really comes down to two important things:
How much money can you spend, and how much time and energy are you willing to put into the move?
Once you figure that out, picking the right option becomes easier. Most people want their move to be budget-friendly and low-stress. But many don’t realize that doing it yourself can actually cost more than they thought.
Here’s why a DIY move can get pricey:
- You have to pay for the rental truck, fuel, packing supplies (like boxes and tape), moving tools, food and even drinks or snacks for your friends who help.
- You also spend a lot of time and energy doing everything yourself.
By the end, a lot of people are surprised to find that their total DIY costs come close to what they would have paid for a full-service move.
In fact, a recent survey found that 4 out of 5 people who tried a DIY move said they wouldn’t do it again. It took more time, more effort, caused more stress—and a few sore backs—than they expected.
So before you choose, really think about the total cost, not just the money, but also the time and energy you’ll spend.
Moving costs are updated for 2024/2025 market conditions, with each key expense category side-by-side:
If you’re trying to save money by handling the move yourself, it’s a good idea to take another look at what full-service movers can offer. You might be surprised—they could give you better value and save you a lot of stress too.
Things to Consider Before You Decide
Before choosing between a DIY move or hiring full-service movers, ask yourself a few easy questions:
- How much can I spend on my move?
- Am I able to do all the heavy lifting myself?
- Do I have friends or family who can help me pack and load?
- Will anyone be available to help unload at my new place?
- Can I take time off work for the move?
- Am I comfortable driving a large moving truck for a long distance?
Thinking through these questions can help you decide which option works best for your situation.
Tips to Help You Pick the Right Moving Option
One of the smartest ways to decide what’s best for your move is by getting a quote from a reliable moving company. STI Moving & Storage gives free quotes based on your exact needs. Just let them know how many rooms you’re moving and where you’re going—they’ll give you a clear price so you’re not left guessing.
Also, ask what services they include. Many moving companies offer packing supplies and even packing help, which can save you a lot of time and stress. Some movers also provide a moving consultant who guides you through the whole process, shares packing tips and helps things go smoothly.
Think about your own schedule too. If you’re busy with work or can’t take much time off, doing all the packing and moving yourself can be hard. If you’re moving for a new job, you may need to settle in quickly—so getting your stuff delivered while you handle other things can really help.
When choosing between DIY and full-service movers, step back and look at the full picture. Most of the time, hiring professionals turns out to be easier and a better choice overall.
Reach out to STI Moving Company for a free quote and see how they can make your move stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m worried about strangers handling my stuff. Can I trust full-service movers?
Yes, you can. Professional movers are trained to handle your furniture and belongings carefully. STI Movers in Dallas know how to move large, heavy or tricky items without causing damage.
I have a lot of fragile things. Can full-service movers take care of them?
Definitely. These movers know how to handle delicate items. They can also help pack them properly so they stay safe during the move.
I like to stay in control. Will hiring movers take that away from me?
Not at all. You’re still in charge. You can decide what parts of the move the movers handle. They do the heavy lifting and driving but you make the big decisions.
Is moving by myself physically hard?
Yes, it can be tough. Lifting and carrying heavy items can strain your back, neck and legs. Many people feel sore or even get injured after a DIY move.
What size truck would I need for a DIY move?
That depends on how much stuff you’re moving. Rental companies offer trucks in different sizes and will help you choose the right one based on how many rooms you’re moving.
