DIY vs. full-service moving: total cost comparison

Use one move description for all offers

Provide the same inventory, addresses, dates, stairs or elevator details, parking access and storage needs. Ask which charges may change and what information the provider still needs.

Option	Check the offer	Price separately if excluded
Rental truck	Vehicle, rental days, mileage, pickup and return terms	Fuel, extra mileage, loading help, travel, supplies and coverage
Portable container	Container size, transport, delivery window and storage	Loading help, parking, extended storage and coverage
Full-service mover	Inventory, services, estimate terms and additional charges	Packing, specialty services, storage and anything explicitly excluded

Price the journey as well as the transport

• Fuel: Use route distance, the provider's expected fuel economy and a price assumption you can update.
• Supplies: List what you already have and price the protection still needed.
• Loading help: Ask about crew size, minimum hours, travel charges and work included.
• Coverage: Confirm responsibility for damage and the options offered. Do not assume each service includes the same protection.
• Time and travel: Record hotels, transport and time away from work when applicable.

Ask about changes without assuming a discount

Request comparable offers for alternative dates or a reduced inventory if those choices are practical. Ask the provider to price the change rather than applying a generic seasonal or early-booking discount.

The moving cost estimator uses fixed, disclosed assumptions. Enter a provider's actual amount in your budget summary and identify costs still unknown. The summary is not a binding moving quote.