This moving cost calculator compares doing it yourself with a rental truck against hiring professional movers. It adds up truck rental, mileage charges, fuel, help, packing supplies and travel, and compares them with a mover’s quote plus tip and extra coverage.
What a DIY move costs
- Truck rental: a base price plus a charge per mile, especially for local rentals.
- Fuel: moving trucks often get only around 10 miles per gallon or less when loaded.
- Help: paid loaders, or food and drinks for friends.
- Supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, furniture pads and a dolly.
What movers charge
Local moves are usually priced by the hour for a crew and truck. Long-distance moves are usually priced by weight or volume and distance. Ask for a written binding or not-to-exceed estimate so the final bill cannot rise unexpectedly.
Worked example
For a 300-mile move, a $250 truck with $0.79 a mile, fuel at 10 MPG and $3.50 a gallon, $300 of help, $150 of supplies and $150 of travel costs come to about $1,192. A $3,500 mover’s quote with a 5% tip, plus the same supplies and travel, comes to $3,975, so doing it yourself saves about $2,783.
Is hiring movers worth it?
Movers can be worth the extra cost for large homes, long distances, stairs, heavy furniture or when you cannot take time off work. Remember the value of your own time and the risk of injury or damage.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my move cheaper?
Declutter before moving, move mid-month and mid-week outside summer, get at least three quotes, and collect free boxes.
How much should I tip movers?
A common guide is 5% to 10% of the bill, or a set amount per mover for a half or full day, adjusted for difficulty and service.
Are moving expenses tax-deductible?
For most people in the US, no. The deduction is generally only available to active-duty members of the Armed Forces moving under military orders.
How do I check an interstate mover?
In the US, look up the company’s USDOT number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and read its complaint history.
Related calculators
Sources
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.