Thinking About DIY Moving? Read This First

So, you just found out you’re moving. Congratulations! Whether you’re moving to the next town over, across the country or even around the world, you’re probably wondering, “Just how much of this can I do myself?” 

You’re not alone; it’s one of the first questions most people ask when starting to plan a move. Moving is expensive, and saving money is usually the first thing on people’s minds. But before you jump into planning for DIY moving, it’s worth looking at the whole picture.

At National Van Lines, we’ve been helping people move for nearly 100 years— and we’ve seen the full range of moving experiences. Some do-it-yourself moves go off without a hitch. Others become frustrating, exhausting, and more expensive than expected. In this blog, we’ll walk through what it really means to move yourself, what you need to plan for, and how to decide if it’s the right choice for your situation.

What It Means to “Move Yourself”

A DIY move typically involves renting a moving truck, packing your belongings, loading them yourself (or with friends), driving to your new place, and unloading everything once you get there. Some people even go a step further and pack everything into their own car or a friend’s pickup truck, especially for short-distance moves.

You’re in charge of everything… from buying packing materials to navigating highway traffic in a 26-foot truck. That level of control can feel great for some people. However it also means every detail falls on your shoulders, from timing the elevator at your apartment building to making sure your couch fits through the front door at your new place.

Before deciding to move yourself, you’ll want to think through:

• How far you’re moving
• How much stuff do you have
• How tight is your schedule 
• Whether you’re physically able to lift and carry heavy furniture
• Who (if anyone) is available to help
  

When Moving Yourself Might Work Well

There are absolutely times when a DIY move makes sense. If you’re on the fence, here are some situations where moving yourself might be a smart and cost-effective option:

1. You’re Moving Locally

Short-distance moves— within the same city or nearby town— can be more manageable on your own. You might be able to make a few trips back and forth instead of packing everything into one truck. Plus, if anything goes wrong, you’re still close to familiar resources like your current home, friends, and stores.

2. You Don’t Have a Lot of Stuff

If you’re moving out of a dorm, studio, or one-bedroom apartment with just a few furniture pieces and boxes, it’s usually much easier to handle without professional help. Many first-time movers assume they’ll need a full crew, but for small, simple moves, a couple of strong friends and a rented van can be enough.

3. You’re Flexible on Timing

Professional movers usually operate on a tight schedule, especially during busy summer months. If your move date is flexible, and you’re not in a rush to vacate your home or settle into your new one, the DIY route gives you more control over when and how fast you move.

4. You’ve Moved Before and Know What to Expect

Experience counts for a lot. If you’ve done your own move before and know what kind of planning, time, and effort it takes, then you might feel more confident managing it again. You’ll already know how to avoid some of the common pain points.

What to Watch Out For With DIY Moving

Moving yourself can seem like the simpler or cheaper option at first— but there are a few big catches that don’t always show up in your initial plan.

1. Hidden Costs Add Up Fast

Most people focus only on the cost of renting a moving truck. But don’t forget about the extras:

• Fuel (especially expensive for long distance moving)
  
• Mileage overage fees
  
• Insurance for the truck
  
• Moving blankets and equipment rentals
  
• Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels
  
• Meals for helpers or crew
  
• Possible hotel stays or tolls during your drive
  
• Risk of damage or breakage that isn’t covered
  

All those little costs can easily add hundreds of dollars—and that’s before you factor in your time, energy, and effort.

2. It’s Physically Demanding

Even a relatively simple move can involve hours of heavy lifting. Sofas, beds, dressers, boxes of books… These aren’t light by any means! You’ll be navigating stairs, door frames, and maybe even loading ramps with no professional equipment or training.

Injuries are more common than people think, and even something like a strained back can seriously slow down your progress. If you’re not used to this kind of labor, it’s worth thinking hard about whether it’s worth the risk.

3. Logistics Can Get Complicated

You’re responsible for planning everything. That includes:

• Reserving and picking up the truck
  
• Figuring out how to load it securely
  
• Driving an oversized vehicle (often with limited visibility)
  
• Parking it safely at your new home
  
• Unloading everything and figuring out where it all goes
  

If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll also need to consider overnight stops, truck rental return deadlines, and unfamiliar roads or weather conditions. One missed detail can throw off the whole schedule— and create a lot of stress.

How a Professional Mover Compares

You might be curious to know what it would look like to hire a professional mover, by comparison. Hiring a full-service mover means you’re handing off most of the physical and logistical challenges to an experienced team. With National Van Lines, we’ve built our process around what real people actually need from their move: Clear communication, careful handling of your belongings, and flexibility based on your schedule and budget.

Here’s what you can expect when you hire a professional moving company: 

• Packing and loading support: A professional moving crew can help pack and wrap your items securely, saving you hours (and a lot of frustration).
  
• Proper equipment: From dollies to padded wraps to truck ramps, we’ve got what’s needed to move safely and efficiently.
  
• Trained drivers: Long distance moving often involves tricky routes or weather. Our licensed drivers handle it all.
  
• Insurance options: You’re covered in case something goes wrong.
  
• Peace of mind: No last-minute truck rentals, no parking problems, no lifting injuries.
  

Professional movers bring more than just muscle—they bring experience, problem-solving, and support you can count on. When things get complicated, having a team that knows how to handle the unexpected can make all the difference.

So… Should You Try It Yourself? 

Here’s the bottom line:

If your move is short, small, and flexible, and you’re physically able and ready to organize all the details, then doing it yourself might work just fine. Especially if it’s your first place or you’ve got a tight budget, it can be empowering to handle it all on your own.

But if your move involves long distances, a lot of belongings, or a strict timeline, it’s worth considering professional help. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and protect your physical health and your belongings.

Making the Decision to Move Yourself

Even if you’re still weighing moving yourself versus hiring a professional mover, getting a quote from a professional moving company gives you a clear starting point either way. You might be surprised by how affordable it can be— especially when you factor in all the hidden costs and risks of doing it alone. However, no matter what you choose, we’re confident this article will help you make that decision much more easily. 

So, you’re weighing whether to DIY your move or hire a company. But… What about packing? We’ve got you covered! Learn about the differences between packing your own items, versus using a professional packing service.