Moving Options
The guide to everything you need to know before you go get moving quotes
Moving comes with more choices than most people realize—and that can be just as overwhelming as the move itself. That's where HireAHelper comes in. We're here to help you understand your options, make sense of pricing, and avoid common moving mistakes before they happen. Our platform is built on real customer reviews, transparent pricing, and years of hands-on experience across every type of move. Whether you're researching, planning, or ready to book movers, we're here with expert advice, practical tips, and access to trusted professionals when you need an extra set of hands.
Below, you'll find guides that break down the three main ways to move. First is DIY moving, where you handle everything yourself. Next is labor-only moving, a flexible, hybrid approach where you supply the truck or container and hire professional movers just for loading, unloading, or heavy lifting. Finally, there's full-service moving, where movers manage nearly every detail from start to finish. Each option has its own pros, costs, and best-use scenarios. You can start with the quick overviews below or dive into our in-depth guides to figure out which moving option makes the most sense for your move.
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MOVING OPTIONS COMPARISON
DIY Moving |
Labor Only |
Full Service |
|
| Cost | $ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Transportation | You | You | The Pros |
| Loading / Unloading | You | Professional movers | Professional movers |
| Packing | You | You or professional movers | You or professional movers |
| Moving Equipment | You | Professional movers | Professional movers |
Read Full Guides to Your Moving Options
DIY Moving
Do it yourself (DIY) moving is exactly what it sounds like: you handle everything yourself. That means packing, loading, driving, unloading—and recruiting friends or family if you're lucky. It's typically the cheapest way to move, but also the most physically demanding and time-consuming. You'll likely need to rent a truck or trailer, gather supplies, and be prepared for a long moving day. DIY can work well for smaller moves, tight budgets, or people who don't mind getting their hands dirty, as long as you're realistic about the effort involved.
Labor-Only Moving
Labor-only moving is a smart middle ground. You handle the transportation (like a rental truck or portable storage container) while professional movers take care of the heavy lifting. That can mean loading, unloading, packing, or rearranging furniture, depending on what you need. It's more affordable than full-service moving, far easier on your back than DIY, and flexible enough to fit a wide range of moves. If you want professional help without paying for services you don't need, labor-only moving is often the best value.
Full-Service Moving
Full-service moving is the most hands-off option. The movers handle nearly everything: loading, transportation, unloading, and sometimes even packing. It's the most convenient, and best way to avoid stress. However, for a long-distance move it can be cost-prohibitive. Full-service moving is ideal if you're short on time, and you want to be completely hands off.
*Average cost for a full service move calculated from AMSA's report on average cost for intrastate and interstate moves.
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