Compare Moving Services
Understanding the differences between moving service types helps you choose the best option for your move, budget, and timeline.
Service Type Comparison
| Service Type | Cost Range | Best For | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Moving | $2,000 - $10,000+ | Long distance, large homes, convenience | 1-3 weeks |
| DIY Moving (Rental Truck) | $500 - $2,500 | Local moves, budget-conscious, small loads | 1-3 days |
| Portable Container (POD) | $1,500 - $5,000 | Flexible timing, storage needs, cross-country | 2-4 weeks |
| Freight Shipping | $800 - $3,000 | Minimal belongings, cost savings, flexibility | 1-2 weeks |
Detailed Service Breakdown
Full-Service Moving
Professional movers handle everything from packing to delivery, providing the most comprehensive moving experience.
Pros:
- Complete hands-off experience
- Professional packing and handling
- Insurance and liability coverage
- Efficient and time-saving
- Heavy item expertise
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Less control over timeline
- Requires advance booking
- Peak season pricing increases
Best Choice When:
You're moving long distance, have a large home, need to minimize stress, or have valuable/fragile items requiring professional handling.
DIY Moving (Rental Truck)
Rent a moving truck and handle the entire move yourself, from packing to driving to unloading at your new location.
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Complete control over timing
- Flexibility in packing
- No waiting for movers
- Direct route to destination
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Requires driving large vehicle
- Risk of injury or damage
- Need to coordinate helpers
- Fuel and insurance costs add up
Best Choice When:
You're moving locally, on a tight budget, have minimal belongings, and are comfortable with the physical labor involved in moving.
Portable Container (POD)
A container is delivered to your home, you pack at your own pace, then it's shipped to your new location and can be stored if needed.
Pros:
- Flexible packing timeline
- Built-in storage option
- No driving required
- Good for cross-country moves
- Ground-level loading
Cons:
- Limited container sizes
- Delivery windows can vary
- May need street permits
- Still requires packing/loading
- Weather exposure during loading
Best Choice When:
You need flexible timing between move-out and move-in dates, require temporary storage, or prefer to avoid driving a rental truck long distances.
Freight Shipping
Your belongings are loaded onto a freight trailer with other customers' items, sharing space and costs for an economical long-distance solution.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for long distance
- No driving required
- Pay only for space used
- Professional loading available
- Good for partial moves
Cons:
- Longer delivery times
- Items share space with others
- Limited scheduling flexibility
- Requires terminal drop-off/pickup
- Not ideal for large households
Best Choice When:
You have minimal belongings, are moving long distance, want to save money, and have flexibility with your delivery timeline.
Average Cost Breakdown by Distance
Moving costs vary significantly based on distance and service type. Here's what you can expect to pay for a 2-bedroom home move:
Local Move (under 100 miles)
Mid-Range (500-1,000 miles)
Cross-Country (2,500+ miles)
Which Service Is Right for You?
Answer these questions to help determine the best moving service for your situation:
What's your budget?
- Under $1,000: Consider DIY rental truck or freight shipping
- $1,000-$3,000: Portable containers or freight may work well
- $3,000+: Full-service moving becomes a viable option
How far are you moving?
- Local (under 100 miles): DIY truck rental is often most economical
- Mid-range (100-1,000 miles): Compare full-service, containers, and freight
- Cross-country (1,000+ miles): Full-service or containers typically best
How much time do you have?
- Less than 1 week: DIY truck rental for maximum speed
- 1-2 weeks: Full-service movers or freight shipping
- Flexible timeline: Portable containers offer best flexibility
What's your physical capability?
- Can do heavy lifting: DIY and containers save money
- Need assistance: Full-service or freight with loading help
- Limited mobility: Full-service moving is strongly recommended
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