DIY Moving vs. Hiring a Moving Company: Why DIY with a Trailer Rental is the Best Choice
Neighbors Trailer .Feb 16, 2025 192 5 min read Moving
Hiring movers is fast, easy, and expensive. Renting a moving truck is cheaper but still adds up. The lowest-cost option for almost every household move is the one most people overlook: renting a trailer and using your own (or a friend's) vehicle to tow it. This guide breaks down how a DIY trailer move compares to other options on cost, control, and convenience, and why it usually wins for moves under a few hundred miles.
What Each Moving Option Really Costs
Pricing varies by city, season, and home size, but the order of cheapest to most expensive almost never changes. Trailer rentals are by far the lowest-cost option because you skip per-mile truck fees, gas penalties on big trucks, and labor charges.
Full-Service Movers
Expect $4,000 to $7,000 for a typical 2-bedroom local move once packing, labor, and insurance are added. Long-distance moves easily clear $8,000.
Truck Plus Labor
A rental truck plus four hours of hired loaders typically lands around $2,500 to $4,500 for a 2-bedroom move. Labor is the biggest variable.
Pods or Portable Containers
$1,800 to $4,000 depending on the distance and how long the unit sits at your home. Convenient but not always available on tight timelines.
DIY Trailer Rental
Most renters spend $200 to $1,200 total, including the daily trailer rate. The biggest variable is whether you already own a vehicle that can tow.
Why DIY With a Trailer Is the Smart Move
Cost is the obvious win, but the lifestyle advantages add up too. You set the schedule, you stop when you want, and there are no strangers handling your belongings. Loading takes longer than a professional crew, but you save thousands.
You Control the Schedule
Most movers lock in narrow windows. Rent a trailer at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, load it on your timing, and return it on a Sunday. No waiting for a crew.
Less Surface to Drive
A 16-foot trailer behind your truck is easier to maneuver than a 26-foot moving truck. You can park in your normal driveway and back into tight residential streets.
Mileage Stays on Your Own Vehicle
Rental trucks charge per mile and tack on fuel premiums. With a trailer, you pay the day rate and your own gas, both of which scale much more favorably.
Average Cost by Move Method
| Method | Typical Cost (2 BR) | Time Required | Effort Level |
| Full-Service Mover | $4,000 to $7,000 | 1 day | Very Low |
| Truck + Hired Labor | $2,500 to $4,500 | 1 day | Low |
| Portable Container (POD) | $1,800 to $4,000 | 1 to 7 days | Medium |
| DIY Truck Rental | $1,200 to $2,500 | 1 to 2 days | High |
| DIY Trailer Rental | $200 to $1,200 | 1 to 2 days | High |
Cost Comparison Visualization
NeighborsTrailer.com
When DIY With a Trailer Is the Best Choice
If you already own a midsize SUV, pickup, or full-size vehicle with a hitch, the math almost always favors a trailer rental. It is also the best choice if you need flexible timing, have helpers willing to load, or want to make multiple trips between two close locations. For moves of 1 to 3 bedrooms within 500 miles, nothing beats it on cost.
When You Might Pick a Different Option
If your vehicle cannot tow, your move is multi-state and time-sensitive, or you have a lot of fragile items, paying for movers or a pod may be worth the convenience. For most everyone else, the trailer plus a couple of friends and pizza is the move.
FAQ: DIY Moving With a Trailer
What size trailer do I need for a 2-bedroom move?
A 6x12 or 7x14 enclosed cargo trailer handles most 2-bedroom apartments. For a small 3-bedroom house, plan on a 7x16 enclosed or two trips with a 6x12.
Can I tow a moving trailer with a midsize SUV?
Most midsize SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds. A loaded 6x12 enclosed trailer typically weighs 3,500 to 4,500 pounds, which is within range. Check your owner's manual.
How much do I save versus hiring movers?
Most DIY trailer movers save between $2,000 and $5,000 compared to full-service movers, especially for local and regional moves.
Do I need a special license?
No. A standard driver's license covers all consumer-size moving trailers in every state.
The Bottom Line
If saving money is the top priority, DIY with a trailer rental wins almost every comparison. You keep control of the schedule, lower the risk of damage by handling the load yourself, and walk away with thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Neighbors Trailer makes it easy to find the right cargo trailer for your move in your own zip code.
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Content updated May 2026