Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Pros

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Is it cheaper to rent a lorry or hire movers?

Determining whether it is cheaper to rent a lorry for a do-it-yourself (DIY) move or to hire professional movers depends on various factors, including the size of the move, the distance, the value of personal time, and the available assistance. A direct comparison of quoted prices often only tells part of the story, as indirect costs and benefits can significantly alter the overall value proposition.

Costs Associated with Renting a Lorry (DIY Move)

Opting for a DIY move by renting a lorry typically involves several direct expenses:

Vehicle Rental Fee: This is the base cost for hiring the van or lorry for a set period, often per day. Prices vary based on vehicle size and rental duration.
Fuel: Lorries consume more fuel than standard cars, and this cost can accumulate quickly, especially for longer distances.
Insurance: Basic insurance is usually included, but often comes with a high excess. Additional waivers to reduce this excess incur extra fees. Personal possessions inside the vehicle are typically not covered by the rental company's insurance, necessitating a review of insurance considerations.
Equipment Hire: Essential moving equipment such as trolleys, furniture blankets, and straps are often not included in the rental and must be hired separately.
Packing Materials: The cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other protective materials falls to the individual.
Your Time and Labour: This is an often-overlooked cost. Packing, loading, driving, and unloading demand significant personal time and physical effort. If friends or family assist, there may be reciprocal obligations or costs for refreshments.
Potential Hidden Costs: These can include mileage charges if you exceed a set limit, congestion charges, parking fines, tolls, and potential delays leading to additional rental days. Driving a larger vehicle may also require familiarity with specific licensing categories (e.g., Category C1 for larger lorries).

Costs Associated with Hiring Professional Movers

Professional moving services, which can range from a dedicated full-service removals company to a 'man and van' operation, consolidate many costs into a single quote:

Service Fee: This can be an hourly rate or a fixed price for the entire job, covering labour, vehicle use, and often basic equipment. Understanding how a 'man and van' service operates can help clarify expectations for smaller moves.
Labour: Professional movers provide the workforce for loading, transporting, and unloading, saving personal effort and time.
Equipment: Specialist moving equipment, protective blankets, and trolleys are integral to their service.
Insurance: Reputable movers carry 'Goods in Transit' insurance, protecting your belongings during transport, and 'Public Liability' insurance. Details of cover should always be confirmed.
Packing Services & Materials: Many movers offer optional packing services and can supply professional-grade packing materials, often at a competitive rate.
Expertise: Professionals are adept at efficient packing, safe loading techniques, navigating tricky access points, and securing items properly for transit, reducing the risk of damage, particularly when handling heavy items.

When Renting a Lorry Might Be Cheaper

A DIY move with a rented lorry tends to be more cost-effective for:

Small Moves: A studio flat or a single-bedroom property with minimal furniture.
Short Distances: Moving within the same town or a short journey where fuel costs are negligible.
Ample Help & Time: When there are several strong, reliable individuals available to help, and no time constraints.
Minimal Valuables: If the items being moved are not particularly fragile, sentimental, or highly valuable, mitigating the risk of damage.

When Hiring Movers Offers Better Value

Professional movers often present better overall value for:

Larger Properties: Two-bedroom homes or larger, where the sheer volume of items makes a DIY move impractical and time-consuming.
Longer Distances: Inter-city or cross-country moves where fuel, time, and potential overnight stays for a DIY effort become substantial.
Heavy or Bulky Items: Moving large appliances, pianos, or antique furniture requires specialist equipment and expertise to avoid injury or damage.
Limited Time or Physical Ability: When individuals lack the time, physical strength, or confidence to manage a demanding move.
Convenience & Reduced Stress: The peace of mind that comes from having experts handle the logistics and labour, allowing focus on other aspects of the relocation, such as using a comprehensive moving checklist.
Access Challenges: Properties with difficult access, multiple flights of stairs, or restricted parking benefit from professional handling.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the "cheaper" option is not always the "better" option. While the upfront cost of renting a lorry might appear lower, it is crucial to factor in the hidden costs of time, effort, potential for damage, and the need to source all materials and equipment. For a small, local move with plenty of assistance and few challenging items, renting a lorry can indeed be cheaper. However, for most other scenarios, the efficiency, insurance, equipment, and expert handling provided by professional movers often offer superior overall value, reducing risk and significantly easing the burden of moving.