If you’re planning a move, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Is hiring movers worth it, or should I just do it myself?”
At first glance, a DIY move may seem like the cheaper option. But when you factor in time, equipment, risk, and hidden costs, the answer isn’t always so simple.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of DIY moving vs hiring professional movers in South Jersey.
The True Cost of a DIY Move
Many people assume renting a truck is the only cost. In reality, a DIY move in New Jersey often includes:
- Truck rental (daily rate + mileage)
- Fuel costs
- Moving blankets and padding
- Hand trucks and dollies
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, wrap)
- Tolls and parking fees
🚚 Equipment Adds Up Quickly
Professional movers don’t just show up with a truck.
At Aron Movers, each truck is equipped with:
- Dozens of moving blankets (often 80+ per truck)
- Dollies and hand trucks
- Straps, padding, and protection materials
Most DIY movers don’t have access to this level of equipment, which increases the risk of damage.
⏱️ What Is Your Time Worth?
A DIY move is extremely time-consuming.
Ask yourself:
- How long will it take you to pack everything?
- How many trips will it take?
- How long will loading and unloading take without experience?
Professional movers can complete in hours what might take you an entire weekend (or longer).
If you need to:
- Take time off work
- Lose income
- Rearrange your schedule
That “cheap move” starts getting expensive.
💪 Physical Effort: Are You Ready for It?
Moving is not easy work.
Consider:
- Are you used to lifting heavy furniture?
- Do you know proper lifting techniques?
- Are you physically prepared for hours of labor?
- Heres a link about back pain from the Mayo Clinic
Improper lifting can lead to:
- Permanent back injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Dropped or damaged items
👥 Will Your Help Actually Show Up?
A lot of DIY moves rely on:
“I’ll just get a few friends or family members to help.”
Reality:
- People cancel
- People show up late
- People aren’t experienced
And unlike professionals, they’re not trained to:
- Carry safely
- Protect furniture
- Load a truck efficiently
🌧️ What Happens If the Weather Turns?
Rain on moving day changes everything.
Without experience, you may struggle with:
- Protecting furniture from water damage
- Moving safely on wet surfaces
- Keeping floors and homes clean
Professional movers are used to working in all conditions and come prepared.
🛋️ Experience Matters More Than You Think
There’s a big difference between:
- Moving a couch
- Moving it safely through tight hallways, stairs, and doorways
Professional movers know:
- How to maneuver large furniture
- How to prevent damage to walls and floors
- How to load a truck efficiently (this is huge)
A poorly loaded truck can lead to:
- Shifting during transit
- Broken items
- Wasted space → more trips
⚠️ Risk of Damage (and Who Pays for It)
With a DIY move:
- You are responsible for all damage
- No coverage for broken items
- No protection if something goes wrong
With professional movers:
- You have valuation coverage options
- Items are handled by trained crews
- Risk is significantly reduced
💰 Is Hiring Movers Actually More Expensive?
Not always.
When you factor in:
- Equipment rental
- Time off work
- Risk of damage
- Physical strain
- Delays and inefficiencies
Hiring movers can actually be more cost-effective than a DIY move, especially for larger homes. Visit our pricing guide to get a better idea on cost for your upcoming move.
When a DIY Move Might Make Sense
If you are leaning toward doing it yourself, our detailed comparison of full-service movers vs. renting a U-Haul in South Jersey walks through the truck rental, fuel, equipment, and labor costs line by line. It is also worth reading how we compare to PODS and portable storage containers if a hybrid option appeals to you.
DIY moving can work if:
- You have very few items
- You’re moving a short distance
- You have reliable help
- You’re physically capable
When Hiring Movers Is Worth It
Hiring professional movers in South Jersey is usually worth it if:
- You have a full household
- You’re moving long distance
- You have heavy or fragile items
- You’re short on time
- You want a stress-free move
Final Verdict: Is Hiring Movers Worth It?
For most people, the answer is yes.
While DIY moving may seem cheaper upfront, the added time, effort, risk, and hidden costs often outweigh the savings.
Hiring a professional moving company allows you to:
✔️ Save time
✔️ Reduce stress
✔️ Protect your belongings
✔️ Avoid injury
Get a Stress-Free Move in South Jersey
If you’re considering hiring movers, Aron Movers provides:
- Experienced, professional crews
- Fully equipped moving trucks
- Efficient and safe moving services
- Local and long-distance moving
📞 Call 856-854-1993 or request a quote today.
Local South Jersey Movers You Can Count On
Aron Movers has been serving South Jersey since 1958, based out of Oaklyn, NJ. We provide professional moving services throughout Camden County and surrounding areas including Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Medford, Barrington, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Westmont, and Gloucester City.
When deciding whether hiring movers is worth it, choosing a local South Jersey moving company — rather than a large national chain or out-of-area broker — makes a major difference in accountability, price, and service. Call 856-854-1993 for a free, in-person estimate.
Want to know exactly what a professional move will cost? See our South Jersey moving costs guide for detailed hourly rates and typical job estimates.
Written by Joe Branco, CEO of Aron Movers — a third-generation, family-owned moving company serving South Jersey since 1958.