Cost Breakdown of Hiring a Moving Company Versus a DIY Move

Moving home in Australia comes with one big question that almost every family asks: Is it cheaper to hire a moving company or do it yourself?
On paper, a DIY move looks simple. Book a truck, call a few friends and get it done.
But once you factor in the real numbers – time, labour, equipment, fuel, risks and hidden costs – the picture becomes very different.

If you are moving interstate or even across the city, comparing the true cost breakdown is the smartest way to decide. Many Australians even consult local removalists Brisbane to understand whether their move is complex enough to justify professional support.

This blog breaks down every major cost, the psychology behind choosing each option, and which path saves you more money in the long run.

Why Cost Comparison Matters More Than Ever

Moving is emotional.

Most homeowners believe that doing it themselves will save money, because they avoid paying labour charges. But what people often underestimate is the total cost of moving, not just the visible expenses.

Hidden costs are the biggest factor that push DIY moves beyond the expected budget.
Meanwhile, professional movers give you a fixed structure, predictable pricing and a clear scope of work.

When you calculate the cost per hour, energy spent, physical stress and risk of damage, the comparison suddenly becomes clearer.

Cost Breakdown: Hiring a Moving Company

Professional removalists in Australia follow a transparent structure. While pricing may vary based on city, travel distance, property size and access conditions, these are the standard components.

1. Labour Costs

Removalists charge based on the number of movers and total hours required.
On average, Australian moving companies charge:

• Two movers per hour
• A truck included
• Rates typically between 140 to 220 per hour depending on location and day

This cost includes trained labour, loading, unloading and heavy lifting, which reduces the risk of injuries and damage to valuables.

2. Truck and Fuel Charges

You do not need to organise a rental truck, fuel or insurance separately.

The truck size is matched to your home size, saving you from booking too small or too large a vehicle.

Fuel is usually included in the hourly rate for local moves.

3. Moving Equipment

Professional removalists come with:

• Dollies
• Straps
• Ramps
• Trolleys
• Moving blankets

Individually hiring this equipment can add an extra 150 to 400 to a DIY budget.

4. Packing Services

Some companies offer:

• Full packing
• Partial packing
• Fragile-only packing

It saves time and ensures fragile items receive expert handling.

Packing services usually cost between 200 to 600 depending on the number of boxes.

5. Insurance Options

This is where homeowners get the biggest advantage.

Professional movers offer:

• Transit insurance
• Public liability cover
• Optional premium insurance

This gives peace of mind, especially when moving expensive furniture, antiques or appliances.

6. Time Savings

Time is money, and movers save days of planning, organising, packing and heavy lifting. What takes you 15 hours may take professional movers 4 hours.

7. Stress Reduction and Accountability

If anything goes wrong, the removalist company is accountable.
With a DIY move, all risk is on you.

Estimated Total Cost of Hiring Movers (Australia-Wide Average)

Costs vary based on weekends, peak season and access challenges, but most families find professional movers give better long-term value than DIY.

Cost Breakdown: DIY Moving

Many people start a DIY move believing it is the cheaper option. But here is the real breakdown that most forget to calculate.

1. Truck Hire

Truck hire varies significantly based on:

• Size of truck
• Number of hours
• Weekend vs weekday
• City vs metro

Average truck rental in Australia:

• 3 to 5 tonne truck: 90 to 160 per day
• Bond: 200 to 500
• Extra per kilometre charge: 0.20 to 0.40 cents
• Insurance coverage: Additional 30 to 60 per day. For longer distances, fuel costs alone can add 150 to 450.

2. Fuel Costs

Most people underestimate fuel consumption.

A fully loaded truck consumes significantly more fuel than a car, increasing the total cost.

3. Packing Supplies

DIY moves require buying:

• Boxes
• Tape
• Wrapping paper
• Plastic covers
• Bubble wrap

Total cost ranges between 150 and 400 depending on the volume.

4. Equipment Hire

If you need trolleys, ropes or dollies, equipment rental can cost:

• 40 to 60 per item
• Or 150 to 200 for a small equipment bundle

5. Risks and Damage

This is the biggest hidden cost. Without training, homeowners often damage:

• Whitegoods
• Glass tables
• TV screens
• Artwork
• Sofas

Repairs or replacements can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars unexpectedly.

6. Misjudging Volume of Belongings

One of the biggest issues with a DIY move is underestimating how much space your belongings need.
If you hire a truck that is too small, you may have to make two or three trips to complete the move.

This increases:

• Extra fuel costs
• More hours of truck rental
• More physical exhaustion
• Higher risk of damaging items during repeated loading and unloading

Professional movers usually bring the right truck size based on your home’s inventory, ensuring everything is transported in one safe trip, which saves both time and money.

7. Physical Exhaustion

One full day of heavy lifting can lead to:

• Back strain
• Scratches
• Foot injuries
• Long recovery time

If you take leave from work, the lost income is another indirect cost.

8. Unpredictable Weather

DIY moves suffer most during:

• Rain
• Heatwaves
• Storms

This increases the risk of damage and delays.

Estimated Total Cost of a DIY Move

DIY initially looks cheaper, but hidden costs, physical labour and risks make it unpredictable and often more expensive overall.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Hiring Movers

Here is a clearer side-by-side view:

DIY gives flexibility, but movers offer reliability, speed and professional care.

Psychology Behind Choosing Each Option

Why People Choose DIY

• Sense of control
• Assumption of saving money
• Fear of overpaying removalists
• Belief that the move is small or manageable

DIY appeals emotionally because it feels more personal and cost-effective.

However, most homeowners forget to consider their own time and energy as money.

Why People Choose Professional Movers

• Need for convenience
• Limited time
• Presence of children or elderly family
• Heavy or fragile items
• Long-distance moves
• Desire for accountability

Hiring a moving company removes uncertainty and gives peace of mind.

Which Option Is Really Cheaper in Australia?

If you have:

• A small apartment
• Minimal furniture
• Short travel distance
• Extra hands helping

Then a DIY move might save you a little money.

But if you have:

• Heavy furniture
• Stairs
• Fragile items
• Long travel distance
• A busy schedule
• A full household worth of belongings

Hiring professional movers is almost always the more cost-effective and safer choice.

Most Australians who start with a DIY plan later switch to a moving company after realising how complex the process becomes.

Final Decision: What Should You Choose?

A DIY move works when:

• You have very few items
• You enjoy organising and lifting
• You want maximum control
• You have help available

Hiring a moving company works when:

• You value time 
• You want predictable pricing
• You want zero risk of damage
• You prefer a professional and stress-free experience

At the end of the day, the real cost is not just money.
It is your effort, your peace of mind and the safety of your belongings.

And that is why thousands of Australian households trust expert removalists who manage everything smoothly, safely and efficiently.