Move Precision

Labor-Only Movers vs. Full-Service Movers: What’s the Difference?

Labor-Only Moving

  • You rent and drive your own moving truck or container
  • Movers assist with loading and unloading
  • Some teams offer help with furniture assembly or rearranging heavy items in-home

Full-Service Moving

  • Movers handle it all: truck, driving, loading, unloading, and often even packing
  • Best for people who want a hands-off experience
  • Generally more expensive due to the extra labor and equipment involved

Let’s Talk Pricing (in Real Terms)

Labor-Only Moving

  • Typically priced by the hour, with rates based on the number of movers
  • Great for local moves, small homes, or DIY-minded individuals
  • More control over your move, and you only pay for the help you actually need

Estimated Range for Local Labor-Only Help:
$300–$700+ depending on the number of hours and team size

Full-Service Moving

  • Includes truck, fuel, equipment, packing supplies, and labor
  • Cost varies significantly based on distance and home size
  • Ideal if you’re moving a full household or don’t want to deal with logistics

Estimated Range for Local Full-Service Moves:
$900–$2,500+
Long-Distance: Can range from $2,000 to $10,000+

Can You Save by Renting Your Own Truck?

Absolutely.

Many people opt to rent a moving truck from U-Haul, Budget, or Penske and hire a labor-only team to handle the loading and unloading. Rental truck prices typically start at $50–$150/day (plus mileage and insurance), and you avoid the higher costs of a full-service move.

This combo—DIY truck + professional muscle—offers a solid middle ground between savings and support.

What Factors Affect Your Total Moving Cost?

  • Distance – Local moves are cheaper than long-distance
  • Size of Your Home – More stuff means more time (and labor)
  • Packing Needs – Doing your own packing saves money
  • Stairs/Elevators – May add time or require more movers
  • Time of Year – Summer and weekends are peak (read: pricier)
Screenshot

Finding the Right Fit

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you want to keep costs low and are comfortable renting and driving a truck yourself, labor-only moving services are a great option.

If you need a turn-key solution, where professionals handle everything from start to finish, a full-service mover may be worth the extra cost.

Need Moving Help in New Orleans or the Surrounding Areas?

Move Precision provides flexible, professional moving support—whether you’re renting your own truck or need help unloading a container like PODS or U-Box. We specialize in helping you move on your terms with care, strategy, and respect for your time.

Call us at 877-244-6968 or visit www.moveprecision.com
Let’s make your move easy, affordable, and precision-packed.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top