Wondering if a moving company is cheaper than renting a U-Haul? We break down the real costs, hidden fees, and time-saving benefits — and explain why Manly Moving, serving Eastern Idaho and Southern Utah, might actually be the smarter (and cheaper) choice.
The Big Question: Is Hiring Movers Really More Expensive?
If you’ve ever looked at the price tag of renting a U-Haul, you might think, “Pfft, I’ll save a ton doing it myself.”
But before you start flexing those DIY muscles, it’s worth asking: is a moving company actually more expensive — or just more convenient?
Spoiler alert: once you factor in time, effort, hidden fees, and sanity, the answer might surprise you.
Let’s break down the true costs — and why so many people in Eastern Idaho and Southern Utah end up calling Manly Moving instead of wrestling with a rental truck the size of a small whale.
The “Cheap” U-Haul Myth: What You See vs. What You Pay
U-Haul loves to advertise those “starting at $19.95” signs. Sounds great, right?
But as anyone who’s rented one knows — that’s like saying a burger “starts” at $1.99 before you add fries, cheese, and, you know, the burger part.
Here’s what you actually pay for with a U-Haul rental:
- Mileage charges: Usually around $0.79 per mile or more (and that adds up fast).
- Fuel costs: You’ve got to refill the tank before returning it.
- Insurance: Because you definitely don’t want to explain that scratch on the bumper.
- Dolly, blankets, and equipment rentals: Yep, those cost extra too.
- Your time: Loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck = your entire weekend.
When you put it all together, that “cheap” $19.95 rental can easily turn into hundreds of dollars, plus the cost of pizza for your friends who helped (and possibly therapy for your back). You will be lucky to rent a U-Haul or any moving truck and keeping the cost of that rental under $80. It is near impossible
What You Get With a Professional Moving Company
Now, let’s talk about what happens when you call a professional moving company — like Manly Moving.
When you hire movers, you’re not just paying for a truck. You’re paying for:
- Professional movers who know how to lift without breaking their spine (or your furniture or house)
- Proper equipment for heavy items and awkward corners
- Valuation coverage for your belongings
- Experience — meaning fewer broken lamps, scratched walls, and “oops” moments
- Peace of mind (which, honestly, should be priceless)
- Keep your Friends because lets be honest, that your friends don’t want to give up their one free day a week to help you move.
And let’s not forget — you don’t have to drive a massive truck all over town which might make you happy or sad. If it makes you sad then look into getting a lift put on your vehicle.
📊 The Real Cost Comparison: U-Haul vs. Moving Company
Let’s crunch some realistic numbers:
| Cost Factor | U-Haul (DIY Move) | Professional Moving Company |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Rental | $80–$200/day | Included |
| Mileage | $0.89–$1.29/mile | Included (local moves) |
| Fuel | $40–$100 | Included |
| Equipment | $20, but the equipment isn’t great | Included |
| Labor | You + your friends (good luck) | Trained movers |
| Time | 1–2 full days | 3–6 hours |
| Risk of Damage | High | Covered/insured |
| Stress Level | 🚨🚨🚨 | 😌 Minimal |
When you factor everything in, the price difference between renting a U-Haul and hiring a professional moving company like Manly Moving isn’t as big as it seems — and in many cases, Manly Moving can actually save you money once all those hidden costs and headaches are considered.
Are U-Boxes Cheaper than Hiring Movers?
Uboxes have different options for long distance moving, but the prices range drastically when moving long distance. So here are some things to take into account:
- How many U-Boxes do you need? – Many times if you are moving cross-country and you go over 2 boxes then you could probably have hired movers to do the whole move for cheaper.
- Will everything fit? – Pay attention to the dimensions of the boxes, because we helped a lady who got 10 U-Boxes and then we had a really nice 10 Foot table that wouldn’t fit so she had to find a way to get her table shipped last minute.
- Do you have packing skills? – When loading a U-box, they have to be loaded with the weight balanced and they can’t be overloaded or they make you repack things. Also things have to be packed in a way that damage won’t occur while the box is lifted, tilted, and bounced on forklifts or in a semi.
So this is another situation where you might want to go DIY with the U-Haul option and depending on how things go it can be your more expensive, labor intensive, and stressful option.
So that is why hiring Manly Moving to do your move or at least analyze your options for you and see which option works best.
The Hidden Cost of DIY: Your Time, Sanity, and Relationships
Here’s something U-Haul never puts in their pricing chart:
- The argument you’ll have with your spouse over who tied down the couch wrong.
- The bruise on your shin from that rogue end table.
- The neighbor’s cat who jumps into the truck mid-load and refuses to leave.
Sure, DIY moves sound cheaper — but the real cost often comes in frustration, lost time, and back pain.
Hiring Manly Moving means you can skip all of that and actually enjoy moving day (yes, that’s possible).
🌟 Why Manly Moving Is the Smarter (and Often Cheaper) Choice
If you’re moving anywhere in Eastern Idaho or Southern Utah, Manly Moving is the go-to moving company that combines affordability, professionalism, and peace of mind.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises
- Trained, careful movers who treat your belongings like their own
- Fully equipped trucks (you won’t have to rent or buy a single dolly)
- Local expertise — they know the neighborhoods, roads, and how to make your move efficient
In short, Manly Moving offers the muscle of a U-Haul with the brains and care of professionals — minus the sore back and rental return stress.
Final Verdict: The Real Winner Is…
So, is a moving company cheaper than U-Haul?
If you’re only counting the upfront rental price, maybe not.
But if you count the full cost — time, energy, equipment, gas, insurance, stress, and potential damage — then yes, a moving company often ends up being the smarter and more affordable choice.
When you hire Manly Moving, you’re not just renting a truck — you’re investing in a smooth, efficient, and stress-free moving experience.
Whether you’re moving across town in Idaho Falls or Rigby, or settling into your dream home in St. George, or relocating anywhere in Eastern Idaho or Southern Utah, Manly Moving is ready to handle the heavy lifting and let you sit back in that lawn chair of yours and enjoy your moving day for once.
Want a FREE moving estimate: Click Here or call 855-997-1881
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