DIY Move vs. Hiring Professional Movers
TL;DR
DIY can make sense for small loads if you have time, help and gear.
Pros save time, risk and stress on medium/large moves, tricky access (stairs/lift/long carries) and tight deadlines.
DIY: Pros & Cons
Pros
Full control over timing and packing.
Flexible schedule.
Can be cheaper for very small moves.
Cons
You handle everything: truck, packing, lifting, parking.
Higher risk of damage and fines.
Fatigue and lost time (usually takes longer than expected).
Hiring Pros: Pros & Cons
Pros
Faster & safer: trained crew, blankets, shrink-wrap, dollies, straps.
Predictable cost by time; predictable outcome.
Lower stress: route planning, lifts/long carries, dis/assembly on request.
Cons
Hourly rate looks higher “up front”.
Popular dates book out — better to reserve.
SwiftMove pricing (Brisbane/Gold Coast): $160/hr for 2 movers & a truck + $60 call-out, 2-hour minimum. No prepayment — book now, pay later.
Hidden DIY Costs People Forget
Truck rental (1 day): ~$150
Fuel: ~15–18 L/100 km
Packing supplies: boxes, wrap, tape — $60–$120
Gear: dolly, straps — $30–$50
“Helpers’ cost”: food/drinks — $30–$80
Your time: 6–16 hours (and the same for your helpers)
Realistic Examples (Brisbane/GC)
A) Studio / 1-bed, ~10–15 boxes, no lift, ~8 km
DIY
Truck $150 + fuel ~$6.4 + packing $80 + gear $35 + “helpers” $40 = $311.4
Your time: 6–8h × $30/h = $180–$240
DIY total (incl. time): $491–$551
Pros
2–3h × $160 = $320–$480 + call-out $60 → $380–$540
Takeaway: for small moves, pros are often on par or cheaper, with less hassle.
B) 2–3 bedrooms, stairs/lift, ~15 km
DIY
Truck $150 + fuel ~$12.8 + packing $120 + gear $50 + “helpers” $80 = $412.8
Time: 12–16h × $30/h = $360–$480
DIY total: $772.8–$932.8
Pros
5–7h × $160 = $800–$1,120 + call-out $60 → $860–$1,180
Takeaway: similar total, but pros finish faster and reduce risk of damage, fines or missed deadlines.
When You Should Definitely Hire Pros
Heavy/bulky items: pianos, solid wood wardrobes, large appliances.
Tricky access: multiple flights, tight turns, long carries.
Hard deadlines: end of lease/keys handover.
No reliable help or vehicle.
When DIY Is Reasonable
Small load (room/studio), minimal furniture.
You have a truck/van, 1–2 reliable helpers, and a free day.
You’re fine with “slower and heavier”.
Save Money Even With Movers
Pack early: dense boxes, labels by room.
Disassemble big items: legs/doors off = faster carries.
Book lift/parking: reduce idle time.
Clear brief: list big items, floors, distances door↔truck.
60-Second Decision Checklist
Size: studio / 2–3 bed / larger?
Access: lift/stairs/long carries?
Time: do you truly have a full day?
Helpers & gear: real or theoretical?
Risk: ok if something gets scratched or delayed?
If you hesitate on 3 or more, hire pros.
Need a quick quote?
SwiftMove — 2 movers & a truck, $160/hr + $60 call-out, 2-hour minimum, no prepayment.
Brisbane Metro + Gold Coast. Same-day slots available.
Get an instant estimate: +61 494 083 737 · swiftmove.org/contact
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Meta Description: DIY moves can work for small loads, but pros save time and stress on larger or tricky moves. Compare real costs in Brisbane, see checklists, and learn when hiring movers pays off.
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DIY works for small loads — but for bigger jobs and tight deadlines, pros save time, risk and stress. Real Brisbane numbers inside + a quick checklist.
