The honest DIY cost breakdown
That “$19.99/day” U-Haul billboard is marketing. The real cost of a DIY 2-bedroom local Orlando move:
- Truck rental (16-ft, in-town, 1 day): $30 base + 99¢/mile + fuel → $80–$150
- Environmental + rental insurance: $25–$40
- Moving pads/dollies rental: $25–$50
- Boxes + tape + paper: $80–$150
- Pizza/beer for friends helping: $50–$100
- Gas for full-day truck use: $40–$80
- Total: $300–$570
Add the hidden costs:
- Your time: 12–16 hours ($300–$500 at your hourly rate)
- Risk of injury (most common: back strain, pinched fingers)
- Risk of damage to truck or apartment (lost deposits, liability)
- Risk of damaged/lost items (your homeowner’s insurance probably doesn’t cover DIY moves)
Real all-in DIY cost for a 2-bedroom Orlando move: $350–$700 + 12–16 hours of your time + real injury/damage risk.
The honest pro cost
A 2-bedroom Orlando move with Liberty Moves Orlando: $650–$1,100 all in. Includes truck, 2–3 movers, pads, wrap, dollies, tape, basic disassembly. Crew uniformed, insured, and professional.
The real gap
For most 2-bedroom Orlando moves, the gap between DIY and pro is $300–$500 — and you save 8–12 hours of your time plus all the injury/damage risk. If your time is worth more than $25/hour (which most people’s is), pros are the rational choice.
When DIY actually makes sense
- Studio or 1-bed apartment with few belongings
- Short distance (same neighborhood, under 10 miles)
- Ground-floor origin + ground-floor destination, no stairs
- You have 3+ strong, reliable helpers
- No fragile or valuable items
When to definitely hire pros
- Any 2-bedroom or larger
- Long distance (over 50 miles)
- Stairs, walk-ups, or elevator coordination
- Any item worth over $500 you’d cry over losing
- Pianos, safes, pool tables, fine art, antiques
- You’re older, pregnant, injured, or just don’t want to