MovingYourself is a freight-style moving option that lets you pay only for the space your belongings take up on a shared truck. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to move long-distance if you’re comfortable handling packing and loading yourself and don’t need storage or hands-on support.
Key Takeaways
- Pay-for-space pricing: You only pay for the linear feet your shipment uses
- Long-distance focused: Designed primarily for interstate moves
- No storage included: Items ship directly from pickup to delivery
- Hands-on process: Customers handle packing, loading, and unloading
- Lower overall cost: One of the cheapest options for large DIY moves
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MovingYourself Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pay only for the space you use
- Competitive pricing for long-distance moves
- No container placement, permits, or HOA restrictions
- Backed by the ABF Freight national linehaul network
- Ideal for large DIY moves too large for one container
Cons
- No climate-controlled options
- Not ideal for short or local moves
- Fewer service add-ons than container-based movers
How Much Does MovingYourself Cost?
MovingYourself pricing is based on how much space your belongings take up on a shared freight truck. Instead of paying for an entire container or truck, you’re billed by linear feet, which can lead to significant savings for larger long-distance moves.
Most customers pay between $1,200 and $4,000 for an interstate move, depending on distance and shipment size. Because there’s no storage or container rental, costs stay lower, but the tradeoff is less flexibility.
What’s included with a MovingYourself move:
- Freight transportation on a shared truck
- Pay-for-space pricing by linear feet
- Professional driver and fuel costs
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping model
| Move Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Long-distance move | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Large household DIY move | $2,500–$5,000+ |
Factors That Affect MovingYourself Pricing
- Distance: Longer routes increase freight costs
- Shipment size: More linear feet equals a higher price
- Flexibility: Tight delivery windows may cost more
- Season: Summer demand can raise rates
MovingYourself Services
- Long-distance freight-style moving
- Shared truck transportation
- Pay-by-the-foot pricing
- Optional third-party labor referrals
MovingYourself Policies and Fine Print
- Service area: Primarily long-distance, interstate moves; availability depends on pickup and delivery access to freight terminals and lane coverage
- Payment & deposits: While quotes are typically provided upfront based on estimated linear feet, ask how deposits work, when the remaining balance is due, and what changes can trigger price adjustments
- Discounts: Ask about any available promotions for flexible pickup windows, larger shipments, or off-peak scheduling
- Cancellation: Cancellation terms depend on how far along your shipment is in scheduling, so ask for the cancellation window in writing and whether any deposit is refundable
MovingYourself Customer Reviews
| Review Site | Rating Snapshot | What Reviewers Like | Common Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 4.86 / 5 | Communication, on-time delivery, cost vs. full-service movers | Occasional billing questions and expectation gaps on fees |
| Trustpilot | 4.6 / 5 | Coordinator support, smooth scheduling, value for long-distance moves | Fee clarity and explaining add-on charges in advance |
Real Customer Reviews
★★★★★ “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“MovingYourself made my first out-of-state move so much easier than I expected. From the very first call through the container drop-off, pickup, and delivery, every team member was kind, professional, and incredibly patient with all my questions. The drivers in both PA and FL were fantastic, showing me how the the provided straps and support bars work and how to properly load the truck. It was so easy. The price was great, the process was smooth, and the service was truly excellent.”
– Monica
★★★★★ “Saved a bunch of money!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“Great experience using Moving Yourself for our cross-country move. I was a little wary at first because there isn’t much info about them online. Sure, there are some reviews, but those can always be fake. But everything turned out great! They were responsive to questions and concerns, communicated regularly throughout the process, and our stuff made it on time and in great condition. Plus it was way cheaper than other quotes we had obtained.”
– Joel
★★★★☆ “I got all my things in the time that was in the range”
Rating: 4/5 (Trustpilot)
“I was charged an extra $250.00 and wasn’t informed of why. I got all my things in the time that was in the range they said. So in that aspect, it was great, but that is also their job, and that is what I expected. A reason why, would have been more professional.”
– Phil
MovingYourself vs. the Competition
MovingYourself competes with moving container companies like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, as well as hybrid options like U-Pack. Its biggest advantage is cost, while competitors win on convenience, storage, and flexibility.
MovingYourself & the Competition at a Glance
| Company | Best For | Storage | Labor Help | Avg. Cost (500 Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MovingYourself | Lowest-cost freight moves | ❌ | Customer-arranged | Varies by load size |
| PODS | Flexible container moves | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Durable containers & storage | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $1,800–$5,500 |
MovingYourself vs. PODS
PODS is the more flexible and user-friendly option overall. You get a container delivered to your home, access to storage if you need it, and an easier process if your schedule changes. PODS is designed to absorb common moving hiccups like delayed move-in dates or extended packing timelines.
MovingYourself usually wins on price, especially for larger long-distance moves, but it offers far less flexibility. There’s no container at your home and no built-in storage, so everything needs to be loaded and delivered on a tighter schedule.
Bottom line: Choose PODS for flexibility and storage, or go with MovingYourself if price matters more than convenience.
MovingYourself vs. Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is better suited for city moves and locations where container placement is difficult. Their street-legal containers and facility-based storage model make them easier to use in apartments, condos, and dense neighborhoods.
MovingYourself tends to cost less, particularly for long-distance moves with larger loads, but it requires more planning and physical effort.
Bottom line: Choose Zippy Shell for urban logistics and storage flexibility, or go with MovingYourself if you want to minimize costs and don’t need extra services.
MovingYourself vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT offers a more traditional moving container experience with durable all-steel containers and optional month-to-month storage. It’s a better fit if you want a hybrid move where you load your belongings but still want flexibility around timing.
MovingYourself is usually the cheaper option, especially for long-distance moves. PACK-RAT costs more but provides a smoother, more forgiving experience.
Bottom line: Choose MovingYourself for the lowest-cost freight-style option, or go with 1-800-PACK-RAT if you want stronger containers and flexible storage.
Is MovingYourself Right for You?
Choose MovingYourself if:
- You’re moving long-distance on a tight budget
- You’re comfortable packing and loading yourself
- You don’t need storage between homes
- You want to avoid driving a moving truck
Look elsewhere if:
- You want on-site storage or container drop-off
- You prefer a hands-off moving experience
- You need flexible delivery timing
FAQ
How does MovingYourself work?
MovingYourself uses a freight model where your belongings are loaded onto a shared truck. You pay only for the space your items take up, while a professional driver handles transportation.
You’re responsible for packing, loading, and unloading, which is why costs are lower than container or full-service options.
Does MovingYourself offer storage?
No. MovingYourself does not offer storage at pickup or delivery. Your shipment moves directly from origin to destination.
If you need storage flexibility, a container company like PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT is a better fit.
Is MovingYourself safe for furniture?
Yes, but proper packing is critical. Because your items are shipped freight-style, they must be securely wrapped and palletized.
Many customers hire third-party movers to help with loading to reduce the risk of damage.
Can I hire help with MovingYourself?
Yes. While MovingYourself doesn’t include labor, you can hire local movers or labor-only services to load and unload.
This hybrid approach still costs less than full-service moving while reducing physical strain.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least three to four weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Early booking helps secure better pickup and delivery windows.
