It’s the classic Edmonton debate. You’re planning a move to a new house in Terwillegar or an apartment in Oliver, and you’re staring at two options: rent a U-Haul and bribe your friends with pizza, or hire local movers in Edmonton.
DIY vs. Hiring Local Movers in Edmonton
At first glance, the DIY route seems cheaper. You see a truck rental advertised for “$29.95 a day” and think it’s a no-brainer. But once the dust settles (and your back stops aching), the math often tells a different story.
Here is the honest breakdown of what it actually costs to move yourself in Edmonton versus hiring the pros at Star Family Movers.
1. The Myth of the “$29.95” Rental Truck
That low sticker price is just the beginning. When you rent a moving truck, the hidden fees stack up fast:
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Mileage Fees: Most rental companies charge between $0.69 and $0.99 per kilometer. If you are doing multiple trips across the Henday or Whitemud, that mileage bill can easily hit $100+.
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Gas: Moving trucks are gas guzzlers, often getting less than 10mpg. Filling up a 26-foot truck before returning it can cost you $150 or more.
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Insurance: If you scratch the truck (or hit an icy patch), you are liable. Their supplemental insurance usually adds another $30–$50 per day.
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Equipment Rentals: You don’t just need a truck; you need dollies, furniture pads, and straps. These are all daily rental add-ons.
2. The “Edmonton Winter” Factor
Driving a Honda Civic in an Edmonton winter is hard enough. Driving a loaded 26-foot box truck on an icy Yellowhead Trail is a nightmare.
Professional movers drive these trucks every single day, in every weather condition. We know how to navigate the steep hills of the River Valley and back into tight alleys in Westmount without sliding. When you DIY, you take on the liability of the vehicle and your belongings. If you slip carrying a sofa down an icy driveway, the medical downtime costs far more than a moving crew.
3. The “Pizza and Beer” Tax
Relying on friends is risky. They aren’t professionals, meaning they might drop your TV, scratch your hardwood floors, or bail on you at the last minute because “something came up.”
Plus, you have to feed them. By the time you buy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages for a crew of 4-5 helpers, you’ve likely spent $200. And unlike professional movers, your friends don’t come with insurance if they accidentally put a hole in the drywall.
4. Time is Money: The 12-Hour vs. 4-Hour Move
This is the biggest difference. A DIY move that takes you and your friends 12 hours of grueling labor typically takes a professional team 4 hours.
Why? Because we have the right equipment, the muscle memory, and a system. We know exactly how to Tetris-pack the truck to maximize space and safety. When you hire Star Family Movers, you aren’t just paying for muscle; you are buying back your entire weekend.
The Verdict?
When you add up the truck rental, mileage, gas, insurance, equipment, and food for helpers, a DIY move often costs only slightly less than hiring professionals—but comes with 10x the stress and physical risk.
Don’t break your back to save a few bucks.
Ready for a stress-free move? Contact Star Family Movers Edmonton today. We are your trusted local movers in Edmonton, offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you enjoy your new home.