Moving can be expensive, but a professional moving company is not always the only or best solution. Move yourself or hire professionals? This decision depends on Budget, time & effort We compare the two options in detail and help you make the best choice for your move.
1. What factors influence moving costs?
📦 1. Apartment size & moving volume
✅ A larger apartment means more furniture & boxes – this affects the transport costs.
✅ Rule of thumb: The more rooms, the more expensive the move.
🚛 2. Distance & type of move
✅ Inner-city move: Cheaper, as distances are shorter and time is spent less.
✅ Moving to another city: More transport costs & higher moving company rates.
💪 3. Do it yourself or hire a moving company?
✅ Self-moving saves money, but requires more planning & physical effort.
✅ Professionals take care of everything – but at a higher price.
💡 Tip: A clear cost comparison helps with the decision!
2. Cost overview: Moving company vs. self-moving
🏢 Moving with a moving company
💰 Costs for a 2-room apartment (~60 m², 10–20 km moving distance): €800–1,500
✅ Included services:
✔ Transporter + driver
✔ Moving helpers (carrying & loading)
✔ Furniture assembly (depending on package)
✔ Insurance for transport damage
✔ Faster & less physical strain
🚨 Additional costs:
🔸 Packing service: +200–500 €
🔸 Furniture lift or heavy transport: +100–300 €
🔸 No-parking zone: +50–150 €
🚚 Move yourself with a rental van
💰 Costs for a 2-room apartment (~60 m², 10–20 km moving distance): €200–600
✅ Typical costs:
✔ Rental van (50–150 €/day)
✔ Gasoline costs (€20–50)
✔ Moving boxes & packing materials (50–100 €)
✔ Helpers (friends or paid moving helpers: ~10–20 €/hour)
🚨 Additional costs:
🔸 No-parking zone: +50–150 €
🔸 Parking fees or fines: +30–100 €
🔸 Furniture assembly (if necessary): +100–300 €
💡 Tip: If you have a lot of heavy furniture, you should consider whether the physical effort is worth it.
3. Advantages & Disadvantages: Moving company vs. self-moving
🏢 Moving companies – advantages & disadvantages
✅ Advantages:
✔ Stress-free & fast move
✔ No physical exertion
✔ Insurance coverage for damages
✔ Ideal for large apartments or long distances
❌ Disadvantages:
✖ More expensive than moving yourself
✖ Less flexible in terms of dates and procedures
✖ Additional costs for special services
🚚 Moving yourself – advantages & disadvantages
✅ Advantages:
✔ More cost-effective
✔ Maximum flexibility in packing & scheduling
✔ Ideal for small apartments or short distances
❌ Disadvantages:
✖ Physically demanding
✖ More planning necessary (transport, helpers, packaging)
✖ Higher risk of damage to furniture
💡 Tip: Self-moving is suitable for small apartments and short distances, while moving companies are suitable for large households and long distances.
4. When is each relocation model worthwhile?
Moving yourself is worthwhile if…
✅ You only have a small apartment (1-2 rooms).
✅ You can organize many friends or helpers.
✅ You have a limited budget.
✅ Moving within the same city is.
A moving company is worthwhile if…
✅ You have a larger apartment (3 or more rooms) or a lot of furniture.
✅ You want to avoid physical exertion.
✅ You move to another city.
✅ You want to move quickly and stress-free.
💡 Tip: A hybrid model can be useful: drive the rental van yourself, but book porters!
5. Save costs: Tips for both moving options
💰 1. Plan & book early
✅ Compare prices for moving companies & request offers early.
✅ Book your rental van early to avoid last-minute surcharges.
📦 2. Use free boxes and packaging materials
✅ Supermarkets & classifieds often offer free moving boxes to.
✅ Use blankets, towels & newspaper as padding substitutes.
🚛 3. Apply for a no-parking zone & avoid parking costs
✅ If necessary, reserve a no-parking zone early to Avoid fines & loss of time.
💡 Tip: Combine self-moving with affordable additional services to save money and time!
6. Avoid common mistakes & reduce additional costs
❌ Plan too short notice & pay higher prices → Solution: Book at least 4 weeks in advance.
❌ Transporting too much furniture & incurring unnecessary costs → Solution: Clean out beforehand and don’t take everything with you.
❌ Forgot to apply for a no-parking zone → Solution: Reserve parking at least 2 weeks in advance.
❌ Book a van or moving company without comparing prices → Solution: Obtain multiple quotes.
💡 Tip: With proper planning, you can save several hundred euros!
7. Checklist for the right type of move
📌 Before the move:
✅ Calculate moving costs & set a budget.
✅ Book a moving company or rental van in good time.
✅ Organize important changes of address and new contracts.
📦 During the move:
✅ Coordinate moving helpers & distribute tasks.
✅ If necessary, dismantle furniture beforehand.
✅ Secure parking zones for the van.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Demand return of the deposit from the old apartment.
✅ If tax deductible: collect receipts and invoices.
✅ Update your new address with banks, insurance companies & authorities.
💡 Tip: A clear cost comparison helps you choose the best moving option!
Conclusion: Move yourself or use a moving company?
✔ Small moves & short distances = self-moving cheaper
✔ Large apartments or long distances = moving company is worthwhile
✔ Hybrid model: take care of transport yourself, book porters
✔ Compare, book early & save cleverly
🚛 Are you planning a move? Praktik Transport offers tailor-made solutions for affordable & professional moves! Get a non-binding offer now! 📦💡✨
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