When moving, the question often arises: Is it worth renting a car and moving yourself or should you hire a moving company? Both options have advantages and disadvantages, depending on Budget, time & effortIn this article we compare the Costs & services of rental cars and moving companiesto make your decision easier.
1. What are the costs of moving?
📦 1. Rental car & self-moving
✅ Rent a van (~ 50–150 €/day)
✅ Gasoline costs (~20-50€)
✅ Packing materials & moving boxes (~ 50–100 €)
✅ Moving helpers (friends or professionals, ~ 10–20 €/hour)
✅ No-parking zone (if necessary, ~ 50–150 €)
🚛 2. Hire a moving company
✅ Moving service including transport (~ €600–2,500, depending on size & distance)
✅ Carrying aids & furniture assembly often included
✅ Insurance coverage for damages included
✅ Faster & less strenuous
💡 Tip: For small moves, a rental car is cheaper, but for larger moves, a moving company is often worthwhile!
2. Rental car or moving company – which is cheaper?
🚚 Move yourself with a rental car
💰 Costs for a 2-room apartment (~ 60 m², 10–20 km moving distance): €200–600
✅ Advantages:
✔ Cheaper for small moves
✔ Full control over the schedule
✔ Flexible – rental car can be used for multiple purposes
❌ Disadvantages:
✖ A lot of personal effort for carrying & packing
✖ Physical effort & time expenditure
✖ Risk of furniture and transport damage
🏢 Hire a moving company
💰 Costs for a 2-room apartment (~ 60 m², 10–20 km moving distance): €800–1,500
✅ Advantages:
✔ Fast & professional – less stress
✔ No heavy lifting or organizing
✔ Insurance coverage for damages included
❌ Disadvantages:
✖ More expensive than a rental car
✖ Less flexibility – appointments must be booked early
✖ Additional costs for special services (furniture assembly, packing service)
💡 Tip: For larger apartments or long distances, a moving company is worthwhile as the effort is significantly reduced!
3. When is each relocation option worthwhile?
🚛 A rental car is worthwhile if…
✅ You only have a small apartment (1-2 rooms).
✅ You can organize enough helpers to carry it.
✅ The move takes place within the same city.
✅ You want to save money & physical work is not a problem.
🏢 A moving company is worthwhile if…
✅ You have a larger apartment (3 or more rooms) or a lot of furniture.
✅ You have little time or no helpers available.
✅ You are moving to another city and want to make the move stress-free.
✅ You want to ensure that your furniture is transported professionally.
💡 Tip: A hybrid model can be useful: drive the van yourself, but book porters!
4. Saving tips for both moving options
💰 1. Book early & compare prices
✅ Rental car & moving company at least 4 weeks before book.
✅ Use price comparisons & discount promotions.
📦 2. Get free boxes and packing materials
✅ Supermarkets & classifieds often offer free moving boxes.
✅ Use towels and blankets to protect your upholstery.
🚚 3. Plan your move on a convenient day
✅ Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
✅ The middle of the month is cheaper than the beginning or end of the month.
🏠 4. Organize furniture cleverly
✅ Dismantle bulky furniture beforehand to save space and transport costs.
✅ If necessary, sell or donate old furniture.
💡 Tip: A well-planned move can save up to 30% of the costs!
5. Avoid common moving mistakes
❌ Booking too late & paying high prices → Solution: Please reserve at least 4 weeks in advance.
❌ Forgot to apply for a no-parking zone → Solution: Reserve parking at least 2 weeks in advance.
❌ Transporting too much furniture & boxes → Solution: Clean out beforehand and only take the essentials with you.
❌ Failure to observe insurance coverage → Solution: Insure against damage to the van or furniture.
💡 Tip: With detailed planning, unnecessary costs can be avoided!
6. Checklist for making the right moving decision
📌 Before the move:
✅ Calculate moving costs & set a budget.
✅ Compare moving companies or rental cars & book early.
✅ Organize important changes of address and new contracts.
📦 During the move:
✅ If necessary, organize moving helpers.
✅ Dismantle furniture & use moving materials efficiently.
✅ Check no-parking zones or parking options.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Demand return of the deposit from the old apartment.
✅ Update your new address with banks, insurance companies & authorities.
✅ If tax deductible: collect receipts and invoices.
💡 Tip: Structured planning helps to minimize costs and stress!
Conclusion: Rental car or moving company – what is the best choice?
✔ Small moves & short distances = cheaper rental cars
✔ Large apartments or long distances = moving company is worthwhile
✔ Hybrid model: take care of transport yourself, book porters
✔ Compare, book early & use clever savings tips
🚛 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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