Hiring Movers vs Renting a Moving Truck in South Florida
Renting a truck looks cheaper on the sign. Once you add fuel, mileage, dollies, pads, a day off work, and friends who need pizza, the gap shrinks fast — especially for second-floor apartments in Florida heat. Here is the straight math so you can choose, even when the answer is the rental truck.
| Factor | Local movers (truck + crew) | Rent a truck, move yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Who lifts | A 2–3 person crew wraps, loads, drives, and unloads. | You and whoever you can recruit. |
| Typical price | $95–$135/hr for 2 movers + truck; most 1-bedroom moves $350–$650. | Truck rental plus per-mile fees, fuel, pads, dolly, and insurance add-ons. |
| Furniture protection | Wrapping and padding included as standard. | Buy or rent your own blankets and stretch wrap. |
| Stairs and elevators | Asked about up front and built into the quote. | Your back, your afternoon. |
| Time | Most apartments done in a few hours. | Often a full day including pickup and return of the truck. |
| Heavy items | Pianos, safes, and pool tables quoted separately with the right gear. | Usually not realistic without equipment. |
Choose local movers (truck + crew) when
- Anything above the ground floor
- Full apartments and houses
- Heavy or valuable furniture
- Tight move-out deadlines
Choose rent a truck, move yourself when
- A few boxes and light furniture
- Ground-floor to ground-floor
- You have strong helpers and a free day
The verdict
If it fits in a pickup and you have help, rent the truck. For a real apartment or house, the crew usually costs less than people expect once DIY extras are counted — text photos for a quote and compare.
Common questions
How much do movers cost compared to a rental truck?
Our crews run $95–$135/hr for 2 movers + truck. A 1-bedroom usually finishes at $350–$650 with everything included. Compare that to the rental total after mileage, fuel, and supplies.
Can you just load my rental truck?
Yes — labor-only loading and unloading is available. Call (561) 345-9808 for an hourly quote.