How DIY moving cost calculator Works
The truck math
Rental pricing = day rate + per-mile fee ($0.65–1.10/mile) — and the fuel line is the surprise: a 26-foot truck averages 6–10 MPG, so 500 miles burns $230–320 of diesel at today's prices. Insurance ($15–25/day), dollies, boxes, and tape add ~$150–250. The calculator sums all four because the mental estimate only ever contains the day rate.
Truck sizing, honestly
Undersizing means two trips or a roof-cargo crisis; the guide is generous: 10 ft for studios, 15 for 1–2BR, 20 for 3BR, 26 for 4BR+. Over-sizing slightly is cheaper than the second trip — the per-mile fee barely changes and the day does not double.
The Saturday economy
Self-moving trades money for your weekend and your friendships (pizza economy: real but rate-limited). Hired loaders ($60–100/hr for two) split the difference — you drive, they lift. The hybrid model (rented truck + hired loaders both ends) typically lands at 40–50% of full-service cost with none of the heavy lifting.