# How Self-Moving Works [![Profile picture for user blee@arcb.com](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2020-03/Brittney2.png.webp?itok=bTCtAccV)](/author/brittney-lee) By: [Brittney Lee](/author/brittney-lee "View user profile.") Mar 13, 2026 In: [Long Distance](/articles/category/long-distance) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-self-moving-works) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-self-moving-works&title=How%20Self-Moving%20Works) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20Self-Moving%20Works&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-self-moving-works) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-self-moving-works&media=&description=How%20Self-Moving%20Works) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=How%20Self-Moving%20Works&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fhow-self-moving-works) encoding="utf-8" ?## Finding a self-pack moving company DIY moving isn’t a new concept. In fact, it was the only option hundreds of years ago — and it wasn’t easy. Fortunately, there are now many options for moving your belongings out of state, but which one is the best for a DIY move? Let’s review how self-moving works, its advantages, which companies offer the service and how moving with U-Pack gives you the [cost-saving benefits of a DIY move](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/money-saving-moving-option) without the hassle of driving your things out of state. ![Couple packing moving boxes together doing a self-move.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) ## What is self-moving? Self-moving is a do-it-yourself service where you handle all or part of the moving labor (packing, loading and unloading) while a professional driver transports your belongings. In exchange, you receive a lower-priced [alternative to full-service moving](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/compare-movers/full-service). Many people prefer the flexibility and control of handling some of the work. ### How DIY moving works These are the steps for a self-move: - Request quotes from different companies - Choose your mover and equipment type (moving trailer or moving container) - Pack and load belongings - Complete personal travel while a professional driver transports the shipment - Unload at the destination ## Advantages of using a self-service moving company Self-moving services offer many benefits, including savings, control and flexibility. ### Save money by doing your own packing, loading and unloading With a DIY service, you usually pay one-third to one-half the cost of a full-service option. This is because you save money by not paying for labor to handle packing and loading. ### Stay in control of how your belongings are handled By handling belongings yourself, you can ensure they’re [packed](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/packing-tips) how you want them and [loaded safely and securely](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/loading-tips). ### Work on your own schedule Need to pack or load at midnight? It’s no problem with self-moving companies. You can pack, load and unload when it’s convenient for you. ## Compare do-it-yourself moving options The main self-moving options are [rental trucks](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/compare-movers/truck-rental), company-driven [trailers](http://d8prod.upack.com/how-upack-works/equipment/moving-trailer) and [portable storage containers](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/compare-movers/portable-storage). Rental trucks are the traditional DIY option, where you do everything, including driving. Company-driven trailers and portable storage containers (both offered by U-Pack!) work differently. You still load and unload, but you can drive to your new home in a personal vehicle. A professional driver will transport your belongings. ## U-Pack is often the best self-service mover U-Pack is one of the most popular self-moving services available. You pack, load and unload, and our professionals do the driving. Since 1997, U-Pack has offered excellent customer service and fast transit times for long-distance moves across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. We’re confident we can help ease the stress and work of relocating out of state. Here are the highlights: - Budget-friendly pricing with no surprise fees - Flexible choices for self-pack equipment - Quick and secure transit — typically in 4-6 business days *Read more about* [*why customers choose U-Pack*](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/why-customers-choose-u-pack-long-distance-moving)*.* ## Get a U-Pack quote today to compare us to other long-distance movers [Moving with U-Pack](http://d8prod.upack.com/how-upack-works) is easy, and getting a personalized quote is even easier! Request a quick quote online or call [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) to speak to a moving consultant. Compare our prices and services to those of other self-service or [full-service movers](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/compare-movers/full-service) to save money and hassle. Let us know in the comments if you have questions about how U-Pack can help you relocate to another state. We're ready to help! Categories [Auto Shipping](/articles/category/auto-shipping) [College](/articles/category/college) [Comparisons](/articles/category/comparisons) [Home DIY](/articles/category/home-diy) [Job](/articles/category/job) [Long Distance](/articles/category/long-distance) [Military](/articles/category/military) [Moving Cost](/articles/category/moving-cost) [News](/articles/category/news) [Packing and Loading](/articles/category/packing-and-loading) [Places](/articles/category/places) [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) [Senior](/articles/category/senior) Hide Comments Show Comments [View the discussion thread.](http://upack.disqus.com/) More articles you might like... [![Man looking at paperwork from moving crew to determine the cross country moving costs.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### How Much Does it Cost to Move Across Country? Long-distance moves can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on distance, home size and the type of service you use. Get a full breakdown of moving costs. ](/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-across-country) [![A couple packing for an affordable cross-country move with U-Pack.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country Looking to save on your move? Explore the cheapest ways to move long distance and see which options work best for your home size. ](/articles/cheapest-way-to-move-cross-country) [![Kids play basketball as parents unload a U-Pack moving trailer.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### Why Customers Choose U-Pack For Long-Distance Moving Learn why millions have chosen U-Pack for long-distance moves. We offer transparent pricing, great service and a simple way to move out of state. Get a quote. ](/articles/why-customers-choose-u-pack-long-distance-moving) ## Looking for more articles? [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/long-distance) [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/long-distance)