Full-service movers charge $800-1,800 for a 2-bedroom local move. The same move with Undergrads and a rented U-Haul costs $400-600 total. The difference is not quality or care, it is who owns the truck.
Full-service movers charge $800-$1,800 for a 2-bedroom local move. The same move with Undergrads runs $499-$799 for the crew, plus $80-$180 for a U-Haul or Penske you rent and drive yourself. The difference is not quality or care, it is who owns the truck. If you are willing to rent the truck yourself and let our crew handle all the labor, you will save 40-60% on most local moves. That is the Power Move. Here is exactly how it works.
- What the Power Move is and how it works
- How much you actually save: real cost comparison
- How to rent the right truck size
- What Undergrads does (and does not do)
- Is the Power Move right for your move?
What is the Power Move? The direct answer.
The Power Move is a labor-only moving service where you rent a truck from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget and Undergrads provides the crew. We load your belongings into the truck, you drive it to the new location, and we unload everything and place it where you want it. You own the truck rental. We own the labor. It is the most cost-efficient way to do a local move.
The real cost comparison: Power Move vs. full-service
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Power Move (Undergrads + Truck) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $500-$900 | $379-$579 | $120-$320 |
| 1-Bedroom | $600-$1,200 | $379-$679 | $220-$520 |
| 2-Bedroom | $900-$1,500 | $579-$879 | $320-$620 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,200-$2,000 | $679-$979 | $520-$1,020 |
Power Move totals combine Undergrads crew labor ($299-$799 depending on move size) with a U-Haul or Penske truck rental at $80-$180/day (paid directly to the rental company). Full-service totals are market averages for our main cities based on actual quotes received by customers.
How to rent the right size truck
The most common Power Move mistake: renting too small a truck and needing a second trip. Here is the correct truck size for each move.
| Move Size | Recommended Truck | U-Haul Name | Approx Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | 10-foot truck | 10' Moving Truck | $80-110/day |
| 2-Bedroom | 15-foot truck | 15' Moving Truck | $100-130/day |
| 3-Bedroom | 20-foot truck | 20' Moving Truck | $120-160/day |
| 4-Bedroom+ | 26-foot truck | 26' Moving Truck | $150-200/day |
When in doubt, size up. The difference between a 15-foot and a 20-foot truck is typically $20-30/day. The cost of a second trip with the crew on the clock is $100-200+. Always go bigger than you think you need.
From the field
The biggest Power Move mistake we see is the customer renting a cargo van for a 1-bedroom apartment. A cargo van holds roughly half of a 1-bedroom. We end up doing two trips, which adds an hour to the job and costs more than the upgrade to a proper 10-foot truck would have. Check the truck size chart before you book the rental., Tom Mumford, Undergrads founder
Get my free quote →What Undergrads does (and does not do) on a Power Move
What we do
- Load all boxes and furniture from your current location into the truck
- Wrap furniture in moving blankets (bring your own or rent from U-Haul)
- Disassemble and reassemble bed frames, tables, and standard furniture
- Load the truck efficiently to maximize space and protect items
- Unload and place everything at the new location
- Place furniture in the rooms you specify
What you do
- Book the truck rental (U-Haul, Penske, or Budget)
- Drive the truck from old location to new location
- Be present at both locations during loading and unloading
- Handle any specialty packing you want done a specific way
Is the Power Move right for your move?
The Power Move works best for local moves (under 30 miles) where you are comfortable driving a rental truck. If you have never driven a box truck before: they are easier than you expect. Stay in the right lane, give yourself 3x the normal stopping distance, and go slowly at turns. U-Haul provides a brief video orientation. Most first-timers are comfortable within 10 minutes.
The Power Move is not ideal for: moves over 50 miles (one-way truck rental costs climb), moves where you cannot drive (no valid license, physical limitation), or extremely complex moves with a lot of specialty furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide any equipment?
The truck rental typically comes with a dolly and basic straps. Rent moving blankets from U-Haul ($10-20/day for 12 blankets) to protect furniture. Undergrads brings expertise and muscle; the equipment comes with the truck.
Can I do a Power Move if I have a lot of furniture?
Yes. The Power Move handles any volume of furniture. The only limiting factor is truck size. A 3-bedroom house with heavy furniture should use a 26-foot truck. Large and heavy furniture (sectionals, king beds, dressers) is exactly what the crew is trained for.
What if the truck is too small and we need a second trip?
We will make the second trip. The crew is billed hourly, so a second trip adds time to the invoice. This is why sizing up on the truck is almost always worth it. If you are unsure about truck size, tell us your home size when you get the quote and we can recommend the right option.
Is it safe to drive a U-Haul?
Yes, with appropriate care. The most important adjustments when driving a box truck: wider turns, longer stopping distances (start braking 50% earlier than in a car), and checking overhead clearance for bridges and drive-throughs. U-Haul trucks have a posted height of 8-9 feet. Set your GPS to truck-friendly routing.
Save 40-60% on your move
You drive. We load and unload. Background-checked crew, locked hourly rate, Show-Up Guarantee. Get the full breakdown on the Power Move page or get your free quote now.
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