Hiring Movers to Load a Truck
Aug 7, 2026
When hiring labor for loading & unloading makes sense
When you think about moving day, do you imagine yourself breaking a sweat while hauling all your furniture into the moving truck or supervising someone else taking care of it? If it’s the latter, hiring labor to load the truck might be a good option.
Let’s review the benefits and what it takes to hire movers for loading and unloading so you can let the pros handle your belongings on moving day.
Benefits of hiring movers for labor only
When you combine a DIY solution like U-Pack® with a labor-only crew, you can achieve significant savings compared to hiring a full-service mover.
Here are other advantages:
- Crews will work under your direction.
- Local crews are hired by the hour, so you can pay for as much or as little help as needed.
- Hiring labor can be easier than asking friends and family for help with a move.
- Proper prep for the movers can save more money by reducing the hours needed.
- You’re still in control of packing and can load some belongings yourself to save time and costs.;
Ways to hire moving labor
You can hire labor for loading (or unloading) when you book the moving equipment or add the service later.
If you’re a U-Pack customer, it’s easy to add labor while making a reservation. We refer customers to experienced local crews through HireAHelper.
If you’ve already booked your move, you can still add labor — call the number on your U-Pack reservation for help or contact HireAHelper online or by phone at 866-394-4710 for a quote.
FAQs about purchasing moving labor
What size crew do I need and for how long?
The amount of stuff you’re moving and any special features of your home, like multiple stories and steep staircases, help determine how many people you’ll need to help.
Big or heavily furnished homes often need a larger crew, while smaller homes and apartments can get by with only one or two workers.
Check out the chart below for a guideline based on home size. You’ll also find recommended U-Pack equipment and estimated costs for the moving crew.
| Home Size | Number of ReloCubes | Linear Feet in a Moving Trailer | Crew Size | Estimated Hours | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 1 Cube | 5 linear feet | 2 movers | 2 hours | $200-$350 |
| One-bedroom apartment | 1-2 Cubes | 6 linear feet | 2 movers | 3 hours | $300-$500 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | 2 Cubes | 7 linear feet | 2 movers | 4 hours | $400-$600 |
| Two-bedroom home | 2-3 Cubes | 13 linear feet | 2 movers | 5 hours | $500-$850 |
| Small three-bedroom home | 3 Cubes | 15 linear feet | 3 movers | 5 hours | $700-$1,100 |
| Large three-bedroom home | 4 Cubes | 17 linear feet | 3 movers | 6 hours | $800-$1,200 |
| Four-bedroom home | 5-6 Cubes | 23 linear feet | 4 movers | 5 hours | $1,100+ |
| Five-bedroom home | 6-7 Cubes | 35 linear feet | 4 movers | 6 hours | $1,500+ |
When should I schedule the crew's arrival?
We recommend scheduling moving labor for the day after equipment delivery. This allows time to load any items you wish and ensures you won’t pay the crew for downtime while waiting for the container or trailer.
Have questions about adding labor to your move?
If you have questions about hiring moving labor or moving with U-Pack, let us know in the comments. You can also call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.
If you’re already booked with U-Pack and need to add labor, call the number on your reservation, and we’ll be happy to help.
Suggested reading: Should I tip movers?
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