How to Hire Movers for a U-Haul

To hire movers for a U-Haul, reserve the truck, then book a crew for the time the truck will be at your address. At Oregon Trail Moving, two movers with equipment are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, and you can book loading, unloading, or both.

Most people think of movers and a truck as one package. They do not have to be. Renting the truck yourself and hiring a crew for the heavy lifting is a common way to keep the cost down and still skip the worst part of moving day. Here are the five steps.

Step 1: Decide what you want help with

List the jobs that worry you. Typical choices are loading at your old place, unloading at your new place, packing, or moving heavy items like a piano, safe or washer. You can book one end or both, and each one is a separate job. Our U-Haul movers help page lists what our crews cover.

Step 2: Reserve your truck

Book your U-Haul first so you have a firm pickup time. Not sure what size you need? Read what size moving truck you need, or call us for a second opinion based on your furniture list. If your date is full, Budget Truck Rental is a handy backup, and our crews work with any rental truck.

Step 3: Pick your crew size and book

Two movers is our starting crew and our two hour minimum. A third or fourth mover costs $60 per hour each and often pays for itself on bigger homes, stairs and heavy items, because the job finishes faster. Tell the office what you are moving and they will recommend a crew size.

Two movers and equipment: $125 per hour, two hour minimum
Each additional mover: $60 per hour
Flat service fee: $45 within 10 miles of central Portland

Billing starts and stops at your location. For worked examples, see how much Portland movers cost.

Step 4: Get ready

Pack and tape boxes, and label them by room.
Clear halls and stairs, and check building rules for elevators and parking.
Plan a parking spot close to the door for the truck.
Set aside documents, medication and valuables to carry yourself.
Tell us about heavy or oversized items when you book.

We bring the rest: a hand truck, a piano dolly, hand tools, lifting straps, shrink wrap, moving blankets and floor runners.

Step 5: Meet the crew and point

When the crew arrives, walk through the home and show them what is going, what is staying and anything fragile. Then step back. You point, and they carry. At the other end, tell them where each piece goes. They stay until the job is done.

How much can hiring a crew save you?

Full-service companies that bring their own trucks can charge about twice our hourly rate. Renting your own truck and hiring us for the heavy work can save up to 50% on a local move. See the full breakdown on our rates and services page, or learn how it works in our Portland moving labor guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I hire movers for a U-Haul?

Reserve your truck, then call or book online with your date, address and a list of what needs to be loaded or unloaded. The office confirms the crew size and price before the day arrives.

How much does it cost to hire movers for a U-Haul?

Two movers with equipment are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, plus $60 per hour for each additional mover and a flat $45 service fee within 10 miles of central Portland.

Should I book the movers or the truck first?

Reserve the truck first so you know your pickup time, then book the crew for the time the truck will be at your address.

What should I tell the movers when I book?

Share your addresses, what is being loaded or unloaded, any stairs, elevators or long carries, and any heavy items such as a piano, safe or appliance.

How many movers should I hire?

Two movers is the standard starting crew. Larger homes, stairs and heavy items often call for a third or fourth mover. Describe your move and the office will recommend a crew size.