Moving in Windsor and trying to decide between a U‑Haul DIY rental and hiring Ancient Movers? On paper, U‑Haul may look cheaper, but once you factor in fuel, equipment, insurance, and your precious time, things shift significantly. Let’s explore the real cost of each option so you can make the best choice for your move.
Quick Answer: It Depends! Here’s What You’re Really Paying
U-Haul might look cheaper upfront, but the real cost climbs once you factor in all the extra costs and stress. Ancient Movers offers transparent, all‑in pricing, eliminates hassle, and provides peace of mind, making it smarter for many Windsor homes.
Cost Comparison: U-Haul vs. Ancient Movers
| Service Detail | U-Haul (DIY) | Ancient Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Rental | $30–$60 per day | Included |
| Mileage Fee | $0.89–$1.29 per km | Included |
| Fuel | $50–$80 | Included |
| Taxes & Fees | $20+ (admin, cleaning, etc.) | Included |
| Insurance | $20–$32/day (Safemove) | Fully Covered |
| Accessories | $30–$60 (dollies, blankets, straps) | Included |
| Extras | $50–$100 (lunch for helpers) | Not Required |
| Labor | You + Friends | Professional Crew |
| Risk of Damage | High (self-packed) | Lower (trained handling) |
| Total Estimate for 1-Bedroom Move | $350–$450+ | $417–$834 |
The True Cost of a U‑Haul in Windsor
Local pricing from Windsor’s U‑Haul centers includes:
- Truck rental: $30 to $60 per day, depending on truck size
- Mileage fee: $0.89 to $1.29 per km
- Fuel: Roughly $50 to $80 for typical local moves
- Taxes & fees: $20+ in admin, cleaning, and environmental charges
- Insurance (Safemove): $20 to $32/day—up to $32/day for Safemove Plus
- Accessories: Dollies, blankets, straps—$30 to $60
- Extras: Lunch and drinks for your friends helping you —$50-100
Even in a one-bedroom move in Windsor, the U-Haul price could easily reach $350 to $450 or more once everything is added up. This doesn’t include the increased risk of item breakage due to improper packing.
Ancient Movers Full Service
When you hire Ancient Movers, you get:
- All-inclusive rate: Truck, crew, gear, accessories—all bundled
- Professional handling: Fully insured, trained Windsor-based team
- No hidden fees: What we quote is what you pay—no mileage or surprise bills
- Quick service: Most residential moves finish in 3–6 hours
- Peace of mind: No driving, lifting, or coordinating helpers
For the one-bedroom move from our U-Haul example, we’d likely recommend our 26-foot truck option. This option includes two movers and costs $139 per hour. With an average one-bedroom move time between 3 and 6 hours (depending on the amount of disassembly/ assembly required), the Ancient Movers price averages between $417 and $834.
Why People Choose Movers (Beyond the Price Tag)
- No need to find child or pet care — focus on keeping your family comfortable while we handle the move
- Faster unpacking — get settled into your new home the same day
- Less physical strain — avoid injuries and leave the heavy lifting to pros
- No need to coordinate friends or borrow trucks
- Reduced stress — free your mind to manage other moving-day priorities
- Improved safety and protection — professional packing and handling means fewer damages
- No driving a big truck through traffic
- Peace of mind — one team, one plan, zero surprises
When U-Haul Might Make Sense
U‑Haul could be enough if:
- You’re moving just a few items or a single room
- Friends or family can spend a day off helping you move
- Time isn’t urgent and you don’t mind potentially extending your move over days
- Budget is very tight and you’re okay lifting, driving, and coordinating yourself
Why Ancient Movers Is Often the Better Choice
Hiring us is worth it when:
- You’re moving a full home or heavy items (e.g., pianos, hot tubs)
- Time is limited, and you need professionals who work efficiently
- Health, safety, and stress: Avoid potential injury and the headache of organizing everything yourself
- You don’t want to worry about anything but settling into your new home
Ancient Movers provides professional packing services throughout Windsor-Essex, including Tecumseh, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Leamington, and Kingsville.
Need Help Deciding?
It’s not just about dollars—it’s about value. While U-Haul may appear cheaper for small loads, Ancient Movers offers efficiency, protection, and peace of mind, often making the modest cost difference worthwhile for many Windsor households.
Ready for a side-by-side comparison tailored to your move? Contact Ancient Movers today for a free, no-pressure quote. Let’s do the math for you.