Real cost to do it yourself.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: John Gallagher

OK, you're moving, and you've decided on a do-it-yourself move. The advertised rate for a 24-foot U-Haul or Budget rental truck _ the kind you'd need to carry furniture from a three-to-four-bedroom house _ is $39.95 per day.

Not bad, especially compared to the $1,000 or so that a big moving company will charge you.

But what will the job really cost you? Once you know the hidden costs of moving yourself, you might decide to opt for professional movers, after all.

To the basic rate, add on:

The higher cost of a weekend or premium rental time. That $39.95 can nearly double on peak-demand weekends in spring ...