Is TaskRabbit Good for Moving? (Honest NYC Breakdown)
You might of heard about Task Rabbit from a friend. Or maybe saw an ad and you're thinking about giving it a try. Maybe you've even gone as far as hiring someone from the app.
In this article written by Thomas, I will explain whether or not I think Task Rabbit is good for moving. I will answer that question unbiasedly from the perspective of someone who has worked on the platform for over 5 years!
Hello, I am Thomas. I currently run Brotherly Movers but I actually got started in the moving industry as a Tasker. Here is my honest opinion if you don't want to read the rest of the article.
Task Rabbit is good and only as good as the Tasker you're hiring. Once you find a good tasker (I was one - shameless plug with 500+ 5 star reviews), you're in good hands. However, the downside of Task Rabbit is taskers often pick the easiest jobs and are prone to canceling on you if something easier comes along.
In my opinion, these are the worst things about Task Rabbit:
1) Taskers don't care about canceling last minute if something easier comes along. Task rabbit itself is an app and Task Rabbit Support doesn't care if you're left stranded. A moving company on the other hand can't afford to cancel on you last minute. They are more obligated to get the job completed if they originally accepted. Taskers are contractors like Ubers and if your job is more difficult than the next, they'll cancel on you sometimes 5 minutes before they are scheduled to start. Or they may even leave before a job is complete to get to their next one.
2) They don't have COI's (Certificate of Insurance). No insurance meaning if you're moving in a luxury building, you have to waive your insurance or tell the resident manager and front desk clerks that your friend is helping you move. It sounds good at first. You think you're saving so much money by not hiring a moving company traditionally until your building keeps your $1000+ deposit because you technically broke the buildings COI guidelines when you moved without a COI.
Another side note is: Taskers don't have insurance in case they break things. If a moving company breaks something, there's a claims process and you can get some form of compensation. The standard is 60 cents a pound. So if your desk is 200 lbs, you're at least entitled to $120 back for anything that breaks. If a tasker breaks something, you're out of luck. They're not going to reimburse you unless they're extremely nice and task rabbit does not owe you anything.
3) Taskers bring their cousins or random people off the street. Task rabbit is suppose to be a platform where the tasker is the contractor. However most moving jobs require 2 people and taskers rarely hire other taskers. They sometimes pay random people off the street $20/hr to come help you. You're taking a safety risk when you hire these random people no one knows. They're not vetted. They can have criminal records. They can steal your stuff. Anything can happen when someone you can't verify is in your personal space.
4) Finally here is the last bad thing about Task rabbit before we talk about the good! The last bad thing is their support and trust fee. I've seen clients show me their total bill and it was 30% of the total invoice. It's a hefty amount. If your job is $450 in your mind, in reality expect to pay $600 at minimum. Compare that with getting a 100% flat rate quote.
Those are the worst parts of the platform.
In my opinion, the best thing to use task rabbit for is to move small pieces of furniture. Or even 1 items at a time. If the tasker milks the clock, they can't overdo it on 1 item. Be hyper aware if taskers have 2 hour minimums. Make sure they don't hit you with all types of charges- last minute, weekends, stairs etc. Have a backup plan in case they cancel on you. If you find a cheap or free couch on Facebook Marketplaces, maybe hire one of these guys if they have blankets or can protect the couch 100%. Use them to move plants perhaps. But if you have a whole apartment, just hire movers. It's cheaper in the long run and less of a headache overall.
What Is TaskRabbit for Moving?
TaskRabbit is a marketplace where you hire independent workers (called “Taskers”) for jobs like:
- Moving help
- Furniture assembly
- Cleaning
- Delivery
For moving, you’re typically hiring:
- 1–2 individuals
- Paid hourly + Task rabbit fees
- No truck (unless specified)
Think of it more like
hiring labor, not a full moving service. Be prepared to lift if the Taskers are draining the clock and just trying to milk you.
When TaskRabbit IS Good for Moving
TaskRabbit can be good if your move is simple.
Good scenarios:
- Small studio or single-room move. (Just make sure you have everything packed up and ready to go)
- You already have a truck or van (You just need labor help and it's way better than asking your friend)
- Short distance (same building or nearby)
- Light furniture (no heavy couches, dressers, etc.)
Best Features:
- Flexible scheduling
- Quick booking
In summary, Task Rabbit is truly best when you need an extra hand or hands.
When TaskRabbit Is NOT a Good Idea
This is where most people get burned.
Risky scenarios:
- Full apartment moves (1BR+)
- Expensive or fragile furniture (If you have vintage MCM collectibles, just get a moving company)
- Tight hallways/stairs (You need people with experience with Tetris)
- Elevators (usually means you need a COI)
Real issues people run into:
- The person you hired is not the same as the person working (Taskers are dispatching random people to your Move)
- Slow pacing → higher hourly cost
- No proper equipment (dollies, straps, blankets)
- Damage risk (and limited accountability)
In summary, there's more risk with using Task Rabbit than just hiring a moving company for full apartment moves.
If you're moving a Hans Wegner piece, just get a quality white glove moving company.
How Much Does TaskRabbit Cost for Moving?
According to Task Rabbit, the average cost of 1 Mover with a Truck is $92.91/hr.
With estimated fees, that comes out to roughly $120/hr for 1 Tasker and a Sprinter Van.
If they have a 2 hour minimum, that's $240 and you also providing your own personal labor to lift things.
This is before they expense you for tolls, gas, parking, tickets, stairs, or supplies.
TaskRabbit vs Professional Movers
| Factor | Task Rabbit | Professional Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Hourly (can increase) | Flat or Controlled |
| Experience | Varies | Trained Crews |
| Equipment | Often Limited | Fully Equipped |
| Speed | Slower | Efficient |
| Risk | Higher | Lower |
Real Task Rabbit Insight (This Is What Actually Happens)
The truth is for small moving jobs, Task Rabbit can be ok. If you find free furniture or just have something small to move, then go for it. Moving companies charge more for 1 item moves sometimes, so Task Rabbit edges them out in these situations. If you need minimal furniture or if it's a couple of blocks, then Task Rabbit can make sense. The only thing to worry about is when the jobs get larger in scope and you have to hire out multiple taskers... what if one shows up late? It becomes a nightmare to manage the logistics of two random taskers who are operating on their own time. If you have a full on move, then just get movers. They'll account for your inventory list and most likely be a better experience in the end.
Better Alternatives to TaskRabbit for Moving
Depending on your situation, if you want to use an app, there's also Lugg and Dolly (owned by Task Rabbit). I've reviewed them as well and worked on their platforms.
If you want full service, just get a local moving company. Don't get a company with good reviews. Get one that doesn't have a bad review. Good reviews can mask poor reviews over time. But consistently getting perfect reviews speaks volume.
If you want the most DIY option. Get some friends and rent a U-haul and pretend it's just another workout.
So… Is TaskRabbit Good for Moving?
Yes — but only for very small, simple moves. If your move is too small and we don't want to overcharge you, we'd actually recommend you hire a Tasker.
But, if you're doing a full move with multiple rooms, nice furniture, or need a COI, you're better off getting real movers.
The Final Task Rabbit Verdict
When You Should Avoid TaskRabbit Completely
Avoid it if:
You have expensive furniture
You’re moving long distance
You’re on a tight schedule
You don’t want surprises in pricing
When You Should Use TaskRabbit
Use it if:
Quick help
Light moves
Simple logistics
You don't have any other choice
FAQs
Below is a list of Commonly Asked Questions when considering Task Rabbit
Is TaskRabbit cheaper than movers?
Sometimes—but not always. Hourly rates can add up quickly, especially for larger moves.
Can TaskRabbit movers bring a truck?
Some do, but not all. You usually need to confirm or rent one separately.
Is TaskRabbit safe for moving?
It depends on the individual Tasker. There’s less consistency compared to professional moving companies.
What’s better than TaskRabbit for moving?
For reliability and efficiency, options like Lugg or full-service movers are often better.
