Moving and delivery can feel overwhelming — from figuring out how to get a couch across town to deciding whether you need to rent a truck or hire extra hands. That’s why apps have popped up to make the process easier, letting you book help right from your phone.
A popular option for hiring extra help is TaskRabbit, well known for errands, handyman work, and assembly. But when it comes to moving, the setup doesn’t always work for everyone — for example, some workers set hourly minimums, which can make smaller jobs more expensive than expected.
That’s why people often start searching for a TaskRabbit alternative, and two other popular platforms that come up are Dolly and Lugg. Dolly focuses on small moves and store deliveries, while Lugg is built specifically for moving and delivery with vetted Luggers and a moving truck included.
At first glance, all three may look similar — offering on-demand help when you can’t (or don’t want to) do the heavy lifting yourself. But the way they handle pricing, availability, and reliability is very different.
In this article, we’ll break down TaskRabbit, Dolly, and Lugg side by side so you can see which one best fits your next move or delivery.
What is TaskRabbit?
TaskRabbit is best known as a gig marketplace for hiring local help. Popular categories include furniture assembly, handyman tasks, cleaning, and errands.
When it comes to moving, TaskRabbit gives customers two options: hire Taskers with a car/truck, or hire Taskers for labor only. But unlike dedicated moving apps, Taskers must accept the job before it’s confirmed — and they can also decide whether they want to take it. This means availability depends not just on who is working in your area that day, but also on whether a Tasker is willing to do the job.
Pricing and availability are set by individual Taskers. Timeslots and rates vary widely, with many Taskers setting their own hourly minimums. That can be costly if you only need a small job done, since you may end up paying for the full minimum even if the work takes less time.
TaskRabbit is owned by IKEA’s Ingka Group (acquired in 2017), which has helped expand its marketplace globally.
Customer benefit: TaskRabbit is highly flexible — you can use it for far more than moving, from errands to repairs to assembly. The trade-off is that consistency and reliability depend on the individual Tasker you choose.
What is Dolly?
Dolly was launched as a moving and delivery app focused on furniture and store pickups. In 2024, it was acquired by TaskRabbit and now operates under the TaskRabbit brand. Because of that connection, people searching for apps like TaskRabbit often come across Dolly. The two share similarities — both rely on independent contractors and require workers to accept jobs before they’re confirmed. But unlike TaskRabbit, customers on Dolly don’t browse or choose individuals; instead, they’re matched with either:
- Helpers (independent contractors with trucks)
- Hands (labor-only help, no truck)
Dolly positions itself as an on-demand platform, though availability works a little differently in practice. Store deliveries are booked in two-hour windows, while moving jobs let you choose an arrival time — but nothing is fully confirmed until a Helper accepts. As a result, customers can sometimes feel stuck in limbo, waiting without knowing if anyone will actually pick up their job. That lack of immediate confirmation can leave people unsure about whether their move is truly scheduled.
Pricing also comes with caveats. Dolly advertises flat-rate estimates, but you won’t see your total until you’ve entered all booking details — a process that involves multiple steps, from listing items to noting stairs, elevators, and floor type. While the flat-rate model can feel simple for small jobs, it’s not always clear how the estimate is calculated, and costs may rise if you have more items or need add-ons (like assembly, which can be around $60). Cancellation fees do apply, depending on when you cancel, but Dolly does not disclose the exact charges or clearly outline them during the booking process, which can leave customers uncertain about potential extra costs.
Customer benefit: Dolly can be a good option for single-item moves or small retail deliveries, where its flat-rate pricing feels straightforward. Customers also like having the option to add light assembly for certain jobs. However, because pricing is based on items rather than the vehicle, costs can rise quickly if you need to move more than a few things.
What is Lugg?
If you’re looking for a TaskRabbit alternative for moving, Lugg is a specialized on-demand moving and delivery app, built to fit real-life needs. Whether you need help today — with Luggers arriving in as little as 30 minutes — or want to schedule a move 30 days in advance, Lugg is designed to handle it all.
Unlike gig marketplaces such as TaskRabbit, Lugg focuses solely on moving, delivery, and hauling. That means every part of the app — from upfront pricing to vehicle size options — is tailored to make moving easier and faster.
Key benefits:
- Upfront pricing: Customers see their estimate as soon as they enter their pickup and destination addresses — with all fees included upfront. No surprises, no hidden add-ons, just a clear price before you commit to booking.
- Truck transparency: Lugg always shows available vehicle sizes both on our website and during the booking process, along with examples of what each can hold. That way, customers can make the best and most informed decision for their move.
- Truck + movers included every time: Every Lugg booking automatically comes with a truck and Lugg movers — no guesswork, no need to figure out labor and transportation separately.
- On-demand flexibility: Lugg is built for real life. You can have movers at your door in as little as 30 minutes, or schedule up to 30 days in advance for a time that works best for you.
- Independent and founder-owned and operated: As a privately held company, Lugg’s founders stay closely involved, making it easier to act on customer feedback quickly and keep service focused on what matters most.
Lugg also offers a straightforward pricing structure that adapts to different needs. For store deliveries, customers pay a flat rate, so the price is clear and simple upfront. For larger moves, pricing is based on vehicle size + labor minutes, meaning you only pay for the actual time your crew is working — no hourly minimums, no hidden add-ons. You can also use Lugg’s estimator tool to preview your cost before booking, making it easy to book with confidence, whether you’re moving one item or a whole apartment.
What customers use Lugg for: People turn to Lugg for all kinds of real-life situations — moving into a new apartment, relocating an office, or helping a college student get settled into a dorm. It’s also popular for appliance and furniture delivery, Marketplace pickups (like Facebook, Craigslist, or estate sales), and even donation pickups, junk removal, and storage moves. And more often than not, if it’s big, heavy, or just too much to handle alone, Lugg can step in and make it easy.
👉 Want to see exactly how it works? Watch our YouTube video to learn how to get a free estimate in the Lugg app and see how upfront pricing works.
Lugg vs Dolly vs TaskRabbit — Key differences
What customers notice when comparing Lugg, Dolly, and TaskRabbit
Lugg
- ✅ What customers like: With Lugg, you get upfront pricing and vehicle transparency — your estimate and truck size appear as soon as you enter addresses. Every booking includes vetted Lugg movers (professional independent contractors) and a truck, so you don’t need to hire labor and transportation separately. Customers highlight the convenience of real-time booking (often in as little as 30 minutes) or scheduling up to 30 days in advance. Support is another plus: a robust Help Center, clear policies, and multiple support channels (email or live chat) make it easy to get help. For customers who prefer learning by watching, Lugg also has a YouTube channel with how-to videos and walkthroughs, making it simple to see how the app and service work in real life. And because Lugg is independent, founder-owned, and operated, customer feedback directly shapes updates, keeping the service responsive to real needs.
- ⚠️ What to keep in mind: Lugg is focused on moving, delivery, and hauling only — you won’t find handyman or errand services here. It also can’t handle specialized tasks like disconnecting appliances that require plumbing or electrical work.
Dolly
- ✅ What customers like: Dolly is often more affordable for small deliveries (like store pickups) compared to full-service movers. Customers appreciate the option for assembly add-ons, which helps Helpers prepare in advance. Its Helpers/Hands model gives flexibility: book a Helper (truck + labor) or a Hand (labor-only) depending on your needs.
- ⚠️ What to keep in mind: Quotes appear only after you’ve entered full booking details — which can leave some customers unsure how add-ons or surcharges are factored in. Dolly uses a flat-rate estimate, which is convenient, but it’s not clear how pricing changes if you forget to list items — you could face higher charges or limits on what gets moved. Their cancellation policy is vague: fees up to 80% of the cost may apply if you cancel within a certain window, but exact amounts aren’t disclosed upfront. Customer resources are limited too — no detailed Help Center, just a chatbot or email option. Finally, since Helpers must accept jobs, availability isn’t guaranteed until one does.
TaskRabbit
- ✅ What customers like: TaskRabbit offers the widest range of services beyond moving, including errands, furniture assembly, handyman work, and cleaning. Customers like being able to browse Taskers, compare rates, read reviews, and choose the right fit. You can also request labor-only help or a Tasker with a truck, depending on your job.
- ⚠️ What to keep in mind: Pricing depends heavily on the Tasker you pick, and many set hourly minimums that can make short moves more expensive. TaskRabbit does let you request a Tasker with a truck, but options vary — from cars to moving trucks— and it’s up to you to confirm if the vehicle is the right size for your move. That could mean extra back-and-forth with Taskers, and in some cases, delays if items don’t fit. While TaskRabbit vets Taskers (background checks, ID verification, and ranking system), reviews show that quality and reliability can still vary. Platform fees, hourly billing, and tipping expectations also make costs less transparent compared to flat-rate services.
Side-by-side estimate comparison: Lugg, Dolly, and TaskRabbit
To see how pricing stacks up across platforms, we ran a side-by-side estimate comparison in the Bay Area using the same pickup and drop-off addresses for each service. We tested three common scenarios:
- Store Delivery: Picking up 1–2 items (e.g., a dining table and coffee table from Williams-Sonoma) and delivering them about 1.5 miles to an apartment in San Francisco. Average time: ~1 hour.
- Small Apartment Move: Moving a one-bedroom apartment with around 10–11 items (sofa, bed frame, mattress, dining table, boxes, and more) about 18 miles from Oakland to San Francisco. Average time: ~2–3 hours.
- Full Home Move: Relocating a two-bedroom home with ~15 larger items (multiple beds, mattresses, couches, dining furniture, desks, and more) across the same route. Average time: ~4–5 hours.
Note: These figures are based on estimates available through each platform, combined with typical averages for how long moves of this size usually take. Actual costs may vary depending on location, distance, item count, and timing.
What we found
- Dolly: Flat-rate pricing looks simple upfront, but costs climb quickly as you add items — making larger moves significantly more expensive. Dolly can work for small, single-item deliveries, but even then, prices tend to be higher compared to Lugg. Another thing we noticed for store deliveries: the price doesn’t change by vehicle type, so you pay the same whether your job fits in a pickup or a box truck, which can feel limiting.
- TaskRabbit: Rates often seem competitive at first glance, but this depends heavily on the Tasker you choose. Bookings are typically for one person, so if your move requires two or more people, the cost can double. Customers also have to figure out if the Tasker has the right vehicle, supplies, or is available for your move, which adds another layer of uncertainty.
- Lugg: Delivered some of the most affordable and consistent estimates overall. Pricing is tied to vehicle size and labor time, with Luggers and a truck always included. For store deliveries, Lugg’s flat-rate pricing often came in lower than Dolly’s, and for residential moves, paying by the minute (instead of flat rate or hourly minimums) kept costs predictable. Customers also benefit from clear vehicle options upfront, so they know exactly what size truck and crew they’re getting.
👉 Overall takeaway: Dolly’s flat-rate pricing may feel simple, but for larger moves it becomes significantly more expensive. TaskRabbit offers flexibility, but costs and logistics vary widely by Tasker. Lugg provides a balance of both — with clear vehicle options, included movers, and flexible per-minute labor pricing that often comes in 30–60% lower than the alternatives.
Reviews & ratings
Testimonials & real customer experiences
What customers think of Lugg vs. TaskRabbit and Dolly
“Beats the competition! Lugg beats the heck out of Dolly on price and TaskRabbit on ease of scheduling. I will use it again and again!" by Zhenkitty (App Store)
“Used Lugg over Dolly for a quick fb marketplace furniture pickup, and it was almost $150 cheaper! The guys who came were really nice and moved all the parts and pieces really quickly and efficiently. Super glad I went with them and will definitely use them again if I make any other big furniture pickups!” by Stephanie R. (Google Maps)
“The app worked well for me. Dolly, which I used once before to hire help loading and unloading a truck I rented, was not working for two days, so I sought another service and found Lugg. I was able to book a truck and two movers to assist the same day. The price was what I'd expect and cheaper than the Bellhop quote. I could see the status of the movers as they drove over and could communicate via text. I'd use this again if I find myself needing moving help.” by Sam (Google Play)
What customers are saying about Dolly
“I was charged over two times the amount of my original quote. I would never use Dolly again.”
“The helper called saying he is on his way. He did not show..”
“Great, kind people. Above and beyond with a challenging staircase.”
“On time. Great attitude and a joy to work with!”
*Reviews pulled from Trustpilot.
What customers are saying about TaskRabbit
“Great communication, friendly service, came prepared.”
“Easy to use. However, the tasker cancelled the morning of and I didn't find out until 10 minutes before.”
“Lack of transparency for the final cost”
“Crazy high prices for their “trust fees” PER HOUR”
*Reviews pulled from Trustpilot.
Tipping: Lugg vs Dolly vs TaskRabbit
When it comes to moving help, many customers wonder if tipping is expected. Across all three apps, tipping is optional, but the way it’s handled — and what’s considered “standard” — can vary.
Lugg
- Tipping is never required, but it’s a common way to thank your crew.
- We suggest around 15%–20% of the total move as a guideline, but there’s no set amount — it really depends on what you’re comfortable with and the size of your job.
- Tips can be added directly in the app or on our website, and 100% goes to the Luggers, split equally among the crew.
- And if leaving a monetary tip isn’t possible, we also share ideas from our blog for other ways to show gratitude, like leaving a review or offering water during the move.
Dolly
- With Dolly, tipping is encouraged. Many customer guides suggest about $20 per Helper as a starting point.
- That said, Dolly doesn’t publish a clear tipping policy or best practices, so customers are often left guessing about what’s appropriate or whether tips are handled directly in the app.
TaskRabbit
- On TaskRabbit, tipping is optional but common. Customers can add a tip within 24 hours after a Tasker submits their invoice.
- Taskers keep 100% of the tip, but TaskRabbit caps tips at 25% of the task cost (anything higher requires contacting support).
- Because Taskers set their own hourly minimums and rates, tipping often becomes an expected add-on when customers want to reward good service.
When to use each service
- TaskRabbit: Great if you need someone to mount a TV or fix a leaky faucet, or even run errands like dropping off dry cleaning. TaskRabbit shines for handyman tasks and odd jobs that go beyond moving.
- Dolly: A good choice if you ordered a couch from a store and need it delivered to your apartment. Dolly is geared toward small moves and retail pickups, though the pricing details can feel less transparent.
- Lugg: Best when you need fast, reliable moving or delivery — whether you’re moving into a new apartment or picking up a Marketplace find. With Lugg, vetted movers and a truck are always included, and you can book in as little as 30 minutes for true on-demand service.
Final thoughts before you book
Comparing apps side by side makes it easier to understand how they work and what to expect before you book. Now that you know how pricing, availability, and support differ, you can choose the option that best fits your needs with confidence.
At Lugg, our goal is to make moving and delivery simple, transparent, and stress-free — whether you need help in 30 minutes or 30 days from now.
👉 Need something big moved today? Book Lugg in minutes — no truck rental, no stress.
FAQs
Q: Is Dolly owned by TaskRabbit?
A: Yes — Dolly was acquired by TaskRabbit in 2024 and now operates under their ownership.
Q: Does TaskRabbit own Lugg?
A: No — Lugg is completely independent. It’s a privately held, founder-owned and operated company, separate from TaskRabbit or Dolly.
Q: Do I need to rent a truck with Lugg?
A: No — Lugg always includes the truck and vetted movers, so you never have to rent separately.
Q: Can I get same-day movers with Lugg, Dolly, or TaskRabbit?
A: Lugg specializes in true on-demand moving, with movers often available in as little as 30 minutes. Dolly can provide same-day help, but usually in scheduled arrival windows (such as 2 hours) and only if a Helper accepts. TaskRabbit may offer same-day service depending on Tasker availability in your area.
Q: How much do Lugg, Dolly, and TaskRabbit cost?
A: Lugg shows your price upfront as soon as you enter your addresses. Dolly provides a flat-rate quote, but only after all booking details are entered, and it’s not always clear how add-ons or changes affect the total. TaskRabbit pricing varies by Tasker, often with hourly minimums set by Taskers.
Q: Are movers on Lugg, Dolly, and TaskRabbit professionals?
A: All three platforms use independent contractors. With Lugg, every “Lugger” is vetted for moving experience and require to carry supplies to help with moving, before joining the platform. Dolly requires Helpers and Hands to pass a background check, though publicly available information does not clearly state the full scope of training or vetting beyond that. TaskRabbit requires identity and background checks for Taskers and has policies around skills and tools, but task-level training and consistency can vary.
Q: Do you have to tip movers on Lugg, Dolly, or TaskRabbit?
A: Tipping is optional on all three apps, but it’s common, with 100% going to the movers.
Q: Do Lugg, Dolly, or TaskRabbit handle long-distance moves?
A: Lugg is designed for local and regional moves up to about 150 miles between pickup and drop-off in most areas. Dolly is primarily focused on local deliveries and small moves, not long-distance. TaskRabbit is also designed for local gigs and moving help. For cross-country moves, a traditional moving company is the better choice.
