What Does It Mean When Moving Companies Pack for You?
When a moving company offers to pack for you, it means they offer a level of service that goes beyond simply transporting your belongings. Full-service movers like Joey’s Movers can handle everything from carefully wrapping and boxing your items to loading, transporting, and even unpacking at your new home. This approach transforms the moving experience from a weeks-long ordeal into a professional, streamlined process that lets you be hands-off and stress-free.
Why Packing Services Are Popular
Moving companies that pack for you have become increasingly popular. The reason is simple: Households are endlessly busy, and people recognize that their time is valuable. Packing services are particularly popular among professionals with demanding careers, families juggling multiple responsibilities, and seniors who may find the physical and emotional demands of packing up years of belonging and memories challenging. Additionally, for those relocating valuable artwork, antiques, or fragile electronics, it is often preferable to arrange for expert handling that minimizes the risk of damage during transit.
What Services Do Moving Companies That Pack for You Offer?
Full-Service Packing
With full-service packing, movers arrive with all the supplies needed for your specific job, and then systematically pack every item in your home. This comprehensive approach includes wrapping furniture, boxing smaller items, disassembling larger pieces when needed, and clearly labeling everything for easy identification later when it’s time to unpack. For many busy households, having professionals handle the entire packing process represents the ultimate convenience.
Partial Packing Services
For those with budget constraints or who prefer to pack certain personal items themselves, partial packing services offer an excellent middle ground. You can hire professionals to pack specific rooms like the kitchen and dining room with their numerous fragile items or just the living room with its electronics and decorative pieces, leaving bedrooms and personal belongings for you to do yourself. This hybrid approach balances cost savings with professional expertise where it matters most.
Custom Crating for Fragile/High-Value Items
Specialty items require extra attention and protection. Many packing and moving companies offer custom crating services for high-value possessions, including artwork, antiques, large mirrors, chandeliers, and sensitive electronics. These custom-built wooden crates provide superior protection compared to standard boxes and ensure that your most precious items arrive undamaged.
Unpacking Services
The convenience of professional packing services can extend to your destination. Many full-service movers will unpack your belongings and place them in the locations you’ve designated throughout your new home. Some companies even remove all packing materials afterward, saving you from dealing with mountains of cardboard and wrapping paper.
Is It Worth It to Have Movers Pack for You?
Pros of Professional Packing
Time Savings: Perhaps the most obvious advantage of hiring moving companies that pack for you is the tremendous time savings. What might take you weeks to complete can be finished by a professional team in just a day or two. For busy professionals or parents, the time-saving benefit alone can justify the additional cost.
Expert Protection: Professional packers use specific techniques that secure everything from everyday dishes to valuable electronics. They know which items require double-boxing, how to properly wrap furniture, and the methods that prevent damage during transit.
Convenience: When movers pack for you, they bring all the necessary supplies for your specific job. There are no last-minute runs to the store for more tape or bubble wrap. This convenience extends through the entire process, from initial packing to final placement in your new home.
Cons to Consider
Cost: Professional packing services do add to your overall moving budget. Depending on your home size, you could be looking at several hundred to several thousand dollars in additional expenses.
Loss of Control: Some people prefer to pack certain sentimental or extremely valuable items themselves. When professionals handle everything, you relinquish some control over how these items are handled.
Who Benefits Most from Packing Services?
Professional packing services provide value for:
- Families with young children who lack time for comprehensive packing
- Seniors who may find packing physically challenging
- Those relocating luxury or high-value items requiring special handling
- Individuals facing time-sensitive relocations due to job changes or closing dates
Can I Pay Movers to Pack My Stuff?
Yes — Most Full-Service Moving Companies Offer Packing
Most established moving companies offer professional packing as either a standalone service or as part of a comprehensive moving package. Industry leaders like Joey’s Movers, Mayflower, United Van Lines, Two Men and a Truck, and All My Sons all provide various levels of packing assistance to meet different needs and budgets.
Let the pros handle your move from packing to transportation to unpacking. Call (847) 674-7779 or request your free personalized quote from Joey’s Movers today!
What’s Included in Professional Packing Services?
When you hire moving companies that pack for you, the packing services typically include:
- All necessary packing supplies (boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, labels)
- Systematic room-by-room packing with clear labeling
- Special protection for fragile items
- Furniture disassembly when necessary
- Detailed inventory lists of packed items
How Much Does It Cost to Have Movers Pack for You?
Cost Breakdown
The cost of professional packing varies significantly based on several factors:
- For local moves, expect to pay between $300 and $1,000+ for packing services, depending on your home size.
- For long-distance relocations, full-service packing costs typically start around $1,000 and can exceed $2,000 for larger homes.
Factors That Affect Packing Costs
Several elements influence the final price of professional packing:
- Home size and overall volume of possessions
- Quantity of fragile or specialty items requiring extra attention
- Whether packing materials are included or charged separately
- Your geographic location and local labor costs
- The distance of your move and overall complexity
Is Packing Insurance Included?
Most packing and moving companies offer basic valuation coverage, which provides minimal protection based on item weight. For valuable possessions, consider purchasing additional third-party insurance that provides full replacement value coverage. Things can break despite professional packing, and this supplemental protection ensures you’re fully covered.
Do Movers Box Things Up for You?
Yes — They Provide All Packing Materials
When you ask, “Do movers pack for you?” the answer includes supplying all necessary materials. Professional movers arrive with an assortment of box sizes, specialty containers, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and labels. They’re prepared to properly package everything from kitchen flatware to bulky comforters.
Custom Crating Available for Delicate Items
For especially valuable or fragile possessions, professional movers offer custom crating services. Items commonly requiring this level of protection include:
- Original artwork and valuable paintings
- Antique furniture
- Large mirrors and glass tabletops
- Musical instruments
- Chandeliers and other fragile lighting fixtures
How They Pack for Maximum Protection
Professional packers employ techniques refined through experience:
- Using double-walled boxes for heavier items
- Creating cushioning layers with packing paper or bubble wrap
- Filling empty spaces to prevent shifting during transit
- Applying appropriate pressure when taping to ensure boxes maintain structural integrity
- Strategic loading that places heavier items at the bottom of stacks
How to Choose the Right Moving Company That Packs for You
Look for Experience in Full-Service Moves
When selecting moving companies that pack for you, prioritize those with extensive experience in comprehensive relocations. Look for companies that specifically highlight their packing expertise, especially if you have specialty items that require extra careful handling.
Ask About What’s Included
Before committing, clarify exactly what’s covered in your packing service:
- Are all packing materials included in the quoted price?
- Will they disassemble furniture as needed?
- Does the service include unpacking at your destination?
- How do they handle particularly valuable or fragile items?
Compare Costs & Read Reviews
Obtain quotes from multiple providers to establish a reasonable price range for your specific needs. Look beyond the bottom line to consider what each quote includes. It’s also a good idea to look at customer reviews on social media platforms, paying particular attention to comments about packing quality and how companies handled any damage claims.
Moving Companies That Pack for You vs. DIY Packing
Cost Comparison
DIY Packing:
- Material costs only (typically $200-$500 for a two-bedroom home)
- Time investment of 3-7+ days for most households
- Potential savings of $300-$2,000+ compared to professional services
Professional Packing:
- Combined costs for labor, materials, and expertise
- Higher initial expense but minimal time investment
- Potential for better protection, potentially saving money on damaged items
Convenience Factor
DIY Packing:
- Requires substantial time commitment over multiple days or weeks
- Physical labor can be exhausting and stressful
- Finding and purchasing appropriate packing materials
Professional Packing:
- Completed in 1-2 days for most homes
- No physical strain or stress from packing
- All materials provided and excess removed afterward
Risk & Quality Control
DIY Packing:
- Higher risk of improper packing leading to damage
- Limited knowledge of proper techniques for specialty items
- Inconsistent box packing may lead to moving day challenges
Professional Packing:
- Trained in proper techniques for all item types
- Consistent, organized approach that facilitates easier unpacking
- Often includes liability coverage for damaged items
FAQs
Is it worth it to have movers pack for you?
For people who are time-constrained, managing busy households, or relocating valuable items, professional packing services are absolutely worth the investment. The time savings alone—often multiple days of work—can justify the cost for busy professionals.
Can I pay movers to pack my stuff?
Yes, most established moving companies offer professional packing services either as standalone options or as part of comprehensive moving packages. You can typically choose between full-service packing or partial packing based on your needs and budget.
How much does it cost to have movers pack for you?
For a local move, professional packing typically costs between $300 and $1,000+ depending on home size. For long-distance relocations, expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000+ for full packing services. The final price depends on your home size, item quantity, and location.
Do movers box things up for you?
Yes, when you hire packing services, movers bring all necessary boxes and materials to properly pack your belongings. They handle everything from wrapping delicate items to boxing up books and clothing, properly securing each box for safe transport.
Final Packing Tips
When deciding between DIY packing and hiring, consider your specific circumstances. Professional packing services offer tremendous value for those with time constraints, physical limitations, or valuable possessions requiring expert handling. While they add to your moving budget, the convenience, time savings, and reduced stress can make professional packing well worth the investment.
To maximize value when hiring packing professionals:
- Declutter before movers arrive to avoid paying to pack items you don’t need
- Consider hybrid approaches where you pack personal items and leave specialty or fragile items to professionals
- Schedule packing services close to your move date to minimize time living among boxes
- Communicate any special requirements or concerns before packing begins
Want to learn more? Contact Joey’s Movers to explore how their expert packing and moving services can make your move effortless! Call us today at (847) 674-7779 or get a free online quote.
