Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Do Moving Companies Pack for You? Moving companies can pack your belongings, depending on the service level you choose.
- Full-service movers often include packing for an extra fee.
- Packing services usually include boxes, materials, labelling, fragile wrapping, and furniture disassembly.
- Movers avoid hazardous items, perishables, and valuables – these are your responsibility.
- Packing help is worth it if you’re short on time, moving long-distance, or have fragile items.
- Partial packing is an option – movers handle tricky items; you can pack the rest.
- Prepare by decluttering, labelling non-move items, and packing in a “first night” bag.
- Always stay available during packing for support.
- For long moves, consider car shipping services but check the reviews first.
- The choice depends on your budget, time, but stress tolerance is a factor too.
Do Moving Companies Pack for You? Let’s face it that moving is a pain. It doesn’t matter if you’re relocating across town or heading to a new state; the process always seems to involve more stress, more tape, and more forgotten items than expected. Somewhere around the third box of “miscellaneous kitchen stuff,” most people start asking the same question: Do moving companies pack for you?
The answer? Some professional packing services will do, some don’t. And some will, but only if you ask nicely and pay for it.
Let’s break this down so you can decide whether to hand off the packing duties to full service moving companies or keep hoarding those grocery store boxes.
So, Will Movers Actually Pack Up Your Stuff?
In short: yes, they can but it depends on the company. Plenty of full service moving companies offer packing as part of their repertoire, but it’s not a standard feature with every mover. Think of it like ordering a sandwich with basic bread and filling comes standard, but if you want avocado or extra cheese (aka packing and unpacking), that’s extra.
What this means for you: Ask early. Not all movers automatically include packing, and even if they do, you’ll want to know exactly what “packing” means to them.
What’s Usually Included When Movers Pack?
From my own experience, and a few moves that tested the limits of human endurance-here’s what most full-service movers bring to the table when packing is part of the plan:
- Boxes and Materials: The good stuff, too such as not flimsy boxes or sad tape.
- Room-By-Room Packing: Everything from bookshelves to bed linens.
- Bubble Wrap Galore: Fragile items get wrapped properly. No newspaper from 2007 involved.
- Furniture Breakdown: If your bed frame needs tools, they’ll handle it.
- Labelling: Well, ideally. Ask to be sure as it saves headaches later.
Do Moving Companies Pack for You? Some movers will even unpack on the other end, though I’ve found most people prefer to handle and pack the valuable items themselves unless they’re completely buried in to-do lists.
What Movers Don’t Pack (And Probably Shouldn’t)
Do Moving Companies Pack for You? This is where things get interesting. Even if you’re hiring help, there are still items you’ll be responsible for. Most movers won’t pack:
- Hazardous Stuff: Cleaning supplies, gas cans, paint, which means basically, anything that could explode or leak.
- Perishables: No movers want to deal with your fridge contents or that half-empty bottle of ketchup.
- Valuables: Documents, jewellery, cash, etc, you should keep those with you.
- If in doubt, ask for their “non-packable items” list. It’ll save you from confusion (and maybe an awkward conversation about your vintage wine collection). You can there be prepared beforehand your packing starts.
Is It Worth Paying Movers to Pack?
That’s the million-dollar (or hopefully just several hundred-dollar) question.
When it makes sense:
- You’re moving across state lines and dealing with logistics overload.
- You’re short on time or, frankly, energy.
- You’ve got fragile or expensive items you’d rather not trust to your own packing skills.
When I moved cross-country, I seriously considered packing everything myself, however, until I realized I’d have to fit that into evenings after work and weekends already spoken for. I ended up hiring pros, and not only did they pack faster, but they packed smarter. Everything arrived intact, and I didn’t have to carry a single box of books. Worth it.
And when it comes to long-distance moving companies, many of the professional packing services offer flexible packing options like some full service, some partial, etc., so it pays to shop around, compare the cost of packing services and find a mover that fits both your needs and your budget.
Can You Do a “Half-and-Half” Packing Plan?
Do Moving Companies Pack for You? You bet. Plenty of movers offer partial packing services, where they handle the tricky stuff like glassware, electronics, or that weirdly shaped floor lamp and you handle the easier stuff, like clothing or books. It’s a good compromise if you’re trying to save some money but still want help, then partial packing options are a smart choice.
I’ve done this myself, especially when moving with kids. Packing the entire house felt impossible, but I could at least manage the clothes and toys. The professional packing services handled the dishes and breakables, which saved a ton of time (and stress).
Preparing for Packing Day (Without Losing Your Mind)
Even with professional help, you’ll need to do a little prep work:
- Purge First: Don’t pay to move things you don’t even want.
- Label What Stays: Anything not meant for the truck? Mark it. Boldly.
- Pack a “First Night” Bag: Trust me that you don’t want to dig for pyjamas or toothbrushes.
- Be Available: The movers might have questions, and it’s better to be around than to get 12 calls mid-move.
Don’t Forget the Car
Here’s something that catches folks off guard: moving your car. If you’re relocating long-distance and don’t want to drive your vehicle yourself, there are reliable services out there to help. Before you book, take a minute to scan car shipping company reviews as this resourceful information will help you avoid overpaying or handing your keys to the wrong folks.
Final Word: To Pack or Not to Pack?
Do Moving Companies Pack for You? Here’s the deal: Moving companies can pack for you, but it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it, however, always check the cost of packing services. If you’ve got the time, energy, and friends willing to help (and accept pizza as payment), DIY might be fine. But if you want a smoother, faster move with less stress and fewer broken plates, letting the pros handle it might just be the smartest move you make.
Read More: Packing Hacks: Expert Tips for Protecting Your Belongings
FAQs on Do Moving Companies Pack for You
1. Do All Moving Companies Offer Packing Services?
Nope. Many do, especially full-service movers, but some only offer loading and transport. Always confirm.
2. What Won’t Movers Pack?
Hazardous materials, perishables, and personal valuables usually aren’t touched. These are on you to pack or toss.
3. Can I Pack Some Stuff Myself?
Of course. Many people prefer to pack personal items themselves and hire movers for fragile or bulky things.
4. How Much Does Packing Cost?
It depends on the size of your home and the amount of stuff. Some companies charge hourly, others by room. Get a few quotes and compare.