Do Moving Companies Pack for You?

Hectic schedules and long to-do lists make it hard for most people to make the time—or even have the energy—to pack up their home for a move. Naturally, then a question arises: Can a moving company pack your stuff for you?

The answer is yes, most moving companies offer packing services and will pack for you, depending on the moving package you paid for. Full-service moving companies handle everything from packing to transporting and even unpacking your items. However, these services can cost a pretty penny, leaving many to opt for partial packing services or DIY moves.

Regardless of whether you pack your home yourself or hire a company, don’t rely on flimsy cardboard boxes to get the job done. Plastic moving boxes from Stack Moves are an affordable way to protect your belongings, and reduce waste. Ready for a stress-free move? Check out our service areas here.

With that in mind, this blog will cover whether movers will pack for you, what they’ll pack, and factors you should consider before paying for their services.

Do Moving Companies Pack for You?

Yes, many moving companies offer packing services either as part of a comprehensive moving package or as an optional add-on. It all depends on whether you’re working with a full-service or self-service moving company.

Full-service movers typically handle every part of the move, and if you’re looking for a stress-free experience, this can be a convenient option. On the other hand, a self-service moving company focuses strictly on transportation. They do not help with packing, loading, or unloading your items. A self-service option is generally more budget-friendly and gives you full control over how your items are packed.

Ultimately, whether you go full-service or self-service depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level with outsourcing the packing process.

Types of Packing Services

When it comes to moving, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to pack your belongings yourself (DIY packing) or to hire movers. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. There are different types of packing services to fit a range of needs and budgets.

1. DIY Packing

For DIY packing, you get to save costs as you’re packing your belongings yourself and avoiding the fees associated with getting professional movers. You also have control over how things are organized and packed. 

However, DIY packing is a time-consuming process and can be stressful, especially when juggling it with other responsibilities. Moreover, there is a higher risk of damage during transport when you do not have proper knowledge of packing techniques. Professional movers have the right materials and knowledge to pack your belongings securely, especially delicate or fragile items that need extra care.

2. Full-Service Packing

Opting for a professional moving company is a convenient option because it optimizes efficiency and speed. Hiring movers who are experts is a safe option as they have access to high-quality packing materials and have expertise in packing techniques. 

But, it’s not the first choice for people, as getting a professional moving service is more expensive. It also gives you less personal control over how items are organized and packed. Understandably, some people may also feel uneasy about strangers handling their personal belongings or may prefer to organize their items in a specific way that only they can achieve.

If you’re unsure whether to go for DIY packing or hire professionals, we recommend you take all factors like budget, time constraints, stress levels, volume and type of belongings, physical ability, etc. into consideration before making your decision.

3. Partial Packing Service

Partial packing services offer a much-needed middle ground between DIY and full-service moves. With this service, you can pack most of your household items yourself, but leave specific rooms, items, or categories to the professionals.

It’s a great way to remain involved in the moving process while outsourcing the most time-consuming or fragile tasks. We recommend this option for people who are comfortable doing the packing themselves but would like some professional help for specialty or breakable items. Partial moving services can also be more affordable than full-service packing while still offering the benefit of professional handling where it counts.

How Do Packing Services Work?

The process often begins with an initial consultation or assessment. Here, a representative from the moving company visits your home to conduct an inventory of your belongings and understand the scope of the packing needs. This step is crucial for determining how much stuff you have, identifying fragile items, bulky furniture, valuable items, and any specialty items that may require extra care.

Based on the initial assessment, the movers will create a customized packing plan to take into account the nature and sensitivity of your items. They have a responsibility to ensure that everything from your personal items to large appliances and important documents is accounted for and will be packed appropriately.

Naturally, the size of your home and the number of items being packed will influence the duration of your move. On average, it takes around 2-4 hours to pack a studio apartment, while a 2 or 3-bedroom home might take 6-10 hours. Larger homes could take a full day or more.

On the designated moving day(s), the moving crew arrives with all necessary packing materials. This includes boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, and other supplies designed to protect your belongings during the move. If the moving company you hire cannot provide these packing materials, don’t forget to reach out to Stack Moves for affordable, eco-friendly, and sustainable moving boxes.

These professional local movers will then execute the packing plan, systematically packing your belongings. They have the expertise to handle everything from general household items to specific services for bulky items, fragile pieces, and high-value goods in a way that maximizes space and minimizes the risk of damage.

Every box and item packed by the moving company will be clearly labeled with its contents and the room it belongs to. This labeling is an essential part of inventory management, ensuring that everything is accounted for and making the unpacking process at your new home more organized.

Once everything is packed, a final inventory check will be done to verify that all items are packed and listed correctly, ensuring nothing is left behind. The inventory list serves as a record for both the moving company and you, providing peace of mind that all your belongings are well-protected and will make it to the final destination.

With everything packed and inventoried, the next step is loading your belongings onto the moving truck. These movers are skilled in loading items efficiently and safely, ensuring that your boxes and furniture are secured for transport.

Some movers also offer unpacking services at your new home. But keep in mind not to expect this service from all movers. This can include placing furniture in the designated rooms, removing items from boxes, and disposing of packing materials, further easing the transition to your new space.

Is It Worth Paying for Packers?

Paying for packing services might be a fairly pricey add-on cost, but it’s important to remember that these packers will be taking a significant responsibility off your plate. Not only will you be saving a lot of time and energy, but these professionals with the right know-how to handle fragile and bulky items will ensure your items arrive safely at their new destination. So, carefully consider which you value more: your money or your time, energy, and peace of mind.

Will Movers Move Things Not in Boxes?

Although movers can move items that aren’t boxed, it’s best to properly pack your belongings in a sturdy and well-labeled box. Items left unboxed can shift during transport, increasing the risk of damage or even injury to the movers.

That said, not everything will fit neatly into a box. In these cases, the items will get wrapped in moving blankets or protective padding instead to prevent any damage during transit before they are moved unboxed.

Some items that movers will generally move unboxed are:

• Furniture like couches and chairs
• Bicycles
• Skis
• Bed frames
• Large rugs
• Large garden tools and toolboxes

Note that many moving companies expect large, fragile items like mirrors to be properly packed before they will agree to move them. To avoid any unwelcome surprises on moving day, always check with the moving company to ensure they accept any loose items you have.

What Won’t Movers Pack and Move?

Due to safety hazards and interstate regulations, there are a few items movers will not move, including:

• Guns and ammunition
• Liquor
• Any kind of compressed gas
• Live plants or animals
• Fireworks and other potential explosives

Moving companies often have their own lists of items they can’t move, so make sure you check beforehand.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Packing Services

Choosing the right packing service for your move requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you get the best out of the service.

Cost

Cost is one of the biggest factors to consider when hiring movers. The cost of packing services generally depends on the volume of items you need to pack and how complex they are to pack. Your packing materials can also drive up the cost of your move. To cut down on packing expenses, consider renting reusable moving bins. These rental packages often come with other packing supplies as well like labels and dollies.

In addition, the number of movers needed and the time it takes to pack your home are also factored into the service cost. Larger homes or a significant number of items will require more labor, impacting the price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price or ask for discounts, especially if you are moving during the off-peak season or you have multiple services for which you’re hiring the company.

Insurance Coverage

Professional moving companies usually offer different levels of liability coverage for your goods. Basic coverage is often included, but you may want to consider purchasing additional valuation coverage for peace of mind, especially for high-value items. Items packed by the movers are generally covered under their insurance policy. However, items you pack yourself might not be covered or could have limited coverage. So, it’s important to understand the policy details.

Online Reviews and Testimonials

To choose the right movers for a professional packing service, you should start with online research to find movers with good reputations. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their satisfaction levels with the company’s services. 

If possible, get recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with professional movers. Personal referrals are usually helpful in finding a reliable service provider. It also comes in handy to choose a company that communicates clearly about its pricing structure, services offered, and insurance coverage. They should be willing to answer all your questions and address any concerns you have.

Licenses & Certifications

Also, check if the moving company has any industry certifications or affiliations with reputable organizations. Memberships in organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) can indicate a commitment to industry standards. In addition, reputable companies will offer to conduct an in-home estimate or a virtual survey to assess your packing needs and provide a more accurate quote. Be wary of companies that give a low estimate without seeing your home or the items you need to pack.

Preparing for Professional Packers

By following these steps, you can create a smoother and more efficient moving process for both you and the professional movers. Preparing your home for packing services not only helps protect your belongings but also allows you to start your move on the right foot, leading to a more organized and less stressful transition.

1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead is a critically important part of any move. Begin by sorting through your belongings and deciding what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter and reduce the volume of items to be packed, which can also lower your moving costs. Then, organize your items into categories. This makes it easier for movers to group items together and can help you keep track of your belongings throughout the moving process.
2. Sort Your Items: The next step is to identify items that require special attention or are not to be packed. They could be artwork, antiques, fragile items, etc. Once they are identified, inform the moving company about these items in advance so that they can prepare the necessary materials. Also, ask your movers for their list of non-allowable items so you can make alternative arrangements.
3. Pack Your Valuable and Important Documents: Although the movers will handle most of the packing, you should pack important documents and valuables yourself. This includes passports, birth certificates, legal papers, family heirlooms, jewelry, prescription medications, and sensitive electronics.
4. Make It Easy to Access: When the movers arrive on the moving day, ensure there is clear access to your home for the movers. Remove any obstacles that could hinder the moving process, and provide a walkthrough of your home to highlight items that need special attention or are not to be packed.

Get Boxes From Stack Moves

The choice between DIY packing and hiring movers often comes down to factors such as the complexity of the move, time constraints, budget, and the value and fragility of the items being moved.

Moving can be overwhelming, but hiring professional movers can significantly reduce that stress. However, for those who prefer a more hands-on approach or are working within a tighter budget and want to save money, DIY packing can be a viable option.

Renting eco-friendly moving boxes is a practical and environmentally friendly choice for DIY packers. These sturdy, reusable boxes offer superior protection compared to traditional cardboard boxes and can be easily stacked, saving space and making the moving process more organized.

If you’re leaning towards DIY packing, consider renting eco-friendly boxes to secure your belongings efficiently and sustainably. Not only will you be making a more environmentally conscious choice, but you’ll also benefit from the convenience and durability these boxes offer. Contact Stack Moves today for these packing supplies.

FAQs 

What Do Moving Companies Do?

Moving companies help people and businesses move their belongings from one location to another. Their services include packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and even unpacking your items. Their goal is to take away the stress that comes with moving by handling the heavy lifting and logistics.

Can Movers Pack for You?

Yes, they can. Full-service moving companies handle everything from boxing up and wrapping your belongings to unloading them at your new address. Some companies also offer partial packing services, where they pack only certain rooms or fragile items.

Is It Worth It to Have Movers Pack for You?

Yes, it is worth it to have movers pack for you as it makes the moving process hassle-free. It also gives you time to focus on other things.

How Much Does a Moving Company Charge to Pack?

Packing services can range anywhere from about $200 to around $2,500. The price depends on your total belongings, your location, whether the packers charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, and other factors.

Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes?

Many moving companies provide boxes. However, there is often an additional fee to do so. Before hiring movers and asking them to bring boxes, ask for an estimate and decide whether you would prefer to provide your own boxes.

A safe move is to get high-quality plastic bins from Stack Moves. These containers will save you money, protect your items, and eliminate the hassle of cardboard. When you rent plastic moving containers from us, we’ll deliver them right to your door.

Do I Need to Buy Packing Materials?

Typically, full-service movers will bring their own materials. If you want to provide your own packing materials, make sure to check with the movers ahead of time.

Where Do You Get Boxes for Moving?

You can find moving boxes at hardware stores, retail stores, and even online marketplaces. Some people also look for free boxes through local community groups or grocery stores. A more affordable and eco-friendly alternative is renting reusable plastic moving boxes.

Do You Pack Before the Movers Come?

This depends on the type of services you booked. If you hire full-service movers, you won’t have to do much except pack some essential items you’d prefer to pack yourself, like important documents and valuables.

But if you’re working with a partial packing service or your movers handle only transportation, then you’ll need to pack your items in advance. Always confirm with the moving company what they’ll be responsible for so you can prepare accordingly and avoid any last-minute confusion.

How Do I Prepare for Movers Coming to Pack?

You prepare for movers by ensuring there is clear access for when they arrive. You should also pre-pack your essentials.