Packing can be one of the most overwhelming parts of moving. Between sorting through belongings, finding boxes, and protecting fragile items, it’s exhausting. The short answer is yes most professional moving companies offer packing services. But there’s a lot more to consider before you decide. In this guide, you’ll learn what packing services are available, how much they cost, the pros and cons, and a flexible alternative that can save you money. Let’s break it down.
Yes, Most Moving Companies Offer Packing Services
Most professional movers provide packing as part of their services. Here’s what you need to know.
Full-Service Packing: The Complete Hands-Off Solution
Professional packers handle everything from start to finish. They bring all materials, pack your entire home, label boxes, and create an inventory. This is the most comprehensive option available. You don’t lift a finger the team does all the work while you focus on other moving tasks. Most companies complete full-service packing in just 1-2 days, depending on your home size.
Partial Packing: Customize What Gets Professional Help
You choose which rooms or items they pack. Common choices include the kitchen, fragile items, or specific areas you don’t want to handle. This gives you more control while still getting professional help. It’s a popular middle-ground option that saves money compared to full-service packing. You can pack simple items like clothing and books yourself, then let the pros handle your dishes and valuables.
Fragile-Only Packing: Expert Care for Delicate Items
This focuses on delicate items like dishes, glassware, artwork, and antiques. Professional packers use specialized materials and techniques to protect your valuables. They have experience handling fragile items and know exactly how to wrap, cushion, and secure them. This option is perfect if you’re comfortable packing most items yourself but want expert help with breakables. You get peace of mind knowing your most delicate possessions are in experienced hands.
Unpacking Services: Settle Into Your New Home Faster
Many companies also unpack at your destination, place items in rooms, and remove packing materials. This helps you settle in faster. Instead of facing stacks of boxes for weeks, you can have a functional home in just days. The unpacking crew will place items on shelves, in cabinets, and in drawers based on your instructions. They’ll also haul away all the empty boxes and packing materials, leaving your new home clean and organized.
The reality is that professional packing saves time and stress. But it comes at a premium cost typically $800-$1,500 for an average home. You’ll also work on their schedule, not yours.
How Much Does Professional Packing Cost?
Professional packing isn’t cheap. Here’s what you can expect to pay.
Typical Pricing
Hourly Rates: $25-$60 per packer
Most companies send 2-4 packers. Your total depends on how many hours they work.
Average Costs by Home Size:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $300-$500
- 2-bedroom home: $500-$800
- 3-bedroom home: $800-$1,200
- 4+ bedroom home: $1,200-$1,800+
What Affects Cost
Several factors influence your final price:
- Home size and square footage
- Number of items to pack
- Fragile item quantity
- Timeline (rush service costs more)
- Access difficulties (stairs, elevators)
What’s Typically Included in the Price
Most packing services include all packing materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper. Labor costs are covered, along with box labeling and a basic inventory list. This means you don’t need to buy supplies or worry about having enough materials. The packers bring everything they need and handle all the organization. You get a complete packing solution without the hassle of gathering supplies yourself.
Additional Costs to Watch For
Watch for additional fees like custom crating for valuables ($100-$500 per item), same-day or emergency packing, long carry fees, and specialty item handling. Some companies charge extra if they need to carry items long distances from your door to the truck. Rush service or last-minute bookings typically cost 20-50% more than standard rates. Stairs, elevators, and difficult access can also add to your final bill. Always ask for a complete breakdown of potential extra charges before booking.
Bottom line: Professional packing typically adds $800-$1,500 to your moving costs. For many people, that’s a significant expense.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Packers
Let’s be honest, professional packing has real advantages.
Saves Massive Time
Professional teams pack a 3-bedroom home in 6-10 hours. If you packed yourself, it would take 2-3 weeks of evenings and weekends. That’s a huge time savings.
Expert Packing Techniques
Professional packers know how to protect fragile items, maximize box space, and prevent damage during transit. They’ve packed thousands of homes and know what works.
Better Materials
They use professional-grade boxes, heavy-duty tape, and quality packing materials. These protect better than retail supplies you’d buy at the store.
Reduced Physical Strain
No heavy lifting, bending, or climbing during packing. This prevents injury and exhaustion, especially important if you have physical limitations.
Insurance Coverage
Items packed by movers are typically covered under their insurance. Self-packed items often have limited coverage. This peace of mind is worth a lot.
Less Stress and Overwhelm
Hand off the most tedious part of moving. You can focus on other priorities like address changes, utilities, and saying goodbye to neighbors.
Drawbacks to Consider
Professional packing isn’t perfect. Here are the downsides you should know about.
The High Cost of Professional Packing
That $800-$1,500 cost is significant. It might not fit everyone’s budget, especially when added to other moving expenses. When you factor in the moving truck, fuel, insurance, and travel costs, professional packing can push your total moving bill over $3,000-$5,000. For families on a tight budget or first-time movers, this expense can be prohibitive. The cost is often equivalent to a month’s rent in many areas.
Less Control Over Organization
Packers organize items their way, not necessarily yours. You may struggle to find things later because they didn’t pack how you would have. They work quickly and efficiently, which sometimes means items from different areas get boxed together. Your carefully organized closet might end up mixed with random items from drawers. When unpacking, you might spend extra time searching for specific items because the labeling doesn’t match your mental map of where things should be.
Limited Scheduling Flexibility
You need to book 2-4 weeks ahead. There’s limited flexibility if your plans change. Peak season availability can be tight. If your closing date gets pushed back or your lease ends early, rescheduling can be difficult and expensive. Moving companies often charge cancellation fees or rescheduling penalties. During summer months (peak moving season), you might not find any available slots at all on short notice.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Strangers will handle your personal belongings. Some people feel uncomfortable with this, especially with private items. Professional packers will go through closets, drawers, and personal spaces throughout your home. While most movers are trustworthy and background-checked, you’re still allowing unknown people access to intimate areas of your life. Items like clothing, personal documents, medications, and private collections will all be handled by the packing crew.
Fast Packing Can Mean Less Care
Teams work quickly to finish in one day. Sometimes items get thrown together rather than carefully organized. When packers are paid by the job rather than the hour, speed becomes the priority. Your winter sweaters might end up in the same box as kitchen utensils. Fragile items might not get the individual attention they need. The focus is on efficiency over perfection, which can lead to a messier unpacking process later.
Keep in mind: These drawbacks don’t mean professional packing is bad just that it’s not right for everyone.
What Movers Won’t Pack
Even professional packers have limits. Here’s what they won’t handle.
Hazardous Materials
Movers can’t pack paint, chemicals, solvents, gasoline, propane tanks, batteries, aerosols, or cleaning products. These are safety hazards.
Perishables
Food (fresh, frozen, or refrigerated), plants, and anything that spoils won’t be packed. These could create problems during transit.
Valuables and Documents
Cash, jewelry, collectibles, passports, birth certificates, financial records, and prescription medications should stay with you.
Other Exclusions
Firearms and ammunition, pets, and illegal items are never packed by moving companies.
Why? Safety regulations, liability concerns, and legal requirements prevent movers from packing these items. You’ll need to handle them yourself regardless of which packing option you choose.
DIY Packing: When It Makes Sense
Professional packing isn’t your only option. Many people pack themselves successfully.
Best For
DIY packing works well if you have a tight budget (save $800-$1,500), enjoy organizing and control, have 2-3 weeks before moving, don’t have many fragile items, or prefer privacy during packing.
What You’ll Need
Essential Supplies:
- Moving boxes (small, medium, large)
- Packing paper and bubble wrap
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Furniture blankets
You can get supplies at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, moving supply stores, U-Haul, or get free boxes from grocery stores.
Basic Packing Tips
Start Early: Begin 2-3 weeks before moving day. Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll be stressed.
Pack Room by Room: Complete one room before starting another. This keeps things organized and makes unpacking easier.
Label Everything Clearly: Write the room destination and general contents on all sides of boxes. You’ll thank yourself later.
Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items: Books, tools, and canned goods go in small boxes. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to lift safely.
Don’t Overfill Boxes: Leave some space at the top. Overstuffed boxes burst open during moves.
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to choose between all or nothing. Many people use a hybrid approach.
How It Works
Pack standard items yourself and hire professionals for the challenging stuff.
What to Pack Yourself:
- Clothing and linens
- Books, magazines, media
- Office supplies
- Toys and games
- Bathroom items (non-fragile)
What Pros Should Pack:
- Kitchen (dishes, glassware)
- Artwork and mirrors
- Electronics and TVs
- Antiques and collectibles
- Lampshades and delicate décor
The Benefits
You save 50-70% compared to full-service packing. You do the easy stuff, they handle the hard parts. The cost drops significantly. You maintain some control over your clothing, books, and personal items organizing them exactly how you want. But you get expert help where it matters most, with professional packing for fragile items reducing damage risk.
Plus, you have a flexible timeline. Pack your items over 2-3 weeks at your own pace. Then schedule pros for one day to handle fragile items.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Packers
If you decide to hire professional packers, ask these questions first.
Essential Questions
- What’s included in your packing service cost?
- Do you provide all packing materials?
- How many packers will you send to my home?
- What’s the estimated timeline for packing?
- Which items do you not pack?
- What happens if something breaks during packing?
- Do you offer partial packing services?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can I see references or recent reviews?
- What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Get It in Writing
Always get a written estimate that includes services covered, materials provided, timeline and schedule, total cost breakdown, and cancellation terms. This protects you from surprises.
How to Prepare for Professional Packers
If packers are coming, prepare your home first. Start by decluttering and donating unwanted items 1-2 weeks ahead. Set aside valuables, documents, and medications in a “do not pack” area. The day before, clear pathways to all rooms and secure pets in a safe area. Disconnect appliances and empty trash cans. On packing day, be present for the initial walkthrough. Point out special items or instructions, ask questions as they work, and review the inventory before they leave.
Portable Storage Containers: A Flexible Alternative
Here’s an option most people don’t know about and it can save you significant money.
How Portable Storage Works
A weather-resistant container gets delivered directly to your home. You pack at your own pace days, weeks, even months. When you’re ready, the company picks it up and either stores it or delivers it to your new location.
The Key Difference
Traditional Packing:
- Expensive hourly labor ($800-$1,500+)
- Pack everything in 1-2 rushed days
- Work on their schedule
- Strangers handling your belongings
Portable Storage:
- No hourly packing charges
- Pack at your own comfortable pace
- Work on your schedule
- Complete privacy and control
Why This Works
Save Money: You eliminate $800-$1,500 in packing labor costs. You only pay for the container rental.
Pack at Your Pace: Take 2-3 weeks to pack properly. No rushing, no stress, no pressure. Pack when it’s convenient for you.
Complete Control: Organize everything exactly how you want. Know where every item is located.
Flexible Timeline: Moving date changed? No problem. Keep the container as long as you need without penalties.
Storage Option: If you’re between homes, the container can be stored securely until you’re ready for delivery.
Optional Loading Help: Need assistance with heavy furniture? Many companies offer loading services without charging for full packing.
Perfect For
Portable storage is ideal for budget-conscious movers, people between homes, renovation projects, anyone who wants flexibility, DIY packers who need storage, and those who value privacy and control.
STOMO: Portable Storage Made Easy
If the portable storage approach sounds right for you, STOMO makes it simple.
How STOMO Works
Step 1: We Deliver
A weather-resistant container arrives at your property. We place it exactly where you want it.
Step 2: You Pack at Your Pace
Take as long as you need. Pack during evenings, weekends, or whenever works for you. There’s no pressure or deadline.
Step 3: We Pick Up When Ready
Call when you’re finished packing. We’ll retrieve the container on your schedule.
Step 4: Storage or Delivery
We can store your container securely or deliver it directly to your new home. You choose what works best.
Step 5: Unpack on Your Timeline
Unpack at your own comfortable pace. No rush to empty everything in one day.
Optional Professional Help
MOVEMO Loading Services Available
If you need help with heavy furniture or appliances, our MOVEMO team provides professional loading assistance. You get DIY savings with expert help where you need it.
Why Choose STOMO
We offer flat-rate pricing with no hourly surprises. Our containers are weather-resistant and secure. We’re a family-owned, local service with flexible rental periods. Climate-controlled storage is available, and we provide ground-level access for easy loading.
Ready to save money and pack at your pace? Get your free quote today.
Making the Right Decision for Your Move
So, do moving companies pack for you? Yes but it’s not your only option.
Choose Professional Packing If
Your budget allows for $800-$1,500 extra, you have very limited time, physical limitations prevent DIY packing, you have many valuable fragile items, or you prefer a completely hands-off move.
Choose DIY with Portable Storage If
You want to save significant money, you have 2-3 weeks to pack, you prefer control and organization, you value privacy during packing, you need flexible moving dates, or you’re between homes and need storage.
The bottom line: Evaluate your budget, timeline, and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but now you have all the information to decide what’s best for your situation.
Conclusion
Yes, most moving companies pack for you, but it costs $800-$1,500 and you work on their schedule. Alternatives exist. DIY packing saves money but takes time. Portable storage containers offer a middle ground where you pack at your own pace, save on labor costs, and maintain complete control.
Need a flexible, affordable solution? STOMO’s portable storage containers let you pack right and move on your schedule. We serve Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas across South Carolina. Get your free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all moving companies offer packing services?
No. Traditional full-service movers typically offer packing, but not all companies do. Always ask specifically about packing services when getting quotes. Some companies only provide moving and loading services.
How much does professional packing cost?
Professional packing typically costs $800-$1,500 for an average 3-bedroom home. Costs depend on home size, number of items, and how many fragile items you have. Get written estimates from multiple companies.
Can I pack some rooms and have movers pack others?
Yes, this is called partial packing. You can choose specific rooms or items for professional packing while handling the rest yourself. This typically costs $300-$800 and is a popular middle-ground option.
What if movers break something they packed?
Items packed by the moving company are typically covered under their insurance or valuation coverage. Items you pack yourself often have limited or no coverage. Always clarify coverage details before your move.
How long does it take movers to pack a house?
Professional packers usually take 6-10 hours for a 3-bedroom home with a team of 3-4 people. Larger homes may require 1-2 full days. Smaller apartments might only take 3-4 hours.