Do Movers Pack for You? What’s Included in Packing Services
Moving to a new home brings both excitement and stress. While you're looking forward to a fresh start, the thought of packing up your entire life into boxes can feel overwhelming. Many people wonder if they can hand this task over to the professionals who will be moving their belongings.
Yes, most professional moving companies do offer packing services as part of their moving packages. These services typically include supplying all packing materials, carefully wrapping and boxing your belongings, labeling all boxes, and preparing furniture and fragile items for safe transport. Full-service movers can pack your entire home, from the smallest kitchen utensil to large furniture pieces, saving you significant time and effort.
If you're considering hiring movers for your next relocation, understanding what's included in professional packing services can help you decide if this option is right for you. This article breaks down what to expect from movers' packing services, how much they typically cost, and tips for choosing the right service level for your specific needs.
What Professional Packing Services Include
Professional packing services cover more than just putting things in boxes. When movers come to pack your home, they bring knowledge that keeps your things safe.
Most packing services start with supplies. Movers bring strong boxes in many sizes. They bring bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and special covers for furniture. You don't need to buy or find these things yourself.
The workers know how to pack different items. They wrap dishes so they don't break. They fold clothes neatly. They take special care with things that can easily break, like glass and mirrors. They use the right size box for each item, making sure nothing gets crushed.
Standard Packing Materials Provided
Professional movers bring all the supplies needed to pack your home safely. Here's what they typically provide:
Moving boxes in different sizes, from small boxes for heavy items to big boxes for light things
Packing paper that wraps dishes, glasses, and other breakable items
Bubble wrap for extra protection of fragile items
Packing tape to seal boxes securely
Furniture blankets to protect your wooden and upholstered furniture
Plastic wrap to keep drawers closed and protect furniture
Special boxes for hanging clothes, pictures, mirrors, and TVs
Labels and markers to keep track of what's in each box
Having the right supplies matters. Professional movers know exactly what materials work best for different items. This helps your things arrive at your new home without damage.
The Packing Process
When packers arrive at your home, they follow a careful plan. First, they look at everything that needs packing. Then they decide which rooms to start with.
Most movers begin with rooms you don't use much, like a guest room or storage areas. They leave everyday rooms like the kitchen and bathroom for last. This way, you can still use these important spaces until moving day.
Packers work quickly but carefully. They wrap each item with the right materials. They pack boxes so things don't move around inside. They never make boxes too heavy to carry safely.
As they pack, they label each box with:
Which room it belongs to
What's inside
Whether the items are fragile
This careful labeling helps both during the move and when unpacking at your new home.
Different Levels of Packing Services
Moving companies offer different packing options to fit your needs and budget. You can choose how much or how little help you want.
Full Packing Services
With full packing services, movers pack everything you own. They handle your whole house from start to finish. This is the most complete service and includes:
Packing all belongings in every room
Taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled
Wrapping all furniture for protection
Loading everything onto the truck
Unpacking at your new home (if you choose this option)
Full packing saves you time and energy. Many busy people, older adults, or those moving on tight schedules choose this option.
Partial Packing Services
If you want to pack some things yourself, you might choose partial packing services. With this option, you decide which items or rooms the movers will pack.
Many people pack everyday items themselves but have movers handle:
Fragile items like china and glassware
Hard-to-pack items like artwork and mirrors
Electronics and expensive equipment
Awkward or heavy items
Partial packing costs less than full packing while still giving you help with the hardest items.
Fragile-Only Packing
Some moving companies offer fragile-only packing. This focuses just on items that can easily break. The movers pack your delicate belongings while you handle everything else.
This option works well if you:
Have time to pack most items yourself
Want to save money
Have valuable or sentimental breakables you're worried about
Fragile-only packing gives you peace of mind for your most precious items.
Benefits of Professional Packing Services
Having movers pack for you brings many benefits beyond just saving time. These advantages make packing services worth considering.
Time Savings
Packing an entire home takes many hours – often days or even weeks. Professional packers can finish in much less time because they work as a team and know efficient packing methods.
The time you save can be used for other important moving tasks like:
Transferring utilities
Updating your address
Saying goodbye to friends and neighbors
Cleaning your old home
Preparing your new home
For many people, this time saving alone makes professional packing worthwhile.
Proper Protection for Valuables
Professional packers know special techniques for wrapping and securing fragile items. They have packed thousands of homes and learned the best ways to prevent damage.
Movers use proper materials and methods for items like:
Fine china and crystal
Artwork and mirrors
Electronics and computers
Antiques and collectibles
Musical instruments
Their expertise significantly reduces the risk of damage during your move.
Reduced Stress
Moving ranks among life's most stressful events. Packing adds greatly to this stress. When professionals handle this task, your stress level drops dramatically.
You won't need to worry about:
Finding enough boxes and supplies
Learning how to pack correctly
Whether items will break during the move
Running out of time before moving day
Many people find this stress reduction alone makes professional packing services worthwhile.
Insurance Benefits
When movers pack your belongings, you often get better insurance coverage. Many moving companies offer more protection for items they pack themselves.
If something breaks during the move, having professional packing makes the claims process easier. The moving company takes more responsibility when their team did the packing.
Always ask about insurance options when getting quotes for packing services.
How Much Do Professional Packing Services Cost?
The cost of having movers pack for you varies based on several factors. Understanding these costs helps you budget for your move.
Factors That Affect Packing Costs
Several things determine how much you'll pay for packing services:
Home size: A larger home with more rooms costs more to pack
Amount of belongings: More items mean more packing materials and time
Service level: Full packing costs more than partial or fragile-only packing
Special items: Artwork, antiques, and other unique items might need special crating at extra cost
Your location: Prices vary in different cities and regions
Moving season: Prices often rise during busy summer months
Most moving companies offer free in-home estimates. This gives you the most accurate price for your specific situation.
Average Cost Ranges
While every move differs, here are some general price ranges for professional packing services:
Studio/1-bedroom apartment: $300-$800 for full packing
2-3 bedroom home: $1,000-$2,500 for full packing
4+ bedroom home: $2,000-$4,000+ for full packing
Partial packing services typically cost 25-50% less than full packing services. Fragile-only packing costs even less, often starting around $100-$300 depending on how many fragile items you have.
These prices usually include all packing materials and labor. Always confirm what's included when getting quotes.
Is Professional Packing Worth It?
Deciding whether to hire packers comes down to balancing costs against benefits. Here are some things to consider.
When Professional Packing Makes Sense
Professional packing services work well for many people, especially in these situations:
You have a busy work schedule with limited time for packing
You're moving on a tight timeline
You have many fragile or valuable items
You have physical limitations that make packing difficult
You're moving long-distance
Your employer is paying for relocation expenses
You have the budget for a less stressful move
In these cases, the benefits often outweigh the additional cost.
When to Pack Yourself
Packing yourself might make more sense if:
You're moving on a very tight budget
You have plenty of time before your move
You don't have many fragile items
You're moving a short distance
You enjoy organizing and don't mind the work
You want complete control over how things are packed
Many people choose a middle path – packing some items themselves and leaving the rest to professionals.
How to Prepare for Professional Packers
If you decide to hire packing services, these steps will help the process go smoothly.
Before the Packers Arrive
Take these steps before packing day:
Decide what you don't want to take to your new home
Donate, sell, or throw away unwanted items
Set aside things you'll pack yourself (like important documents)
Remove items from walls, attics, and storage spaces
Make a list of high-value items that need special care
Clean out refrigerator and defrost freezer if these are moving
Set aside items you'll need until moving day and right after arriving
Good preparation helps the packing team work efficiently when they arrive.
During the Packing Process
While the packers work, you should:
Be available to answer questions
Point out fragile or valuable items that need special attention
Keep children and pets away from packing areas
Check progress and provide guidance if needed
Keep important papers, medications, and valuables with you
Your presence helps ensure everything goes according to your wishes.
Choose Sunrise Movers for Expert Packing Services
If you're planning a move in the Gravois Mills area, Sunrise Movers offers complete packing and moving services to meet all your needs. Their professional team brings the expertise, materials, and care needed for a smooth relocation experience.
Sunrise Movers specializes in both local moving services and long-distance moves, with comprehensive packing options that can be customized to your specific situation. Their skilled packers use high-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Beyond packing, Sunrise Movers provides convenient storage solutions when you need them. Whether you need temporary storage during your move or longer-term options, their secure storage units offer peace of mind.
Don't let the stress of packing overwhelm you. Contact Sunrise Movers today for a free estimate and discover how their professional packing services can make your next move the easiest one you've ever experienced. With their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can focus on settling into your new home while they handle the hard work.