When and How to Hire Packers for Moving

Unpack the benefits of hiring a professional packer for your upcoming move

A woman having fun with her dog while packing moving boxes
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images
A woman having fun with her dog while packing moving boxes
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images
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Between boxing delicate dishware and consolidating the contents of your closet, packing for a move can be time-consuming and stressful. Hiring packers for moving can literally lighten your load and make your moving experience more enjoyable. If you’re sorting out the details for an upcoming move, here’s who you can hire to pack your belongings.  

Benefits of Hiring Professional Packers for Your Upcoming Move

Professional packing services can ensure your items make it to their destination in the most efficient and organized manner possible. While it can be costly, the benefits of hiring a professional packer may outweigh the price, depending on your situation. Some advantages include: 

  • Minimal risk of damaged items: It’s important to pack fragile items strategically so they won't break during the move. Professional packers are trained and highly skilled at packing items in the most safe, efficient way.  

  • Saves time: Packing up an entire home is a tedious process that often takes several days or weeks. With their expertise, packing pros can pack up your belongings quickly, freeing up your time to handle other important tasks. 

  • Reduces stress: Packing for a move puts strain on your body and mind. By hiring a packing pro, you can avoid lifting heavy items and the emotional burden of packing. 

  • Provided moving supplies: Professional packers come equipped with high-quality equipment and packing supplies. This perk will spare you the trouble of buying moving boxes and bubble wrap. 

Can I DIY Packing for a Move?

If you’re willing to devote time and energy, it’s possible to pack for a move without hiring a pro. Success lies in knowing how to pack for a move. With the right supplies, a strategic packing plan, and perhaps the help of loved ones, you can chip away at the task—room by room until the job is complete. To make the task easier, consider decluttering and getting rid of non-essential items before you begin packing. You’ll also want to start packing up well before your scheduled move date to avoid the stress of packing up your entire home at the last minute. 

However, if you find yourself in a time crunch or want to save your energy for other moving-related matters, packing services typically cost $1,000 on average. Your price will depend on the amount and type of belongings, home’s location, and time provided for packing. 

Can I Hire a Mover for Packing? 

A sunny room filled with cardboard boxes while moving out
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images

While some professional movers will only load and transport belongings, you can hire a local  moving company that offers packing services to tackle this essential task. Keep in mind, though, that packing and unpacking services aren’t typically included in the cost of standard moving services. Instead, it’s billed as an add-on service, with its own pricing structure. Or you could hire full-service movers to do everything for you, from packing your belongings to unpacking them at your new location. 

How Packing Professionals Box Up Your Home 

The scope of work and packing process will vary based on the moving company and the specific terms of your contract. In general, professional packers bring all the necessary supplies and pack up your items room by room. They’ll take extra care to protect any delicate or expensive belongings by using specialty boxes, like TV boxes. Lastly, they’ll label each box accordingly so you’ll be able to locate your items after the move. 

However, packing professionals won’t sort your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, or donate. They typically label boxes by the room, not by specific items. For optimal results, it’s best to prep your home before the pros arrive by decluttering, organizing, and consolidating your belongings. This prep step will make things much easier for your packer and can make for a seamless unpacking experience

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