How to Hire Packers for Moving

Packing for a move sounds exciting but can quickly become tiresome. A professional can pack up your home efficiently and safely, minimizing damage to your furniture and belongings. This guide explains how to hire packers for moving so you can sit back and let the pros handle the hard work.

What Services Do Packers Offer?

Professional packers can help alleviate some of the pressure you feel during a move. Here are some of the most common services offered by professional packers:

• Full, partial, or single-item packing

• Furniture disassembly

• Rolling up carpets and rugs

• Providing moving boxes and supplies

• Additional protection for fragile items

• Loading and unloading

• Unpacking

Can You DIY Packing for a Move?

Packing your own home for a move is certainly possible, especially if you want to keep down the cost of hiring movers. However, it’s a labor-intensive job, so you’ll want to plan as far ahead as possible by learning how to pack for moving and purchasing supplies before your move. Don’t wait to start packing until the day before the movers come. Pack one room at a time, leaving out the essentials you’ll need the night before and the morning of your move. 

Tips for Hiring Packers for Moving

Hiring packers for your move takes some of the stress off you. Here’s how to hire packers for moving your belongings in one piece.

1. Plan Your Move Ahead

Before you contact a packing pro, consider your needs. Do you want them to pack your entire home, or would you prefer they only pack the heavier or more delicate items while you handle clothing and toys? How much stuff do you have? Declutter as much as possible or hire a moving organizer to minimize the amount you need to move so you can give packers a realistic idea of the scope of the work. The sooner you start calling packers for quotes, the better your chances of finding pros with room in their schedule for your moving date.

2. Check Your Packers’ Qualifications and References

Workers entering your home should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Before requesting a quote from a packing service, check that they meet these requirements. You can also speak with former customers to hear about their experiences with the packing company or read online reviews to see what people are saying. But remember: Take online reviews with a grain of salt, as customers are more likely to leave a review after a negative experience than a positive one.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

Once you know which packing services you may want to hire, it’s time to contact them to ask your questions and get quotes for the project. Try interviewing at least three different pros and getting quotes from each to compare services and pricing. Don’t just go with the cheapest option; make sure the services offered are similar enough so you’re comparing apples to apples.

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Packers

Once you’ve chosen the right packing pro for the job, it’s time to get everything in writing. Ensure your contract lists the scope of work that will be provided, the total price of the service (broken down into line items), and the payment schedule. Your packers may require a down payment to secure a date, with the remaining balance due once your belongings are packed.

Questions to Ask Packers for Moving

There are several questions to ask when shopping around for the best packers for your move. As you interview each pro, get clarification on the following:

• Are you licensed and insured?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Can you provide references?

• What types of payment do you accept?

• What services are included in your packing?

• Will you provide all packing supplies?

• How do you handle specialty or valuable items?

• Do you provide custom crating?

• How do I file a claim if my belongings are damaged?

Choosing the Right Packers for Moving

Professional packers will be in your home and handling your belongings for several hours, so choosing the right service for your needs is essential. There are many trustworthy pros, but you should be wary of services that sound too good to be true. Hiring local movers near you is often the easiest way to find a trustworthy packing service. And if your chosen mover doesn’t offer packing, they can suggest local businesses that can help.

After Your Packers Have Finished

Once your home is packed and ready to move, it’s time to check that the packers didn’t miss anything. If everything looks good, you can make your final payment and be on your way. Consider leaving a review for the packing company so prospective customers can understand what working with the packers is like. You could also offer to be a reference if you’re comfortable with potential customers contacting you for information before they hire the packing company.