Is it worth paying for packing when moving? This question remains a mystery that many people face, especially when faced with the insurmountable chaos of organizing their entire lives into boxes for the first time. Let’s figure out not only the price, but also what you’re actually getting and whether it’s worth spending money on.
What Are Packing Services and What Do They Include?
Imagine that professional packing services are your personal army of box makers. Armed with boxes, duct tape, bubble wrap, and extensive experience, these professionals turn your belongings into tightly packed packages ready to ship. You will get rid of sweat, tears and endless hours spent trying to figure out how to pack a lamp or where in the world you can find a package of peanuts.
Typical Packing Services Included:
- Professional Packers: These are either movers or even a separate team of people who are trained and experienced in packing thousands of items.
- Packing Supplies: You get everything you need — boxes of any size, duct tape, wrapping materials, and cushioning materials that are delivered to your door.
- Fragile Items: Your favorite vase doesn’t just have duct tape stuck on it. Fragile items such as electronics, artwork, and your grandmother’s porcelain? All this is carefully packed and places in special bags.
- Labeling: Say goodbye to the nightmare “What’s in this box?”. All items are marked by numbers, so unpacking after moving is smooth and organized.
- Inventory Management (optional): Some companies go even further and keep track of everything. Do you want to know where your second-class coffee mug ended up? They have a list.
Keep in mind that in many cases, it is much more cost-effective to purchase the packing materials yourself and trust the movers to handle the materials. In cases where you have a lot of fragile items, it is worth considering packing materials from a moving company.
Professional vs. DIY Packing
Of course, you could do it yourself. There’s something nice about taking the boxes and rolling up your sleeves. But DIY packing, no matter how tempting it may be, comes with hidden costs. How long does it take, do you know if the dish is safe, and what mental effort is required to load everything into the car? Professional packing services not only save you time, but also keep you sane. They know how to cook a dish properly at any moment.
You can read more about choosing between professional packers and do-it-yourself packers in our article.
The Cost of Hiring Professional Packers
Let’s talk about money, because yes, there is always something to pay for. The cost of packing services can be a bit like buying a plane ticket: it depends on the size of your “destination” and the number of boxes (or bags) you are carrying. That’s what you usually pay attention to.:
Cost Breakdown
The cost of packaging is not universal. It depends on the size of your house, the difficulty of moving, and sometimes your location.
- Per-Hour Rates: Expect to pay $45-55 per hour for each specialist. Of course, location and seasonality can lead to an increase or decrease in these indicators. Often the job of packers is done by a team of two or three movers.
- Average Costs for Different Home Sizes:
- Studio Apartment: about $200-$500.
- 1-Bedroom: about $400-900.
- 2-Bedroom: about $700–$1,500.
- 3-Bedroom: about $1,000–$2,500.
Additional Fees
Sometimes the price is not as unambiguous as the base rate. Here are a few additions that may sneak up on you unnoticed:
- Packing Materials: Some companies charge a separate fee for supplies. Be sure to ask about it so that there are no surprises later.
- Insurance: If you insure your belongings, expect an additional 1-2% of the cost of your belongings.
Use Price Comparisons
For clarity, here is a convenient comparison:
| Home Size | Estimated Cost of Packing Services | Full-Service Move Cost (Packing + Moving) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $200–$500 | $500–$1,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | $400–$900 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | $700–$1,500 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,000–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,000 |
When Should You Pay for Packing Services?
Packing is not always a luxury, sometimes it is a necessity. There are situations where professional packaging can be the deciding factor between a successful move and disaster. That’s when it’s worth contacting specialists.
Scenarios Where Paying for Packing is Worth It
- Out-of-State or International Moves: If you’re preparing for a long distance move, crossing state lines or, better yet, countries, paying for packing is often more of a lifesaver than a convenience. You have distance, time, and a number of logistical challenges. Professional packers are experts in ensuring the safety of your belongings on the go. You won’t have to worry about keeping your belongings safe enough to travel across the country or abroad.
- Lack of Time: In a world where time is the greatest luxury, if you have tight deadlines—whether it’s work commitments, studies, or just plain fatigue-professional packaging can save you hours. Think about it.: You’re moving, you’re stressed, and packing feels like just another mountain to climb. When you don’t have any free time at all, it’s not difficult.
- Physical Limitations: Let’s face it: packing can be a serious challenge. If you face physical limitations, whether it’s age, injury, or simply overwork, it may not be feasible to transport boxes and heavy furniture. By hiring packers, you will not lift weights, you will not bend, you will not put your body under stress. Let the professionals do what they do best.
- Moving Valuable or Fragile Items: Did you know that an antique vase is passed down from generation to generation? Or a wine collection that costs more than your first car? If you have valuable or fragile items that need to be packed, professionals have the skills and supplies to handle them carefully. Custom packing for an antique table or a suitable kind of upholstery for fragile glass? These are the advantages. Looking for movers and packers to transport antique items.
When It May Not Be Worth It
Sometimes professional packaging services are not suitable. That’s when you might want to do without packers and do everything yourself.
- If You’re Moving Locally and Have Time: If you are moving across town, the stakes are not as high. Things will be at your location much faster with a local move and therefore have less chance of getting damaged during transportation. You can start packing ahead of time and do it gradually without needing the help of professionals. Just don’t forget to bring the necessary materials with you.
- If Your Move is Small and DIY-Friendly: Not all moves require full-scale processing. If you have a few boxes, some furniture, and mostly a small load, then choosing a DIY method may be more economical and easier. Sometimes it’s just not worth the waste.
