Packing services near you

When looking for a professional to pack your belongings, it’s a good idea to do the following:

• Verify their license and insurance: Choose a company with liability insurance to cover potential damage. If you’re hiring a mover, make sure they’re properly licensed in your area. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Ask if the quote includes materials, labor and any additional fees for specialty items like fragile or oversized furniture.

• Read their reviews: Avoid companies with complaints about broken items, delays or hidden fees. Positive reviews should mention careful handling and efficiency.

• Find out if they have guarantees: Some companies may offer guarantees on damage protection or replacements.

• Ask important questions: Do they provide packing materials? How do they handle fragile items? What's their process for labeling boxes? Also, ask if they have experience packing valuables, antiques or electronics to ensure they use proper materials and techniques. 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

A packing service helps homeowners and businesses pack up their belongings in preparation for a move, as well as unpack items when moving in. They’re often used to help with large numbers of items and are a great choice when there are multiple floors to contend with. 

Professional packing services can also provide boxes or use the boxes you provide them. They can also help assemble furniture and perform heavy lifting, as well as deal with valuable, delicate or cumbersome items.

The national average cost of packing services ranges from around $67 to $120 per hour,* according to Thumbtack data. 

Several factors might impact the cost, including:

• Home size: Packing a small apartment typically costs less than packing a home with several bedrooms.

• Amount of belongings: More items often require more packing materials and labor, increasing the cost.

• Specialty items: Fragile or high-value items, such as antiques or artwork, may require custom packing, which costs more.

You might be able to save money on packing services with these tips:

• Do some packing yourself: Many movers often charge by the hour, so packing smaller items in advance may reduce labor costs.

• Provide your own supplies: Buying boxes and packing materials separately can be cheaper than purchasing them from the moving company.

• Schedule during off-peak times: Moving companies may offer lower rates during weekdays or non-peak seasons.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

It could take anywhere from 2 to 5 days for a professional team to pack up an entire home, but the timeline can vary. Several factors will impact how long it takes, including:

• Home size: A one-bedroom apartment may take 4 to 6 hours to pack, while a four-bedroom house may take 3 days or more.

• Amount of belongings: Packaging will take longer if you have many items, especially fragile or specialty pieces.

• Organization level: Well-organized spaces with minimal clutter are faster to pack than overstuffed rooms.

• Special requirements: Items like antiques, artwork or electronics may need extra care, increasing packing time.

Remember: The timeline for packing will vary. Always consult a professional moving company for a more accurate estimate.

To prepare your house for a professional packer, start by completing a deep house cleaning and organizing session. This includes washing dishes, tools, laundry, beds, etc. Next, get rid of anything and everything you don’t need. Collect items that you plan on moving yourself. Organize everything, and label each box, marking anything that is high-value. Finally, have everything in a position where it’s easy for the packers and movers to access.

You should start picking up packing supplies (moving boxes, etc.) at least one to three months before you move. The earlier, the better. Start by cleaning your house and deciding what you will be taking, then follow up by selling or donating whatever you don’t need. At around four weeks out, decide on a moving service and schedule your move-out date. And start the packing process by putting your belongings into boxes, wrapping furniture and organizing for the unload.

For more helpful tips, read our start-to-finish moving checklist.

In most cases, a professional mover will take the following steps when packing up your home for a move:

• Assess and organize: Movers evaluate your items to determine the right packing materials, box sizes and labeling system. 

• Protective wrapping: Breakables like glassware, electronics and artwork are typically wrapped in bubble wrap, packing paper or foam to prevent damage. Furniture is often covered with moving blankets and plastic wrap.

• Boxing and securing: Items are packed securely into boxes, with heavier items usually on the bottom. Movers fill empty spaces with padding to minimize movement during transit.

• Labeling: Boxes are labeled clearly by room and contents, making unloading and unpacking more organized and efficient.

When packing, movers prioritize safety and efficiency. If you have specific concerns, discuss them with your moving company before packing begins.

Hiring someone to pack your items is often worth the cost. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Time savings: Professional packers can handle the job quickly, saving you hours or even days of effort.

• Proper protection: Trained packers know how to wrap fragile and valuable items securely, reducing the risk of damage.

• Reduced stress: With professionals handling packing, you can focus on other moving tasks, like organizing utilities and paperwork.

• Insurance coverage: Many moving companies offer insurance that covers items packed by their team, adding a layer of protection. Just make sure you ask before hiring a pro.

• Efficient organization: Pros label boxes accurately, making unpacking more manageable in your new home.

While it adds to moving costs, hiring packers can provide peace of mind and a smoother moving experience.

The cost of packing services ranges between $60 and $80. However, the cost you wind up paying will depend on a number of different factors. These factors include whether you have provided the moving boxes yourself or need to purchase them from the company, as well as the hourly rate of the packing service may charge. A larger-size home or office will often result in higher packing costs, as will the need to handle a lot of fragile or especially heavy/cumbersome items.

Hiring a professional packing service can help ensure your heavy, fragile and special-care belongings are handled safely during your move. These pros are familiar with all types of packing procedures and materials, and they’ll use the right tools and equipment to move your belongings. Packers and movers are also available to assist with cumbersome items like mattresses, safes and large furniture, and they can handle heavy lifting. And if needed, packers can disassemble and assemble furniture for you.