Packing Services
Professional packing for the entire home or only selected rooms, with cartons, wrapping materials and labeling systems.
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Choose your state and city to see moving companies that explicitly list full-service moving among their services.
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Packing, moving and setup
Hire Full Service Movers for a More Complete Moving Experience
Full-service movers can do far more than load and unload a truck. Depending on the company and agreement, they may pack your home, provide supplies, disassemble furniture, transport the shipment, unload, reassemble items, place furniture and even unpack selected rooms.
Because the phrase “full service” can mean different things from one company to another, the most important step is getting a clear written scope before you book.
What are full-service movers?
Full-service movers are moving companies that may handle multiple parts of the relocation instead of only labor or transportation. Services may include packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, storage and additional coordination depending on the estimate and service level you choose.
Full-service moving options
What Full Service Movers May Include
Furniture Protection
Wrapping, padding, disassembly and reassembly for beds, tables, shelving and large household furniture.
Review moving protectionTransportation
Truck, driver, loading, transportation and unloading provided by the mover instead of by the customer.
Compare long-distance moversUnloading and Placement
Delivery into the home, room-by-room placement and basic furniture setup based on your directions or labels.
Find residential moversStorage and Extra Coordination
Temporary storage, additional stops, shuttle service, delivery scheduling and move coordination may be available.
Compare moving and storageUnpacking Services
Some movers unpack boxes, remove debris and help set up essential rooms. Confirm exactly how far unpacking goes.
Need labor only instead?“Full Service” Does Not Mean the Same Thing at Every Company
One mover may include packing, supplies, furniture assembly and unpacking. Another may only mean transportation plus loading and unloading. Ask for a detailed written list of included services, exclusions and charges before you sign.
Questions before hiring
What to Ask Full Service Movers
What exactly is included?Separate packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking, storage, materials and furniture work in writing.
What is excluded?Ask about items the company will not move or pack, appliance work, wall mounting, electronics and debris removal.
Are packing materials included?Confirm cartons, tape, paper, crates, wardrobe boxes and specialty materials.
What insurance is current?Ask about liability, workers’ compensation, vehicle and property-handling coverage.
How are items protected?Review valuation options, exclusions, claim deadlines and any customer-packed limitations.
Can you handle special items?Disclose pianos, safes, artwork, antiques, exercise equipment and appliances before booking.
Who performs the move?Ask whether the company uses employees, subcontractors or another carrier for any part of the move.
What are the payment terms?Get deposits, cancellation rules, accepted payment methods and balance timing in writing.
How are damages reported?Ask about photographs, documentation, deadlines and who handles the claim.
Full-service move timeline
A Simple Full-Service Moving Plan
1
Define the Service Level
Decide whether you want packing for the entire home, selected rooms only or transport without packing.
2
Compare Written Estimates
Review scope, crew, materials, travel, storage, valuation, exclusions and additional charges.
3
Prepare Special Items and Access
Disclose stairs, elevators, parking limits and any fragile, oversized or unusually heavy items.
4
Pack or Confirm the Packing Date
If the mover is packing, confirm when the pack begins and what items you will keep with you.
5
Move and Delivery
Walk through the home, review any condition notes and confirm room labels or placement instructions.
6
Inspect and Report Issues
Check major furniture and boxes promptly, document visible damage and follow the written claims procedure.
What may or may not be included
Common Full-Service Moving Inclusions and Limits
Often Included
- Loading and unloading
- Truck and transportation
- Basic furniture padding and protection
- Disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture
- Basic room placement at delivery
Sometimes Extra or Limited
- Professional packing and materials
- Unpacking and debris removal
- Crating for fragile or high-value items
- Storage, shuttles, extra stops and long carries
- Appliance setup, wall mounting and specialty items
Important: Never assume a service is included because a company uses the phrase “full service.” Ask for a line-by-line written scope and make sure the estimate matches what you actually want done.
Pricing and estimates
What Affects Full-Service Moving Costs?
| Cost factor | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Size of the move | More furniture, rooms and boxes require more labor, materials and truck space. | Provide an accurate inventory. |
| Packing level | Full-home packing costs more than partial packing or self-packing. | Identify exactly which rooms the mover will pack. |
| Distance and delivery | Local and long-distance moves use different pricing methods and schedules. | Ask how distance, travel and delivery timing are calculated. |
| Access | Stairs, elevators, long carries and parking restrictions affect labor time and equipment needs. | Disclose access at both locations. |
| Special items | Pianos, safes, artwork, antiques and appliances may require added labor, materials or crating. | List each special item before booking. |
| Storage and add-ons | Storage, unpacking, extra stops and debris removal may add handling and service fees. | Get every optional service and charge in writing. |
| Timing | Peak season, weekends, month-end and short notice can affect availability and price. | Confirm premium rates and rescheduling terms. |
Choose the right service level
Full Service vs. Labor Only vs. Residential Movers
Full-Service Movers
- Best when you want more of the move handled by one company.
- May include packing, transportation, unloading and setup.
- Good for convenience, time savings and coordinated service.
Other Options
- Labor Only: You provide the truck or container and hire loading/unloading help.
- Residential Movers: Broader household moving category that may or may not include full packing and unpacking.
- Choose the service level that matches your budget and the amount of help you want.
Want to compare lighter-duty options? Find labor-only movers or compare residential movers.
Guides and resources
Plan Your Full-Service Move
Moving ChecklistTrack inventory, documents, utilities, access and move-day tasks.
Open checklist →
Moving CostsReview labor, packing, access, timing and storage factors.
Plan costs →
Moving InsuranceUnderstand valuation, liability and protection questions.
Review protection →
Moving Company ReviewsResearch companies and documented moving experiences.
Read reviews →
Residential MoversCompare movers for houses, apartments and condos.
Find residential movers →
Long-Distance MoversCompare movers for interstate and long-haul moves.
Compare long-distance →
Labor Only MoversFind loading and unloading help for trucks and containers.
Find moving labor →
Document Your MoveKeep estimates, photographs, inventory and a written timeline.
Fair Move Standard →
Full-service moving FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Service Movers
What does “full service” mean in moving?
It generally means the mover can handle more than just loading and transportation, but the exact services vary by company. Always ask for a written scope of what is included.
Do full-service movers pack everything?
Some companies can pack the entire home, while others offer partial packing. Confirm which rooms, fragile items and supplies are included.
Do full-service movers unpack too?
Some do, but unpacking may be limited or priced separately. Ask whether the company simply opens boxes or also removes debris and helps set up rooms.
Should full-service movers have insurance?
Ask about current liability, workers’ compensation, vehicle and property-handling coverage, along with the written claims process that applies to the move.
What should I keep with me?
Keep identification, medications, keys, legal documents, jewelry, cash, irreplaceable valuables and first-night essentials with you.
What should a full-service moving estimate include?
It should identify the company, service level, dates, crew, trucks, materials, rates, valuation, storage, access charges, special items, exclusions and claims procedures.
Are packing materials included?
Not always. Ask whether cartons, tape, paper, wardrobe boxes, mattress bags and custom crating are included or billed separately.
Movers Near Me
Find Full Service Movers and Contact Them Directly
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