Packing Services Cost: Budgeting Guide With Updated Prices
Boxing up all your belongings is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. Luckily, professional packing services take this task completely off your plate—if you can fit it into your budget.
Packing prices vary depending on how much you’re moving and the types of materials you need. Understanding this upfront helps you plan smarter, whether you’re switching neighborhoods or going cross-country.
Read on for a breakdown of what packing services cost so you can compare quotes and budget confidently.
How Much Do Packers and Movers Cost?
Professional packing services typically cost between $67.00 and $120.00 per hour. What you’ll actually pay depends on the moving company you hire and how they structure their pricing.
Most local moving companies charge an hourly rate per crew member for packing services, plus a fee per box. This ties your total bill to how efficient the packers are and how prepared your home is when they show up.
For example, a three or four-bedroom house might take seven or eight hours to pack up. This would cost anywhere from $460.00 to over $900.00 for labor, plus packing supplies.
Companies that specialize in interstate or long-distance moves often charge a flat rate for packing services. They set a base price based on the amount and type of belongings you’re moving.
With this pricing model, the moving company charges a specific amount for each type of box. For example, a “dish pack,” or a box of dishes, might cost $30.00 to pack. A “wardrobe box,” or a box of clothing, might cost $15.00. These prices stay the same regardless of how long the packing takes.
Professional packing services include wrapping and packing items, labeling boxes, and supplying materials like boxes and tape. They don’t include transportation and cleaning.
What Affects Packing and Moving Costs?
Here’s a look at the factors that impact the cost to pack and move.
When You’re Moving
Moving costs more during peak season, which runs from May through September. During this time, demand surges for professional movers. Prices also rise on weekends and holidays.
When moving companies’ calendars are full, they have less flexibility and can charge higher rates. Book your packing and moving services in the off-season on a weekday to get lower quotes.
How Much You’re Bringing
The more belongings you have, the more it costs to pack them up. To save money, declutter your house before the packers arrive. Donate, sell, or toss anything you don’t need to avoid paying movers to box items you don’t even want.
How Long It Takes
Packing time directly impacts your bill, especially if your company charges hourly. The longer the crew works, the more you’ll pay for labor.
You can shorten the process by preparing your home. Decide what’s going and staying before the crew arrives to prevent delays. Make sure the movers have room to move around so they’re not spending time shifting furniture out of the way. If any items need disassembly, do it in advance. Every minute of delay costs you money.
Packing Material
Moving boxes add to the final cost of packing services. Look for free moving boxes by visiting grocery stores and bookstores. Many of these shops receive high-volume shipments and are willing to give away supplies. You can also check online community forums and marketplaces to find people giving them away.
Stairs
Many full-service movers charge an extra fee for each flight the crew has to navigate. That’s because stairs slow movers down and increase physical strain. There’s also more risk of injury.
Let your packing company know about any stairs in advance. This gives them time to price the job accurately so you avoid surprise charges.
Extra Stops
Traveling from your current home to your new home is straightforward, but costs rise when you add another stop along the way. Dropping by a storage unit or a donation center adds time and distance to the overall move. Longer routes increase fuel and labor costs, making the service more expensive. Handle these types of errands before moving day so the crew only makes one direct trip.
Do-It-Yourself vs. Hiring Packers for Moving
Not sure whether you should go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route or hire the pros? Here’s what to consider:
- Total cost: DIY packing looks less pricey at first, but expenses can add up fast. You need to buy packing materials and protective supplies, and you may also need to rent a truck and special equipment. Professional movers bring all this with them and build the costs into one quote so you know what to expect.
- Time: Packing up an entire house yourself takes days or even weeks, which is difficult when you have a full-time job and other responsibilities. Your moving company can complete the job in a fraction of the time.
- Risk of damage: Transporting fragile items like antiques or a piano requires more than just extra bubble wrap. Professional packing and moving companies have the right equipment and carry insurance that protects your prized possessions if something goes wrong.
- Stress: Moving houses is stressful enough without adding the mental and physical load of packing up. Handing that job off to the pros removes that pressure and gives you more time to focus on other important tasks.
When you add everything up, hiring a full-service moving and packing company is the best choice for most people. College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving brings the expertise and manpower needed to pack up your home efficiently and make moving day a breeze.
Hire College HUNKS’ House Packers
The cost of packing services depends on key factors like how big your home is and how many items you’re moving. Before you hire anyone, compare prices from different moving companies and get a quote that suits your needs and timeline.
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving brings professional packing and moving services to clients across Canada and the United States. We offer transparent pricing and upfront quotes to help your moving day go smoothly. Our crews are always professional, and our quotes are free.
FAQ
Are Moving Costs Tax-Deductible?
Moving costs are typically not tax-deductible in the United States. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 removed this as a deduction for most people. The exception is active-duty Armed Forces members who relocate under orders.
In Canada, your moving expenses may be tax-deductible if you’re relocating for post-secondary school or to be closer to work. This also applies if you’re relocating to run a business.
Do Packing Services Include Loading and Unloading?
This depends on the company you hire and the package you choose. Some businesses only box items. Full-service movers typically do it all. They pack your belongings with proper materials and load everything onto the truck. The crew also unloads at your new home and may even unpack everything if it’s part of the service.
Do I Need Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance isn’t required, but it protects your belongings. Standard carrier liability only covers about $0.60 per pound per item. So if a 10-pound laptop were damaged, you’d only be compensated $6.00.
Third-party moving insurance gives you more comprehensive coverage. It typically ranges from 1% to 5% of your property’s estimated value. Some home insurance policies also cover your belongings during a move, but not if you pack the boxes yourself.