Do all moving companies provide packing services?

Not all moving companies provide packing services, and not all packing providers offer moving services. The vast majority of movers either provide packing services themselves, or can put you in touch with third-party packing companies for your move.

How long does it take professional packers to pack a house?

Professional packers can have the contents of a two- to four-bedroom home packed and ready to go within four to 10 hours, depending on quantity and complexity.

Do professional packers bring their own boxes?

Professional packers typically bring all the supplies, tools, and materials necessary to provide full-service packing and moving. However, the cost of the materials, such as boxes, will usually be included in your moving invoice.

Do packing services pack the day of a move?

The size of your move will determine how much time your packers will need to ensure that everything is ready to go. A typical move requires the packing crew to arrive at least a day before the moving truck shows up, while a very small move can be completed within a day.

Do you tip professional packers?

Although tipping isn’t required, if the packing crew does a particularly excellent job, tipping each worker somewhere around $5 per hour is encouraged.

What will a packing service not pack?

Moving companies, including packers, won’t handle hazardous materials such as flammables, explosives, paints, volatile chemicals, or any items containing these things.

8 Best Packing Services of 2023

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A couple packing boxes in the kitchen — Photo:
Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images

So you’re moving. You’re excited about new people and places and looking forward to a fresh start. But then it comes time to actually start packing, and reality sets in. Suddenly it seems like you have way more stuff than you thought you did, and the slog of putting everything in boxes is just too intimidating.

Hiring a packing service to box up your belongings can save you time and make your move a lot less stressful. Companies that can help you pack and move your belongings are plentiful, but picking the right one is a challenge. The best packing services don’t just pack your stuff but can clean up debris, disassemble furniture, and help you transport everything to your new place as well, leaving you to start your new life with minimum hassle.

We researched and gathered the best packing services, evaluating brands based on criteria ranging such as budget and additional services. While each move is unique, the following packing services are a great place to begin your search for the right company.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Two Men and a Truck
Best for Small Moves: Atlas Van Lines
Best Full Service: United Van Lines
Best Consumer Reviews: JK Moving Services
Best for Versatility: Wheaton World Wide Moving
Best for Long-Distance Moves: Colonial Van Lines
Best for Local Moving: HireAHelper
Best Additional Services: TaskRabbit

Best Overall: Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and A Truck

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 47 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers numerous stand-alone services
Independently operated franchise business model
Online pricing with local branches available

Cons

Accurate pricing requires a phone call from local branch
Packing and moving deposit required

Why It Made the List

Two Men and a Truck stands out as the best overall packing and moving company for several reasons. Each of its more than 300 locations across 47 states is an independently owned and operated franchise. That business model allows for specialized and stand-alone moving services that can be tailored to your needs based on your location. In addition to being a full-service mover, the company also offers other services including debris removal and cleaning.

The company’s website offers limited online pricing. To get a more accurate quote, you’ll have to speak directly with a representative from a local branch, who will ask for further information. Before you book your move, know that you’ll have to provide a deposit for Two Men and a Truck’s packing and moving services.

Best for Small Moves: Atlas Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

SimpliCity program provides small-move solutions
Performs full-service moves
Crew members undergo thorough background checks

Cons

Charges a fee for cancellations
Website doesn’t provide instant quotes

Why It Made the List

Atlas Van Lines is a major full-service moving company, available in all 50 states and with over 500 agents worldwide. The company truly stands out is with its SimpliCity program, which offers services for expedited small moves. With SimpliCity, you can set your exact moving schedule, and all of the packing and moving will be done for you by a team of fully background-checked personnel.

Even if your move isn't small and doesn't qualify for the SimpliCity program, Atlas Atlas will still provide you with a large menu of packing services for larger moves. However, be sure you know which services you want when hiring Atlas, as the company charges a fee for any cancellations made more than three days after you’ve signed the work order. Also note that the quotes offered on its website are merely estimates, and a thorough discussion with a representative will produce a more accurate quote.

Best Full Service: United Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 46 states
Free Online Quote? No
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers a long list of full-service options
No cancellation fees until the movers start packing
Up to 25% discount if your moving delivery is late

Cons

Doesn't service specific states

Why It Made the List

For an entirely hands-off move, United Van Lines has you covered thanks to its long list of services, which include packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle moving, and much more. On top of its extensive menu of full-service options for larger moves, United also provides for small moves with its Snapmoves service, which gives you both full and partial packing and moving options.

The company doesn’t require you to pay a deposit, and should you need to change your plans, there are no cancellation fees until the packers actually start putting your stuff in boxes. Additionally, if the company delivers your possessions later than promised, it will take up to 25% off your invoice. United Van Lines is available everywhere in the country except Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Best Consumer Reviews: JK Moving Services

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

High ratings on numerous customer review sites
Specializes in interstate and long-distance moving
Offers third-party financing on website

Cons

Requires a $250 deposit for packing and moving services
Doesn’t provide binding price estimates

Why It Made the List

If you’ve got a major transition ahead of you, consider JK Moving Services, which specializes in long-distance moves and understands their unique challenges. Consumers like the attention and service that JK Moving provides, consistently giving it high ratings across numerous customer review platforms. Clients particularly praised the company's movers for their promptness, efficiency, and excellent communication throughout the entire process.

Apart from just getting your possessions from A to B, JK Moving offers highly customizable premium packing services to handle almost anything you need to transport to your new home. Just be aware that you’ll have to pay a $250 deposit to secure the company’s services and that JK only provides nonbinding quotes, meaning your total price could change during the course of your move.

Best for Versatility: Wheaton World Wide Moving

Wheaton World Wide

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 47 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers a long list of specialty packing and moving services
Provides a choice of binding, custom, and not-to-exceed estimates
Shuttle service to move possessions between challenging locations

Cons

Doesn’t provide shipment tracking

Why It Made the List

Packing and moving can often throw you a curveball. Unexpected events and challenges come up that some movers can’t handle, but Wheaton World Wide Moving has a long history of providing specialty full and partial moving solutions in all kinds of situations. Wheaton performs a long list of packing services, like specialty packing for challenging items, but that’s not where its versatility ends.

The company offers a choice of binding, custom, or not-to-exceed pricing estimates to meet your budgeting needs, helping you know exactly what you’re getting into and how much you’ll pay. It also offers a shuttle service to facilitate moves into and out of small spaces that a standard moving van can’t reach. Although Wheaton doesn’t provide tracking, your van’s driver will contact you within 48 hours prior to their arrival.

Best for Long-Distance Moves: Colonial Van Lines

Colonial Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive app provides assistance throughout your move
Moving assistants and app provide accurate pricing
Helpful moving information and checklists on website

Cons

Deposit is required
Not available in Alaska or Hawaii

Why It Made the List

If you want complete control of your long-distance move, minus that annoying packing boxes part, consider Colonial Van Lines. This packing and long-distance moving specialist offers a comprehensive app that keeps you informed and in control of your move from the time of your initial estimate until the last box is unpacked.

To start a move with Colonial, you’ll work with the app and a moving assistant to obtain accurate pricing. Next, Colonial’s full-service packing and moving crews will take over while you stay informed with progress updates. The company’s website also provides abundant information to help plan, organize, and execute your long-distance move. Just note that you’ll need a deposit to book your move and that Colonial doesn’t offer agent services in Alaska or Hawaii.

Best for Local Moving: HireAHelper

HireAHelper

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, storage, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Local day laborers available for numerous chores
Provides clear prices and reviews for comparison
$1,000 satisfaction and damage guarantee

Cons

Moving labor cannot drive your moving vehicle

Why It Made the List

A local move might not be as intimidating as a long-distance move, but it still requires the same effort to pack your belongings. Enter HireAHelper, a one-stop shop for local moving services, including packing, loading, unloading, and everything else you’d expect. HireAHelper puts you in contact with numerous local professional services, whom you can hire to pack your belongings, move your stuff, or just reassemble your furniture after you get settled.

To help you make an informed hiring decision, HireAHelper provides upfront pricing for each business and service it lists. The one thing that HireAHelper can’t do is find you someone to drive your rental moving van. But it’s the ideal resource for everything else, and it even throws in a $1,000 satisfaction guarantee in case you’re unhappy with your results or something gets damaged.

Best Additional Services: TaskRabbit

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 35 states
Free Online Quote? Yes
Other Services Offered: Unpacking, loading, unloading, assembly, disassembly

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides numerous handyperson and miscellaneous services
Offers same-day service
Upfront pricing allows for instant comparisons

Cons

Only available in metro areas in 35 states

Why It Made the List

If you need more than just packing services, TaskRabbit is your answer. The company’s website features a huge collection of independent service providers that you can choose from based on your needs. The range of available services is immense, but for almost anything that needs doing, including, of course, packing, there’s a TaskRabbit affiliate ready for the job. In addition to packing, TaskRabbit provides tons of other services that will help you move, including junk removal, furniture assembly, appliance and mattress disposal, and television mounting.

TaskRabbit pulls together an extensive list of handypersons and miscellaneous service providers ready to work for you, and its upfront pricing lets you choose your provider and your price before committing. You can even arrange same-day service depending on availability. TaskRabbit’s only real downside is that its services are limited to metro areas in 35 states.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best packing service for your needs is challenging. Numerous companies provide similar packing services, and many of them are very good. For most moving situations, Two Men and a Truck is an excellent choice. The company has figured out how to create happy customers by providing specialized and custom packing and moving services, and its franchised structure means that its workers are well versed in the peculiarities of their local areas.

Compare the Best Packing Services

Company	Nationwide Availability	Free Online Quote?	Specialty Options	Other Services Offered
Two Men and a Truck Best Overall	47 states	Yes	Junk removal, cleanouts	Unpacking, loading, unloading, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly
Atlas Van Lines Best for Small Moves	50 states	Yes	Debris cleanup	Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly
United Van Lines Best Full Service	46 states	No	Debris cleanup	Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly
JK Moving Services Best Consumer Reviews	50 states	Yes	None	Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly
Wheaton World Wide Moving Best for Versatility	47 states	Yes	None	Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, storage, assembly, disassembly
Colonial Van Lines Best for Long-Distance Moves	48 states	Yes	Single-item packing, kitchen-only packing	Unpacking, loading, unloading, vehicle transport, specialty item moving, tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly
HireAHelper Best for Local Moving	50 states	Yes	None	Unpacking, loading, unloading, storage, assembly, disassembly
TaskRabbit Best Additional Services	35 states	Yes	Shopping, deliveries, handyperson services, yardwork, event preparation	Unpacking, loading, unloading, assembly, disassembly

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Packing Service

If you’re preparing to move and have decided to get help with packing, there are a few important factors to consider when making a hiring decision.

Services Offered: Ensure the company you’re considering offers the services that are most important to you. Do you need full-service packing, special packing services for fragile items, or something else?
Qualifications: Check that the packing company has all proper documentation, including licenses and insurance. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for proof directly and upfront. Reputable companies understand your concern and are happy to provide the proper paperwork.
Reputation: Check with friends, family, and neighbors to learn about companies they’ve used in the past. Also, read through what other customers have had to say on local and online review platforms.
Pricing: Go beyond just looking at high or low overall costs to find out how companies structure their pricing. Choose a company that fits your budget and provides upfront and transparent pricing, especially if your plans could change during your move.
Scheduling: Make sure that the company has time in its schedule for you. If you need a flexible schedule or may have to change plans along the way, ensure the company’s policy can adapt to your needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Packing Service?

Hiring a packing service for your move costs between $300 and $1,200 for the contents of an average two-bedroom home, while four-bedroom homes cost between $1,000 and $2,300. Those prices typically include boxes and materials. If you choose to add unpacking services, expect an additional cost of between $100 and $1,200, depending on the number of boxes and items. Remember that these estimates don't include other additional services such as coverage, full-service loading and unloading, and more.

How to Prepare Your Home for Packers

In a perfect world, hiring a company to pack your possessions would mean you wouldn’t have to do anything. However, there are some things that only you can do.

Create a box of essentials: Your box of essentials should include moving documents, banking information, identification documents, keys, and anything you’ll need for the first night or two after moving. The box should never leave your side and will travel with you until you reach your new home.
Purge: Getting rid of unwanted or unnecessary items can make your move go faster and easier and can save you a bunch of money on labor.
Label rooms: Using labels to identify rooms in both your old and new homes helps the movers know exactly where to put boxes when they arrive at your new place.
Take inventory: Even if you’re sure you can remember everything you own, writing it all down ensures that you have documentation should anything go wrong during your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all moving companies provide packing services?

Not all moving companies provide packing services, and not all packing providers offer moving services. The vast majority of movers either provide packing services themselves, or can put you in touch with third-party packing companies for your move.
How long does it take professional packers to pack a house?

Professional packers can have the contents of a two- to four-bedroom home packed and ready to go within four to 10 hours, depending on quantity and complexity.
Do professional packers bring their own boxes?

Professional packers typically bring all the supplies, tools, and materials necessary to provide full-service packing and moving. However, the cost of the materials, such as boxes, will usually be included in your moving invoice.
Do packing services pack the day of a move?

The size of your move will determine how much time your packers will need to ensure that everything is ready to go. A typical move requires the packing crew to arrive at least a day before the moving truck shows up, while a very small move can be completed within a day.
Do you tip professional packers?

Although tipping isn’t required, if the packing crew does a particularly excellent job, tipping each worker somewhere around $5 per hour is encouraged.
What will a packing service not pack?

Moving companies, including packers, won’t handle hazardous materials such as flammables, explosives, paints, volatile chemicals, or any items containing these things.

Methodology

This list of the best packing services was compiled using more than 500 data points collected over a two-month span. Our research team reviewed nearly 20 companies, looking at services provided, customer support channels, quote processes, online tools, and more.

Weights were assigned to each piece of criteria evaluated, then used to calculate an overall score. In order to receive a high rating, companies had to perform well in a handful of categories, including but not limited to:

Types of services offered
Nationwide availability
Company reputation
Online quote system

The information presented here was accurate at the time of publication and confirmed by at least two data collectors. Verification was completed through customer service calls and live chat or email exchanges.

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