What are Full-Service Moving Companies? Services, Cost, and More
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Full-service moving companies handle every aspect of the moving process, from packing and transport to unpacking at your new home.
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Depending on your moving needs, full-service moving companies will:
- Pack and unpack your belongings
- Load them onto the moving truck
- Disassemble and reassemble furniture
- Transport your belongings to your new home
- Unload your belongings at your new home
We’ve broken down what full-service movers do, how much they cost, and which companies to consider. You can also use our moving cost calculator for free instant estimates from vetted full-service moving companies.
What do full-service movers do?
Full-service moving means the company handles every step of your move, from packing your belongings to setting them up in your new place. Here’s a closer look at what that usually includes:
- Packing and supplies: Movers bring all the boxes, tape, and materials and carefully pack your entire home for you, including fragile or awkward items.
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly: They’ll disassemble large furniture, such as bed frames or desks, at your old home and reassemble everything at your new place using their own tools.
- Loading and unloading: The movers do all the heavy lifting, loading everything onto the truck and unloading it into the correct rooms at your destination.
- Transportation: A licensed driver handles the truck, so you don’t have to rent, drive, or figure out logistics.
- Unpacking and setup (optional): If requested, movers can unpack boxes, arrange furniture, and help you get settled faster, or you can handle this part yourself to save money.
- Cleanup and debris removal: After unpacking, many companies collect and haul away empty boxes and packing materials so you won’t be left with a pile of mess.
- Storage: Some of the best moving companies also offer short- and long-term storage solutions, with on-site storage containers or secure storage facilities.
- Add-on services: Full-service movers often offer storage, vehicle shipping, and special handling for items like pianos, fine art, or bulky fitness equipment. Just ask during the quote process.
How much does full-service moving cost?
The price of a full-service move varies based on how far you’re going, how much you’re moving, and which services you add. Here’s a general idea of what to expect.
Average cost ranges
| Move type | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Local (under 100 miles) | $800 – $2,500+ |
| Long-distance (100+ miles) | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
These are broad estimates based on a 2–3 bedroom home. Larger households or specialty services will drive costs higher.
Key factors that affect full-service moving costs
Your moving cost will depend on the ins and outs of your move. Here are a few key factors the moving company will use to set your rates.
- Distance: Local moves are usually billed hourly, while long-distance moves are priced by weight, volume, and mileage. The farther you’re going, the more you’ll pay.
- Size of your move: More stuff means more labor, more truck space, and potentially more time, especially for larger homes or ones with heavy furniture or delicate items.
- Services selected: Packing, unpacking, storage, and special handling (like for pianos or vehicles) all add to the base cost. These services are optional, but many people choose at least partial packing for convenience.
- Timing: Summer is peak season for movers, which means higher prices and limited availability. If you’re flexible, consider moving mid-month or during the off-season for better rates.
- Accessibility: Stairs, elevators, or a long distance from your door to the truck can increase labor time and costs. Some moves may also require a shuttle if a large truck can’t access your home directly.
Tips to lower full-service moving costs
Want to take advantage of the benefits of a full-service move without overpaying? Here are a few ways to reduce the cost of your move.
- Declutter before your move: The less you move, the less you pay. Declutter by donating or selling items you no longer need to reduce your load.
- Calculate your box needs: Use our moving box calculator to determine how many boxes your move will take. This might encourage you to declutter ahead of the move.
- Pack some items yourself: Even if you hire a full-service mover, you can cut costs by packing your non-fragile items and letting the pros handle the breakables or big furniture.
- Get multiple quotes: Always compare at least two or three estimates from licensed movers. Be sure to ask whether the quote is binding or non-binding so there are no surprises later.
- Book early: The more time movers have to plan and schedule your move, the more likely you are to lock in a favorable rate, especially during busy seasons.
- Ask about discounts: A lot of companies offer moving discounts to groups like military members, seniors, and students.
Calculate your full-service moving cost
The best way to determine how much a full-service move will cost is to compare quotes from multiple moving companies. You can use our cost calculator to get free quotes from different types of. movers to see which ones fits your budget best.
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Compare full-service to self-service moving
Not sure whether you need full-service movers or something more DIY? Here’s how the two approaches compare.
| Feature | Full-service | Self-service |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Included | DIY |
| Loading/unloading | Included | DIY or hire hourly |
| Driving | Pro handles it | You drive or coordinate |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Effort | Minimal | High |
Full-service vs. self-service moving
Not sure whether you need full-service movers or something more DIY? Here’s how the two approaches compare.
Full-service moving
- What it includes: A full-service move covers everything—packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and optional unpacking or furniture setup.
- Why it works: It’s the most convenient way to move, especially if you’re on a tight schedule, dealing with a long-distance relocation, or just want to skip the stress.
- Trade-offs: The biggest downside is cost. You’ll pay more, but you get expert help and a lot more free time in return.
Self-service moving
- What it includes: With a self-service move, you do the packing, loading, and unloading. The company may just provide transportation (like a rental truck or moving container).
- Why it works: You have more control, more flexibility, and significantly lower costs. It’s ideal for small moves or those who don’t mind getting hands-on.
- Trade-offs: It’s more physically demanding, time-consuming, and leaves you fully responsible for logistics and damage prevention.
Is full-service moving right for you?
Full-service moving isn’t for everyone, but it can be a game-changer for the right situation. Here’s how to decide if it’s the best fit for your needs.
Best for:
- Busy professionals or families: If your schedule is packed or you’re juggling work, kids, or both, letting movers handle everything can free up time and reduce stress.
- People with physical limitations: Seniors, individuals with injuries, or anyone who can’t safely lift and carry boxes can benefit from full-service movers.
- Long-distance movers: If you’re moving across the country, full-service long-distance moving companies simplifies the process, especially if you’re relocating for work or on a tight schedule.
- Large households or complex moves: The more stuff you have, or the more complicated the move will be, with multiple floors, fragile items, and specialty furniture to contend with. Professional movers are pros at navigating challenging moves.
- Anyone who wants to reduce stress: Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. If your priority is minimizing chaos and avoiding logistical headaches, full-service is worth the investment.
Not ideal for:
- Tight budgets: Full-service moves are the most expensive option. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move cross-country, a DIY or partial-service move might be a better fit.
- Minimal moves: If you’re moving out of a studio apartment with just a few items, hiring a full crew may be overkill. A rental truck or moving container might do the job for much less.
- Hands-on movers: Some people prefer to pack and plan everything themselves. If you want full control over your timeline, materials, and process, you might find full-service movers to be too hands-off.
How to find a reputable full-service mover
It’s crucial to work with a legitimate moving company that you can trust to handle your move. Use the pointers below to assess the moving companies you’re considering.
- Proper licensing and insurance: For interstate moves, the company should have a valid USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Local movers should meet your state’s licensing requirements.
- Strong online reviews: Look for consistent 4- and 5-star ratings across platforms like Google, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and our Better Moves Project. Pay attention to how they handle complaints and whether customers would hire them again.
- Transparent pricing: Reputable movers offer clear, detailed estimates and are upfront about what’s included. Be cautious of unusually low quotes or vague contracts.
- In-home or virtual surveys: Reliable companies will assess your inventory before quoting a final price. Avoid movers that only offer phone or email estimates for large jobs.
- Clear policies and communication: Ask about delivery windows, cancellation policies, and how claims are handled. A good mover will walk you through everything in plain terms.
We’ve already vetted many of the top-rated full-service movers and can help match you with companies that are licensed, insured, and trusted. You can use our moving cost calculator or quote tools to connect with companies that fit your move.
Frequently asked questions
How long do full-service moves take?
A full-service relocation can take just a day or two if you’re only moving across town, and bigger or long-distance moves may take a week or more.
The length of time a move takes depends on the size of your home, distance you’re moving, and the overall scope of your move. For most apartments or small homes, packing and moving can be done in one or two days. Larger homes can take several days to pack and move.
How do you prepare for full-service movers?
Even though the movers do the heavy lifting, a little preparation on your end can help everything go smoothly:
- Declutter so you’re not paying to move unwanted items
- Set aside valuables, documents, and daily essentials
- Separate items movers can’t take (hazardous or perishable items)
- Label rooms or leave simple instructions
- Take photos of fragile or high-value items
- Be available on moving day for questions or guidance
What happens if my belongings are damaged or lost in the move?
Reputable long-distance movers are much more likely to honor claims of damage or loss if they’ve done the packing.
Professional full-service providers will give you a valuation coverage option. This is full value protection so your items are guaranteed from packing to delivery at your new home.
If something happens at any point in the moving process and your belongings are damaged or lost, your provider will take full responsibility as long as you have this coverage option.
Are full-service movers worth it?
If the features that full-service moving companies offer align with your moving needs, then yes, they are most likely well worth the cost. But if you have a very limited moving budget or have a small move you can do easily, then full-service movers might not be the best option.
However, if you value the peace of mind that comes with having someone handle your move for you and the time saving benefits that come with having professional movers pack your belongings and move you into your new home, the cost is worth it.
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