7 Best Packing Services of 2024: Moving Companies and Other Options
When prepping to move to a new home, doing everything by yourself can be a chore. A lot of people hire a moving company to load, transport, and unload their belongings, but many companies can take things a step further with packing and unpacking services.
These add-on moving services can increase the pricing for your move, but they can also help create a stress-free moving experience. In this article, we’ll break down which of the best interstate movers and moving container companies can help with your packing needs.
The best packing services
The following companies are our top picks if you’re looking for high-quality packing services:
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for speedy packing
- Safeway Moving: Best for flat-rate pricing
- JK Moving: Best for white-glove service
- American Van Lines: Best overall value
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- PODS: Best for moving container moves
- HireAHelper: Best for customizable moves
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Mayzlin Relocation: Best for speedy packing
Mayzlin Relocation is a family-owned moving company that is dedicated to providing quality service — and that stands out in its packing and unpacking services.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
The company consistently earns high praise in customer reviews for the punctuality of its moving crews and the speed at which they are able to pack and load items while still treating them with the necessary care. This results in a stress-free experience, and the company is regularly commended for not damaging any items during moves.
Mayzlin offers both full and partial packing services. Your initial packing price will be based on the inventory of your belongings that is completed when you get a binding quote and will cover both packing materials and labor. This will vary based on considerations like the amount of items you have and whether you have any hard-to-transport items.
Mayzlin Relocation charges $1.50 per cubic foot for packing materials and labor required beyond the scope of the original estimate.
Safeway Moving: Best for flat-rate pricing
Safeway Moving specializes in long-distance moving services for all 50 states, making them an excellent choice for interstate moves. The company has very competitive pricing and will even price match its competitors — and with flat-rate pricing on binding estimates, you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
This flat-rate pricing also applies to Safeway Moving’s packing services. You can choose between full and partial packing with Safeway, depending on your needs. Safeway charges $1.50 per cubic foot for full packing services and $0.75 per cubic foot for partial packing.
The company also provides custom crating for high-value and fragile items, though additional fees may apply for bulkier pieces. Since packing fees are based on cubic feet, you’ll need to complete an inventory or video survey to get an exact quote.
Keep in mind that Safeway does not service most local moves — if you’re moving locally, you’ll likely need to find someone else.
JK Moving: Best for white-glove service
If you want complete confidence that your furniture and household goods will be treated with the utmost care throughout packing, loading, and unloading, you can’t go wrong with JK Moving.
rating
4.25 / 5
89% of users select this mover
The company’s workers undergo extensive training for challenging packing and loading situations to ensure they understand how to handle your items with care.
Packing options include:
- Wrapping
- Padding
- Custom crating
- Furniture disassembly
- Inventory tagging of each item
Fragile-only packing is also available.
As part of this process, you’ll be assigned a personal moving coordinator who will conduct a virtual or in-person walkthrough of your property. This full inventory is required to obtain a direct packing quote.
JK Moving’s total moving costs tend to be much higher than the competition — but if you want true white-glove service, you may find them to be worth the investment.
American Van Lines: Best overall value
As a truly full-service mover, American Van Lines handles everything from loading and unloading to packing, unpacking, and storage. They get consistently high marks for customer service. Great customer service goes a long way, so this is a big win!
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
American Van Lines’ crews can provide full or partial packing services. And if you plan on doing the packing yourself, they’ll gladly handle the moving only.
American’s workers are fully trained and have an average of 10 years of moving experience, so you can typically trust them to handle antiques and fragile items with care. As part of this, they offer custom crating and disassembly to further protect these items.
On small moves, partial packing can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while on large moves the charge for full packing service can be $2,000 or more. Overall, however, the company has some of the best prices in the industry. American Van Lines only services the continental United States, so it’s not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is an excellent choice for complex moves where you need a wide range of help beyond packing and unpacking. NAVL also offers auto transport, storage facilities in all 50 states, and online shipment tracking to help you handle all of your moving needs in one place.
rating
4.25 / 5
89% of users select this mover
When it comes to packing services, NAVL provides standard packing supplies, as well as crating options for fragile goods and antiques. Custom contents protection plans can also be used to ensure you get full-value coverage for items with the greatest value.
NAVL’s packing services are based on the inventory weight of your move, so you’ll need to schedule an in-home estimate to get an exact quote. That being said, the company has a reputation for offering comparatively affordable packing services, so they’re well worth considering.
PODS: Best for moving container moves
PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) has been an industry leader in the portable container niche since 1998. And unlike some of their biggest competitors, the company facilitates packing and labor services, as well.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
During the quote process, make sure to let your representative know how much packing you’ll need to have done. Then, PODS will help you find the packers with the highest ratings in your area and provide you with a packing quote. Once you’ve booked your move, they’ll schedule the packing crew to come to your home or apartment after your empty container has been delivered.
Unlike PODS’ containers and storage services, however, the moving labor isn’t directly affiliated with PODS. The company partners with HireAHelper, MovingStaffers, and Pack & Load Services to find packing labor for your move. As such, packing rates will vary.
HireAHelper: Best for customizable moves
As a unique online marketplace, HireAHelper specializes in connecting families on the move with a vast network of relocation services providers. For customers interested in keeping costs low and customizing their moves, HireAHelper is definitely worth considering.
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
With HireAHelper, you can hire contractors to help with just packing or assist with loading and unloading services, as well. Because service providers bid on each move, prices tend to be competitive, and customers decide whether they want full or partial packing services.
That said, since HireAHelper’s partners are independent contractors, the only way to get packing and moving quotes is through their website. Quotes can vary significantly based on your location and the scope of the services you need, but typically average between $200–$300 for two hours of labor with two workers. Additional hours typically range from $85–$110 per hour, and extra flat rate fees apply for flights of stairs, pianos, and other heavy items.
HireAHelper is great for local moves, but it can be a little more challenging to coordinate for long-distance moves. Most importantly, their contractors can’t drive the moving truck for you — you need to do that yourself.
Packing service cost factors
The amount you pay for a moving company’s full packing service will vary based on your specific situation when you request a free quote.
The following factors will influence the cost for this part of the moving process:
- Local vs. long-distance move: For local moving, companies often charge an hourly rate for packing services and other moving costs. With long-distance moves, you can typically expect to pay a flat rate.
- The size of the move: The estimated size of your move will directly impact the cost of your packing services. After all, the more items you need to pack, the longer it will take for the moving team. Many moving companies charge based on either the volume or weight of the items they need to pack.
- Crating and specialty items: Specialty items like pianos or pool tables, which require extra care and handling, will typically incur an additional fee. These items often use custom crating to ensure they stay safe during transportation.
- Other specialty packing materials: The moving company provides all packing materials as part of their services, but if you need additional padding or specialty materials, it might cost extra.
- Extra services: If you need help with furniture disassembly/reassembly, connecting appliances at the new house, or other add-ons, you’ll likely have to pay extra.
| Company | Packing services pricing |
|---|---|
| Mayzlin Relocation | Based on item inventory; $1.50 per cubic foot for packing over original estimate |
| Safeway Moving | $1.50 per cubic foot for full packing; $0.75 per cubic foot for partial packing |
| JK Moving | Determined based on the full inventory of your move |
| American Van Lines | $200–$2,000, based on size of move |
| North American Van Lines | Determined based on the inventory weight of move |
| PODS | Varies based on contracted partner |
| HireAHelper | $200–$300 for 2 hours of labor; $85–$110 for each additional hour |
Professional packing services vs. DIY
So, when should you hire professional packers and when should you take care of this task yourself? It ultimately comes down to your individual situation — what will work best with your budget, schedule, and capabilities so you can have peace of mind leading up to moving day.
DIY packing is a feasible option if you feel confident in your own packing abilities, and if you have enough time to get everything packed before you move out. Remember, you’ll need to buy all of your own packing supplies, such as bubble wrap and moving boxes. Generally speaking, DIY packing is a good choice if you have a smaller space or have friends and family who can help. Plus, DIY packing will help you save money.
Using professional movers makes sense when you don’t have time to pack things yourself, have a lot of fragile items that require extra attention, or aren’t physically capable of packing on your own. Additionally, professional packers can be a big help for last-minute moves. Using professional movers also means you don’t have to find your own packing supplies, but overall costs will be much higher.
Some companies offer partial packing, which is a good middle ground between full-service and DIY. With this option, you entrust fragile and bulky items to the professionals, and you pack the rest. This provides a good balance of time savings and managing your moving budget.
FAQs about the best packing services
What is a full-service packing service?
With full-service packing services, the professional movers take care of packing and unpacking your belongings for you. They provide all necessary packing materials and carefully pack your belongings before loading them onto the moving truck.
How do I choose a reliable packing service for a long-distance move?
First, remember that not all full-service moving companies offer packing services. You’ll need to confirm that your mover offers packing services. If they do, request a moving quote so you can compare with other packing options. You can use our moving cost calculator to get started on those comparisons.
It’s also a good idea to verify a mover’s licensing and insurance. Check customer reviews to get an idea of how carefully the company packs its customers’ items.
What are the best packing services for a long-distance move?
Based on our research and the experiences of moveBuddha Better Moves project participants, Mayzlin Relocation, Safeway Moving, JK Moving, American Van Lines, North American Van Lines, PODS, and HireAHelper all stand out as providing high-quality packing services.
What should I do to prepare my home for a packing service?
For a streamlined moving experience, start by decluttering your home and getting rid of items you don’t want to take with you. Clean and organize your home to help packing go quicker, and be mindful of any items your moving team isn’t able to pack. You’ll need to take care of these (and any fragile items you might prefer to handle yourself) separately.
What items will movers not pack?
Movers generally will not pack or transport perishable food, live plants, or potentially hazardous items like fireworks, paint, gasoline, lighter fluid, or firearms and ammunition. Many movers also won’t transport family heirlooms or high-value items.
Contact your moving company to check their specific requirements if you have any concerns.
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