Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. Finding the right packing services can help make the moving process smoother and less stressful. Choosing a packing service entails research to find the best fit for your specific moving needs and budget. In this article, we will explore tips for selecting the best packing services, what to look for in top packing companies, pricing and fees, and reviews of the highest rated national packing services.
How to Choose the Best Packing Services
Selecting the right packing services for your upcoming move requires comparing companies, services, and prices. Here are some tips for choosing the best packing service for your needs:
Determine What Packing Services You Need
Think about which packing tasks you need help with like:
- Full packing service – They pack all items or just select rooms. This is the most hands-off option.
- Fragile packing – They specialize in protecting breakables like glassware, mirrors, artwork, electronics.
- Specialized packing – For unique items like pianos, pool tables, firearms, wall-mounts.
- Supplies only – No labor, provide boxes and packing materials for DIY packing.
- Unpacking – For help unpacking after the move.
Define what packing help would be useful so services align with your needs and budget.
Research Local Packing Companies
Look for packing companies in your local area. Options may include:
- National franchises – Companies like Gentle Giants offer standardized pricing and training.
- Local moving companies – Many movers also offer packing as an add-on.
- Independent packing services – Smaller local companies that specialize in packing services only.
Compare multiple companies in your area and read reviews on sites like Yelp. Local independent companies often provide more personalized service.
Verify Licenses and Insurance
Make sure any company you consider is properly licensed and insured. This protects you in case of damages or injuries during packing.
Ask to see their state license, DOT number, and proof of general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. Reputable companies will furnish these credentials.
Get On-Site Estimates
Don’t estimate packing costs over the phone. Quality companies will provide a free, detailed on-site estimate listing all services and fees in writing.
On-site estimates account for your specific household size and items to be packed. Get estimates from multiple packers to compare.
Read Reviews and Ask for References
Online reviews can reveal previous customer experiences with companies. Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
Also ask each company for 2-3 local references you can call. Speaking to past customers provides insights into their packing process and customer service.
Confirm Specialty Resources
If you have valuable collections or hard-to-pack items like pianos, verify what specialty resources the company provides.
These include experts in fragile packing, crating services, electronics packing, custom storage containers, and experience moving high-value items.
By selecting a company with expertise and resources to properly pack specialty items, you help prevent damage during the packing and moving process.
Compare Prices and Services
When requesting estimates, have packers provide a complete breakdown of all costs in writing, including:
- Per hour packing labor fees
- Minimum hours required
- Flat rates by room or service type
- Packing materials fees if applicable
- Additional charges like stairs, long carry, or fuel fees
- Taxes and gratuity
Compare the full scope of services along with prices across quotes. Keep consistent what services you request so you can properly compare estimates.
Look for any potential hidden fees and get full explanations from companies. High-quality packing services are very transparent about all pricing from the start.
What Makes a Top-Notch Packing Service?
The hallmark of top-tier packing companies include:
Extensive Packing Experience
Look for established companies specializing in packing services. Their packers will be true experts at properly protecting home items, rather than just movers who offer packing on the side.
Many years of packing experience translates to efficiency and expertise. They also have robust systems and resources not found in smaller companies.
Custom Packing Strategies
Quality companies conduct pre-packing consultations to understand items of special value and create customized packing solutions.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, they adapt strategies based on specific collections, valuables, fragile items, and family keepsakes identified.
Premium Packing Materials
Reputable packers invest in high-grade packing materials to properly protect belongings:
- Buffered wrapping paper
- Acid-free tissue paper
- High-density foam cushions
- Specialty crates and containers
They use these premium materials properly to cushion contents and prevent damage.
Extensive Packing Training
Look for regular hands-on training programs for packers focused on techniques for protecting specialty items, load balancing, and efficiency.
Ongoing training ensures correct packing methods are used consistently across the packing team.
Attention to Detail
Top services meticulously pack, pad, and secure every item, no matter how small, with the care it deserves. You won’t find shortcuts or haphazard work.
They understand how proper packing directly reduces moving day damages and claims. This motivates thoroughness.
Quality Control Checks
The best companies institute multiple quality control checks throughout the packing process.
Supervisors inspect wrapped items, box weights, inventory lists, and load balancing. This ensures high standards are maintained.
When evaluating companies, look for these hallmarks of a high-caliber packing service dedicated to protecting your belongings.
National Packing Services: Pros and Cons
National packing service brands like Gentle Giants offer recognizable names and standardized practices across the United States. Let’s examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of choosing a national packing company.
Potential Advantages
Brand recognition – Major national brands are widely recognized names in packing and moving, inspiring trust and confidence.
Consistent quality – Since they operate franchises using the same training systems and protocols across all markets, you can expect uniform practices and quality standards.
Scaled resources – Larger companies have immense buying power, providing cost savings they can pass to customers. This gives them access to a large inventory of packing materials and trucks.
Specialty expertise – Nationwide experience means they likely have expertise packing specialty categories like pianos, fine art, pets, and challenging properties.
Technology integration – National brands invest heavily in technologies like GPS tracking, route optimization, and digital inventory systems. This provides conveniences like real-time visibility into your pack and move status.
Broad presence – For interstate moves, the ability to have one company handle your entire door-to-door move and packing minimizes the hassle.
Potential Disadvantages
Cookie cutter approaches – Since processes are standardized across markets, you may get less customization and personalized service compared to local companies.
Higher volume equals rushed service – Larger companies take on high volumes of moves daily. This can sometimes result in rushed, impersonal service.
Language barriers – Depending on labor sourcing, communication with packers could be a challenge at national companies.
Upselling – Some push unneeded services or have complicated fee structures that allow them to tack on hidden charges.
Damaged goods – Poor oversight and intensive volume can lead to hasty packing and damages. Since they handle so many clients, resolving claims becomes a low priority.
If going with a national packing company, vet them thoroughly through reviews and references. Weigh the potential benefits of reputation, resources, and consistency against drawbacks like impersonal service, language barriers, and hidden fees.
Packing Services Pricing: What to Expect
Packing service costs depend on the specifics of each move, household size, and services needed. However, some general pricing structures are common.
Hourly Labor Rates
Packing is typically priced per hour, with rates ranging from $40-$70 per hour per packer. Simple studio apartments may only require 2-3 hours total while large houses often need 15+ hours.
Teams of 2 or more packers work simultaneously, so 5 packers for 8 hours would be charged as 40 hours total of packing labor.
Minimum Hours
Most companies charge for a minimum number of hours, usually 2-4 hours. This guarantees income even for small packing jobs.
Room Rates
Some companies charge flat rates per room packed or by cubic feet. Prices range from $100-$350+ per room depending on size.
This works well for partial packing services focused just on select rooms.
Materials Fees
Businesses need to cover the costs of purchasing quality packing supplies, which they build into service pricing:
- Some offer “packing labor only” options where clients provide all materials. This avoids materials fees.
- Alternately, fees range from 10% – 30%+ on top of labor to cover tapes, bubble wrap, boxes, and other consumable supplies the company provides.
- For full-service moves, materials are often inclusive without separate fees but incorporated into overall pricing.
If materials fees apply, verify exactly what percentage is charged so they do not exceed expectations.
Stairs and Long Carry Charges
Extra labor to safely pack items from basements, attics, and 2nd stories often incur fees around $50-$100 per flight of stairs or long hallway.
Similarly, distances exceeding 75 feet from the truck to door often garner long carry fees.
Fuel Surcharges
Given fluctuating fuel costs, companies sometimes charge fuel surcharges of $50-150+ to offset higher gasoline prices.
Taxes and Tips
Typical packing services charge sales tax where required and recommend gratuities of 10%-20% for packers, akin to restaurant tipping practices.
Factor this into the total price when budgeting and comparing packers.
The most accurate way to estimate pricing is getting an on-site quote accounting for your specific moving needs. Beware phone estimates that seem very low or vague – ask lots of questions to understand exactly what is and isn’t included.
A quality packing company provides a detailed breakdown of all costs upfront without hidden fees. Compare across several quotes while keeping the scope of services identical.
Reviews of Top National Packing Companies
If considering a national packing chain, here are reviews of top rated services based on customer experiences, pricing, and reputation:
Gentle Giants
This large packing and moving franchise earns high marks for trained personnel and specialty expertise like pianos, pets, fine art, and challenging properties. Customers comment on the friendly yet professional teams. They offer full-service moves plus just packing or unpacking. One drawback cited is inconsistencies across franchises – do extra research on your local branch. Overall, Gentle Giants garners very positive reviews.
Pricing: $60-$90 per hour per packer depending on region. Minimums apply. Materials run 10%-15%.
Two Men and a Truck
A recognizable national moving brand, they expanded into packing services. Clients compliment Two Men and a Truck for transparent pricing, top-quality supplies like wardrobe boxes, and hard working but respectful staff. Reviews indicate teams take great care securing belongings to prevent shifting during transit. Unpacking services also offered. Just beware of delays at busier branches.
Pricing: $100-$150 per room packed plus materials at 10%-12%. $50/hour for just packing labor. Minimums apply.
Mayflower
This allied moving brand uses local owner-operators to provide interstate services. For packing, Mayflower agents source experienced local crews. Perks include quality materials, full valuations protection, and specialty resources. Just confirm specifics with your branch. Pricing is mid-range and all-inclusive. Some drawbacks around communication and damage claims, so vet packers thoroughly.
Pricing: Approximately $100 per hour inclusive of materials, taxes, and fees. Minimums apply.
While reviews indicate some variability in local branches, these three national brands offer resources to handle specialized items with trained packers. Compare costs and services across franchises in your area.
Finding the Best Local Packing Companies
For a more personalized moving experience, local independent packing companies are worth considering. Here are tips for finding quality local packers.
Check Industry Association Directories
Professional associations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) allow you to search for accredited, vetted local companies. Associations enforce standards.
Search Local Business Directories
Use online business directories like Yelp, BBB, Google Maps, Angi, and moving.com that include reviews and ratings. This surfaces reputable local packers and provides transparency.
Seek Referrals
Friends, realtors, and neighbors who have recently moved can suggest local companies they’ve used with specifics on services and experiences.
Contact Local Movers
Many professional movers also offer packing assistance as an add-on service. Ask for referrals to their best packing crews.
Avoid Rental Truck Centers
While places like U-Haul offer moving labor, their staff lack specialized packing expertise. Their on-demand workers provide inconsistent service.
Vetting local packers takes more legwork by checking reviews, soliciting referrals, and interviewing companies. But personalized attention and transparent pricing make local packers an appealing choice worth exploring.
Key Questions to Ask Any Packing Service
To identify the best packing company for your upcoming move, come armed with these essential questions:
- How long have you been specializing in packing services? Look for 5+ years of local experience minimum.
- Are you fully licensed and insured? Verify credentials.
- What training do your crews receive? Look for formal hands-on packing instruction.
- What are your quality control practices during packing? Multi-point inspections indicate thoroughness.
- What types of specialty items have you packed? Gauge expertise like pianos, artwork, bicycles etc.
- What packing materials do you use? Good companies invest in high-quality specialty wraps and boxes.
- Do you offer all inclusive or hourly pricing? Understand their fee structures.
- Can I see recent testimonials? Ask for references to contact.
- How do you prevent damages? Understand their protocols and supervision practices.
- How are claims handled if something breaks? Look for easy and responsive process.
Document detailed answers to compare across potential packers. Transparent, experienced companies readily address these questions. Be wary if any seem evasive or unclear.
Packing Tips to Protect Belongings
While professional packers handle securing possessions, you can take small steps to further protect special items:
- Clearly label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking. Use color coding.
- Keep sentimental items and valuables separate or with you during the move.
- Back up computers and mobile devices before packing electronics.
- Check furniture drawers for any loose items left inside.
- Request specialty crating or containers for artwork, mirrors, marble/stone items etc.
- Consider renting a climate controlled storage unit for delicate items if moving during extreme cold or heat.
- Purchase moving insurance through your homeowner’s policy to cover damages.
- Document high value collections with photos and descriptions in case insurance claims arise.
- Drain all fluids from grills, mowers, motorcycles, etc. prior to packing.
- Disassemble bulky items like pool tables, jungle gyms, grandfather clocks to reduce stress and prevent damage during transit.
While packers handle securing everything, taking these extra precautions provides peace of mind.
Packing Day Checklist
Packing day involves preparing home access, overseeing inventory, and double checking before the company loads the truck:
- Clear driveways and entryways so packers can easily park and enter.
- Remove hanging wall art, mirrors, and shelving prior to arrival.
- Point out any pre-existing damages on furniture the company should note.
- Advise packers of what to use extra caution with like heirlooms or electronics.
- Check all cabinets, drawers, shelves to ensure empty before large items are wrapped.
- Accompany packers for each room to answer questions.
- Provide refreshments and breaks to packers as homeowner hospitality.
- Obtain a copy of the complete itemized inventory manifest before truck loads.
- Do a final walkthrough ensuring nothing gets left behind.
- Check electronics, art, and specialty items are properly packed and protected.
- Get contact info and verify unpacking date at your new home.
- Tip packers 15%-20% for good service.
Overseeing the packing process and managing details ensures your items get handled with maximum care.
Preparing Your New Home for Unpacking
To streamline unpacking after the move:
- Clean the new home thoroughly before moving anything in.
- For large houses, coordinate which rooms boxes should be deposited in.
- Have ramps or lifting equipment ready for heavy items.
- Set up beds with basic linens so you can sleep before fully unpacking.
- Begin unpacking kitchen, bathroom and other essentials first.
- Have utility knives, scissors, tape and labels ready to open boxes.
- Create areas to sort items by room as you unpack.
- Arrange help from friends or hire cleaners if needed.
- Schedule any professional installations needed like curtain rods, electronic devices, mirrors.
- Set up WiFi and smart home devices early so they are ready as you move in.
- Take notes on adjustments needed like furniture arrangements or storage needs.
Preparing the new home saves time locating items and makes settling in smoother after an exhausting move.
Common Packing Problems (And How to Prevent Them)
While professional packing prevents many issues, some common problems include:
Damaged Furniture and Items
Issue: Dented furniture, broken decor, scratched surfaces
Solution: Ensure movers note all pre-existing blemishes and wrap/crate high-risk items.
Missing Parts and Items
Issue: Disassembled items missing hardware or parts. Inventory items overlooked.
Solution: Confirm all hardware packed into bags and taped to disassembled items. Verify detailed manifests.
Improperly Packed Contents
Issue: Items loosely packed, fragile items mixed with heavy ones.
Solution: Closely inspect all