Hiring Professional Packers Vs. Packing Yourself: Which is Right for You?
Last Updated:
Moving involves several important steps, from securing a new residence to renting a moving truck to finally settling into your new home. However, one of the most important and time-consuming tasks in a move is packing your belongings.
Many people assume that packing for moving is something you do on your own, but that’s not always the case. Many moving companies offer packing in addition to traditional moving services. The question is, is it worth paying for packing when moving? That depends, of course, on your situation. As the leaders in DIY moving, U-Haul is here to show you the pros and cons so you can decide what’s best for you.
Should I Hire Professional Packers?
Pros
Saves Time – First and foremost, hiring professional packers can save hours, even days, of valuable time. Rather than spending several days and nights sorting through your cabinets and closets, wrapping everything in packing materials, and carefully organizing everything into moving boxes, you can use that time to attend to other matters while the professionals do it for you, often in a single day.
Saves Energy – We all know that moving can be tough on both your body and mind. Not to mention the extra energy it takes to pack up all your stuff before the big day. It's a lot to handle, both physically and mentally. By enlisting the help of professionals, you can ensure that you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle your move.
Cons
Costs More – As is often the case in life, convenience is not without its price. When it comes to packing services, you can expect to pay by the hour, usually in addition to moving costs. While some companies may offer a flat rate, the industry standard for professional packing services typically hovers around $60 per hour. If you’re moving on a budget, this might be a prohibitive factor.
Feels Awkard – Let's be honest, entrusting strangers with your personal belongings is not something that most people feel comfortable with. Aside from privacy concerns, there is also the question of whether they will handle your items with the necessary care. Even the most expert, professional packers simply won’t have the level of appreciation for certain items that you do.
Should I Pack Myself?
Pros
More Affordable – If you’re looking to save money on your move, it would be best to pack yourself and avoid hiring professionals. That money saved can be used on first and last month’s rent, security deposits, gas for the trip, moving truck rental charges, high-quality moving supplies, or any number of other moving costs.
Full Control – If you're the meticulous type, you may prefer to pack your items yourself. This way, you can ensure that your cherished China set is packed with care and precision. By personally packing your belongings, you will have complete control over the process and can be confident that your items are properly organized and protected. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your most valuable possessions will not be damaged, lost, or forgotten during the moving process.
Cons
Increased Risk – Try as you might, attempting to replicate professional packing services on your own may prove to be a challenging task. After all, they are pros. They know exactly how to pack fragile dishware, clothing, decor, and other common household items in a way that minimizes the risk of damage. If you have it in your budget, it might be worth it for the peace of mind that your belongings are being expertly handled and protected.
Inefficient Results – Packing can take a long time if you’re not prepared. You’ll need to first acquire the right moving supplies and declutter your belongings before you can even begin. As you begin packing, you may realize that it is more time-consuming than expected, especially if you aren’t a packing veteran. Simply put, professionals will get the job done more efficiently than most DIY movers.
Tips for Hiring Professional Movers
If you're considering hiring professional packers, you have options. One popular choice is to hire a full-service or van line moving company to handle your entire move, including packing your things. These companies typically offer packing services along with the usual loading, unloading, and hauling services. While this option is convenient, it can be pricey and may require an in-home survey to get an accurate estimate.
Alternatively, you can hire labor-only movers through the Moving Help Marketplace. This provides you with the convenience of professional packers while still maintaining the affordability of a DIY move. The Marketplace makes it easy to find reputable moving labor in your area who offer packing service as a standalone or as an add-on service.
Learn more about packing and unpacking via the Moving Help Marketplace.
Other Things to Consider
How Much Do You Have to Pack?
The number of items requiring packing should be a key factor in deciding whether to enlist the services of professional packers. For instance, if you are relocating from a one-bedroom apartment, it may not be necessary to hire packers. However, if you are moving from a four-bedroom house, it could be beneficial to hire packers to help with the process.
Do You Need Packing Supplies?
Before hiring a professional packer, it’s best to confirm whether they will be providing the moving supplies and ask about any additional costs associated with it. If they are not providing packing supplies, you can find everything you need for quick and efficient packing at U-Haul. Use our Moving Supplies Calculator to determine your needs. Labor-only movers from Moving Help don’t provide any packing materials. They’ll be happy to use the moving supplies you provide for them.
Is Partial Packing a Better Option?
There’s a good chance you can handle packing many of the items in your home. In fact, there may only be a few areas that require extra help, like the kitchen or garage. If that’s the case, consider hiring professional packers for only certain areas/items to save money. While packers typically help with wrapping furniture, rolling rugs, etc., you’ll need to specify that with your specific Service Provider.
Find Packers Near You or Start Packing Yourself
No matter which direction you go, U-Haul has the resources to help you get your house packed efficiently and effectively. Using the Moving Help Marketplace, you can find labor-only movers near you that offer packing services. Filter by reviews and services offered to get the right movers for the job!
If you decide to pack yourself, check out our whole-house packing guide and ultimate moving checklist to stay organized. Shop for packing supplies and choose same-day delivery or in-store pickup for added convenience!