Most moving companies now offer a la carte services, where you can choose to do some of the packing, none of it, or all of it, and buy it as a separate service from the transportation of the goods. Not all moving companies will offer packers, however. It all depends on whether you are hiring a full-service mover or someone like U-Haul that will sell supplies for moving and a rental truck, but does not always have packers ready to help you pack available on the big day. Larger companies, that offer corporate moving services, usually have packers, but they will significantly increase the cost of the moving job. However, there are many advantages associated with hiring a moving company that does all your packing, not the least of which is the goods are easier to insure against loss or damage.
How to Learn What Each Offers
You can go to a moving portal online, like moving.com or movers.com, and you can post the details of your job so that local moving companies can contact you. Rather than wasting your minutes on your phone, asking what services each mover in your area provides, this allows them to see if their services match up with your needs and contact you based on those details. Some large companies may not want to move a student’s dorm belongings, for instance, because the job is too small. Others may not offer packing and if you are looking for packing services, this will automatically disqualify them. However, they can make those decisions quickly based on your information, rather than you trying to sort out who offers what by retelling your story several times every time you contact a new mover.
Packing Costs More, But There Are Advantages
If a mover says they do offer packing, they are committing to packing your goods in a way to minimize damage across long distances. They will also insure the goods so that, in the odd event they are damaged, you can be reimbursed for it. You can save money on moving by packing your own goods. However, you do not have the same expertise as a professional moving company and you won’t be able to get reimbursed for items damaged because they were improperly packaged by you. Some people wanting to move long distances may decide to try to save money by only partially packing some of their goods and leaving their most valuable possessions for the movers to pack. However, it’s up to each individual moving and the moving company involved whether they will offer packing services or let you pack a partial amount of your household, if they do offer packing services and are going to insure the items.
Moving Companies Can Pack Quickly
Moving companies that offer packing services have this aspect of the move down to a science. They will know exactly what materials are needed to pack each item in your household to minimize damage when it is transported elsewhere. According to Vitessemoving.com, it typically will only take them one or two days to pack a large household, whereas it could take you over a week or more to accomplish the same feat.
They will fill out a packing list to show what was packed so that the insurer knows what is being insured. You will be able to tell at a glance what has been packed and what is in the truckload based on the packing documentation. This type of information is also valuable should you need to certify your belongings for further insurance down the line. You will know exactly what is in your new home and you will also have a good idea of the value associated with it, based on your own personal estimation.
References:
Bruce, L. Bankrate (2008) Moving costs: How to save money. Retrieved from: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/moving_on/2004_guide/to-save.asp
Mardesich, J. NY TImes (2001) Retrieved from: No Heavy Lifting. Making a Move with the Net’s Help. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/01/technology/no-heavy-lifting-making-a-move-with-the-net-s-help.html
