Our top picks
To identify the best packing companies, we collected 17 data points each for 70 companies. We analyzed these data points to compare cost, availability and add-on services to make our final selections.
Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. As of publishing, each company on this list has a rating of at least 2.4 stars out of 5 on our site.
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 1065394
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 076235
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 070851
Types of packing services
Moving companies generally offer several additional services you can choose from based on your needs and budget. This selection ranges from do-it-yourself packing and loading to full-service packing and furniture assembly.
The most common packing services include:
- Full-service: With full-service packing, the company handles all the packing and moving tasks for you. The mover provides packing supplies, like boxes, tape, packing paper and cushioning material, and then packs up the boxes for you, ensuring that your most fragile items are safe and secure before loading them onto the truck. Movers can also disassemble large pieces of furniture (as needed) and transport your items to your new place. Even after you’ve arrived at your destination, they’ll unload and unpack the boxes for you.
- Partial-service: Partial service may be a good option if you’re looking for something more a la carte. For instance, you could pay for the company to pack up the kitchen — this room tends to have the most fragile items, so it can take the most time to pack up.
- Self-service: Self-service means you do all the packing, loading and unloading yourself. In this case, you might rent a moving truck or a portable moving container (like a pod) and then pack and load your things on your own. It’s a cheaper option; however, it requires you to do all the heavy lifting yourself, including moving furniture and appliances onto the truck.
How much do packing services cost?
Average packing costs can vary, depending on where you live, the distance of the move and how much stuff you need packed up. You could even pay more based on the day of the week you move — Friday, Saturday and Sunday rates tend to be higher.
Also, keep in mind that some companies charge separately for unpacking services. It’s important to thoroughly review the quote to ensure that all the services you want are included upfront.
For a local two-bedroom home with full-service packing, you might spend around $2,000. Here are some estimates for each type of packing service:
| Full service | Partial service | Self-service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $770 to $1,290 | $630 to $1,020 | $500 to $760 |
| 2-bedroom home | $1,730 to $2,220 | $1,330 to $1,680 | $930 to $1,150 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,660 to $3,620 | $2,000 to $2,670 | $1,330 to $1,740 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,600 to $5,390 | $2,660 to $3,920 | $1,730 to $2,460 |
How to choose the best packing services company for you
To narrow down which packing services provider to work with, prioritize companies that fit your budget and have a proven track record. Only consider registered and insured companies, and make sure you receive a clear quote and contract so you know what you’re paying for and have recourse if something goes wrong. Consider the following factors when making your choice.
Reputation
When choosing a reputable moving company, you can first ask family and friends for recommendations. Inquire about any issues they experienced during their move and how the company worked to resolve them.
You can also search for moving companies in your area and read customer reviews. Even if most reviews are positive, you should still read through any negative ones. Pay attention to a company's response to those negative reviews, too — this can help you see which prioritize customer service.
Legitimacy
Moving scams are on the rise, so it’s important to know how to identify a legitimate company. It could cost you thousands of dollars if you fall victim to one of these scams.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of moving companies to research, check that the companies are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA, for interstate movers) or your state government (for intrastate movers). Look for a USDOT number on the company’s website, which you can confirm with the FMCSA.
If the company is legitimate, it should provide a quote detailing all the moving costs and a moving contract. The moving contract is essential because it shows what the moving company is responsible for and what will happen if your items are damaged during the move.
Cost
If you have time, you may want to get estimates from multiple companies to find the best combination of price and services for your budget. Be aware that if your packing services company charges by the hour, you cannot control how long the process may take. Additionally, make sure that the estimate you receive includes all charges, so you’re not surprised by any hidden fees.
Movers vs. brokers
Ask each company you’re considering if it acts as a mover or a broker. If you choose a mover, you’ll work directly with the company that will be handling your goods. A broker hires a third-party company to complete your move. This doesn’t mean that brokers are not legitimate, but you may want to get more information about their subcontractors before you commit.
FAQ
When should you start packing for a move?
You should start packing for a move at least one month in advance, if not sooner. It’s a good idea to make a packing plan ahead of time, which includes the scheduled days you hope to pack up certain rooms. Give yourself a buffer to ensure you have everything packed in case something unexpected, like an illness, comes up. Having a plan helps reduce the overall stress of moving.
What will movers not pack?
There are several potentially hazardous materials movers won’t pack or load onto the truck. These may include cleaning solutions (like bleach or ammonia), fertilizer, paint, paint thinner, pool chemicals and gasoline. You can ask the moving company for a list of prohibited items so you can plan how to dispose of or transport these items on your own. You should transport sentimental or valuable items (e.g., family heirlooms, jewelry) and important documents (e.g., Social Security cards, passports) yourself.
How much does it cost to have a mover pack and move for you?
The cost of hiring a mover can vary greatly, depending on several factors. However, for a local move of fewer than 50 miles, you can expect to pay at least $1,000 for a full-service mover. For a long-distance move of more than 400 miles, you can expect to pay at least several thousand dollars.
What’s the most efficient way to pack when moving?
The most efficient way is to go room by room and pack items you don’t currently need first (like out-of-season clothes or extra sets of dishes). You might want to start with the kitchen — it usually takes more time than other rooms.
Bottom line
Moving companies typically provide several extra services to fit your moving needs. Full-service moving may be the most expensive option, but it can be a huge help to have trained movers pack and load your boxes, especially for a cross-country move. If you’re looking to save money on moving costs, you may opt for partial service or self-service, especially if it’s a simple local move.
Either way, before you schedule a mover, make sure it’s a reputable company that’s registered with the proper authority and insured. Get a quote in writing, and read over the moving contract carefully before you sign.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Accessed Feb. 3, 2026.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “State Movers Associations.” Accessed Feb. 3, 2026.
- Arizona Moving Association, “Consumer Resources.” Accessed Feb. 3, 2026.
