How Much Do Packing Services Cost?

Packing services cost by home size

The average cost of packing services typically ranges from $280 to $2,200. However, costs vary depending on home size and the number of belongings you own. Most companies charge hourly for packing services, though the rate may or may not include materials. The more items to pack, the higher the overall cost.

Depending on the size of your home, you may need multiple packers to get the job done in a timely manner. Moving companies typically send at least two packers, even for small jobs like studio apartments.

With two packers, the job may take two to four hours on average. For larger jobs, such as packing a four-bedroom home, there may be four or more packers, taking eight to 12 hours to complete.

While hiring professional packers may cost more than doing it yourself, it saves you significant time in the moving process. Matt Graber, co-owner of New York City-based Cool Hand Movers, told us, “Clients who are packing themselves should give themselves days, not hours, to pack up all of their items.”

For comparison, it could take 10 to 20 hours to pack a studio apartment without using professional services.

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Packing services cost per hour

The average cost of hiring professional packers is about $60 to $80 per packer per hour. When moving companies charge an hourly rate, total labor costs are calculated using the following formula:

For example:

Packing materials, such as boxes, tape, bubble cushioning wrap and packing paper, may be included in the hourly rate or listed separately on your final bill.

Flat-fee and per-box pricing

Although uncommon, some moving companies offer flat fees for packing services instead of charging hourly labor rates. For example, packing services may cost $900 for a three-bedroom home. Fees usually depend on your home's size and the estimated packing time.

More often, movers will charge a per-box fee, especially for long-distance moves. For example, the per-box rates might be $10 for standard boxes, $15 for wardrobe boxes and $30 for dish packs, regardless of the time required to pack them.

Because flat fees may include a buffer for unexpected work, per-box pricing could cost less if you have relatively few belongings.

What affects the cost of packing services?

Before committing to packing services with one company, gather quotes from at least three other companies to find the best value.

A more flexible move date can help you save a lot of money. Eily Cummings, moving and logistics expert at Mayflower, told us, “For instance, if you are willing to move earlier in the week, moving services could be priced lower than on a Thursday or Friday.”

Discounts on services may be available during the off-season months of late fall and winter, as well as on weekdays.

Other factors affecting the costs of packing services include:

• Number of belongings: More belongings require more time, packers and materials.
• Fragile belongings: Dishes, fine china and other breakable items require additional time and protective materials.
• Location: Moves in states with higher labor rates, like New York, California and Hawaii, will cost more.
• Packing materials: Instead of cardboard boxes, some movers rent plastic crates. While these reduce the risk of damage, they can also drive up costs.
• Travel fees: Companies may charge for travel time, fuel or trips outside their normal service area.
• Type of move: Long-distance moves may have higher hourly labor rates than local moves.
• Service level: Full-service packing costs more than partial or fragile-only packing services.
• Booking notice: Moving companies may honor last-minute appointments, but they often come with a hefty fee.

Packing services vs. full-service moving

Moving companies offer a variety of services that can help make the process run smoother. For example, with packing-only services, experienced movers will wrap, box and label your items for you.

You could also choose to have certain items, like dishes or antiques, boxed with partial packing services. With partial service, professionals box fragile items like dishes and antiques while you finish packing for your move.

Cummings said this about a hybrid approach to packing: “Consider having moving professionals pack your kitchen, dining areas and electronics and then packing the rest on your own.”

When deciding between services, consider your budget and how much work you can handle yourself.

A last-minute move may require full-service packing and loading. But if you have time to pack gradually, you could hire movers only to load the truck or use a moving container. Companies such as U-Pack and PODS deliver a container to your home, then pick it up and transport it after you load it.

Moving services side by side

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what each moving service offers:

Local services are commonly priced hourly. Long-distance full-service moving costs may depend on shipment weight and travel distance.

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